The world's best wine hotels

Birthplace of Port wine and a UNESCO World Heritage city, Porto is the perfect place to raid a wine cellar or two, basing yourself at The Yeatman for heritage stays in among the medieval old centre beside the Douro River. As well as rooms named after Portuguese winemakers and beds made from wine barrels, The Yeatman surpasses other top wine hotels Portugal has to offer by providing weekly masterclasses, tastings and winemaker dinners at the two Michelin starred on-site restaurant, Gastronomic. During summer, sunset wine parties are also held, popping bottles from its cellar of 30,000 – one of the nation’s largest collections of Portuguese wine. See more of the city using our Porto travel guide.

Also benefitting from Portugal’s rich winemaking history is the Quinta da Pacheca, one of the best Douro Valley hotels at the heart of wine country. A winery and vineyard since the 16^th century, Quinta da Pacheca is now also an upscale hotel, providing refined interiors, wine barrel rooms and a back patio opening out onto vineyard-laden hills cut through by the Douro River. Enjoy gourmet cuisine on site, staying busy by day for guided tours, tastings, picnics and cooking classes nearby. Read up on how to plan your dream Portugal itinerary.

Moving to the famed city of Rioja, Spain, we base ourselves in the Hotel Marqués de Riscal, a 21^st century boutique hotel designed by architect Frank Gehry. Expect 5-star service and facilities all the way, getting beautified by grape remedies at the Vinothérapie spa and touring the historic wine bodega that dates back to 1858. Guests can also use the free bikes provided to pedal through the city, stopping at countless wineries as well as the Museo del Vino Dinastía Vivanco, Europe’s largest wine museum. Stay for longer following our 10-day Spain itinerary.

In the heart of the French countryside, otherwise known as rosé country, Villa La Coste provides something a little different from your typical winery resort. Minimalist and contemporary, with works from the likes of Damien Hirst and Matisse adorning the grounds, this Provence hotel is a top choice for discerning wine lovers keen on the cutting edge. Enjoy the stunning glass architecture as much as the Alp and Mont Ventoux views beyond, moving across 600 acres to tour the high-tech winery, soak in the onsen and relax on the terrace afront a 15-metre outdoor pool lined by cypress and olive grove. Fill a long weekend in the region with our 5-day Provence itinerary.

Keeping it classy in West Argentina is The Vines Resort & Spa where Wine Camp experiences, cultivation education sessions and sensory lessons allow guests to immerse themselves in the highbrow world of South America’s wine industry. Enjoy your time pairing wines with hunks of Argentinian beef amidst rustic natural scenery at the foot of the Andes, taking optional sunrise or sunset horseback rides through the 1,500-acre grounds alongside local gauchos. All this can come complemented by yoga sessions, spa visits and al fresco aperitives, with Downtown Mendoza only 100 kilometres away for those who want to let loose. Learn more about this vibrant nation with our guide to gay Argentina.

Of Chile’s best wineries with hotels adjacent, Vik Chile is a definite contender. Magnificently set within the Colchagua Valley on a hill above rolling vineyards, Vik Chile is as remote as it gets while still wanting that designer edge. The resort is named after its founder Alexander Vik, a Norwegian-Uruguayan billionaire whose mission it is to put Colchagua Valley on the map of world-class winemaking. Showcasing Japanese and Chilean artwork across 22 contemporary suites with Japanese design interwoven, Vik Chile comes back to its roots at mealtime for pure South American fare looking out over the dramatic landscape through floor-to-ceiling glass. During your stay, make the most of the 11,000 acre reserve with horseback riding, cycling and hiking, ending the day at the wine-infused holistic spa. Discover the wonders of gay Chile in full.

La Residence is a fine example of how South Africa does luxury wine resorts, rural in location and ornate in design just outside Franschhoek. The hotel lies in the foothills of the town’s namesake mountains, surrounded by both orchards and vineyards as the perfect getaway destination. With just 11 exclusive suites decorated in Indian chandeliers and mirrors, La Residence has a sociable feel and a flamboyant charm that is sure to rub off on its guests. Relax with a glass of Shiraz at any time of day, making room for hiking and cycling as well as visits to nearby galleries, museums and festival events in Franschhoek, South Africa’s foodie capital. Get to know the highlights of urban SA with our Cape Town travel guide.

Now to Oceania, we start in Australia’s Barossa Valley for bush picnics with kangaroos, hot-air balloon rides and sweeping views over Shiraz country. The Louise is a luxurious first choice in the area, allowing for tours and day trips to discover the historic vineyards surrounding, such as to Seppeltsfield which is the only winery in the world to release a ‘new’ 100-year-old vintage each year. Hutton Vale Farm is also in reach for more down-to-earth experiences petting lambs and learning of yarn production on a sustainable vineyard. After a full day of wine blending and immersive tasting experiences, move back to the hotel for award-winning contemporary dining and vintage views. Don’t know how to spend two weeks in Australia? Read our guide on how to plan your dream Australia itinerary.

One more hotel worth a mention in Australia is Jackalope, lying this time in the beachy region of Mornington Peninsula, just one hour from Melbourne. Framed by 28 acres of vineyards and paying homage to film icon David Lynch, Jackalope plays with the contrast of modernity and nature through stark minimalism and monochrome features to create a surreal, off-centre vibe. Laze on the back patio beside the infinity pool, eating under 10,000 lights at the on-site restaurant while looking out over Willow Creek Vineyard. Of the cool features at Jackalope, the Rain Room has to be the most memorable, where you can interact with the falling rain without ever getting wet. Discover more of Australia with our Melbourne travel guide.