Embark on a sensory journey with our curated selection of hotels tailored for natural wine enthusiasts. From the picturesque Octant Hotels Douro perched on the banks of Portugal's Douro River and L’AND Vineyards in the tranquil hills of Alentejo to the Angala Boutique Hotel nestled in the heart of South Africa's Cape Winelands, each destination promises a unique blend of luxury and a commitment to natural winemaking. Join us in exploring the captivating story of Conti di San Bonifacio Winery and Resort, where the passion of Count and Countess Manfredo and Sarah di San Bonifacio transformed a Tuscan farmhouse into a haven for Organic Super-Tuscan Wines. Venture into Mexico's Valle de Guadalupe with Encuentro Guadalupe, an eco-friendly retreat harmonizing with the Baja California peninsula's natural beauty and wine culture. Finally, unwind at Les Sources de Caudalie in Southwest France, where the French Paradox meets vinotherapy, offering a unique blend of wellness and the art of winemaking. Indulge in these exceptional accommodations, where each sip tells a tale of terroir and sustainability.
“Calling all wine lovers to discover the unique landscape of Valle de Guadalupe - home to Mexico’s biggest wineries; learn the vine-to-bottle winemaking process in Tuscany; or taste the green wines of Castelo de Paiva in Portugal. ”
Octant Hotels Douro
Portugal
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Octant Hotels Douro is a modern retreat on the banks of the Douro River in Vista Alegre, Portugal. The architecture mimics and enhances the surrounding environment - with its slopes, valleys, and terraces. There are 55 rooms and 5 suites, with modern and minimalist design in neutral tones. The use of glass invites the outside nature in and fills the rooms with light. Stay in a Mountain View or a River View room, or splurge on the Panoramic Suite complete with 360 views of the Douro River, the anchorage site, the pool and the mountains, as well as a private garden. Enjoy the property. Wander through the gardens. Cool off in the panoramic outdoor pool. Visit the spa complete with a sauna, a turkish bath, and a Tepidarium.
The Douro region of Portugal, renowned for its historic vineyards and breathtaking landscapes, has increasingly become a hub for natural wine production. Natural wine, often considered the purest form of wine, is crafted with minimal intervention, allowing the grapes to express their true terroir and character. In the Douro Valley, a growing number of winemakers are embracing this artisanal approach, eschewing chemical additives and commercial yeasts in favor of indigenous varieties. These winemakers work harmoniously with nature, cultivating organic or biodynamic vineyards, and following traditional winemaking techniques that reflect the region's rich viticultural heritage. The result is a collection of unique and distinctive natural wines that capture the essence of the Douro's terroir, offering wine enthusiasts an authentic and unadulterated taste of this magnificent region.
L'AND Vineyards
Portugal
L'AND Vineyards is a luxury boutique resort, set inside a vineyard in the heart of Alentejo. Enjoy views of a vine garden, a tranquil indigo lake and the Medieval castle of Montemor. The building houses the L'AND winery, as well as 22 modern suites, beautifully integrating design and nature, built with natural stone, slate and wood. Choose between Sky-View or L'and Suites. Both suites have a large outdoor terrace with fireplace and a private patio, creating a peaceful and intimate atmosphere. The Sky-View suites allow the full opening of the bedroom ceiling, and include a private courtyard garden with a plunge pool. Sleep under the Alentejo night sky and take advantage of one the least polluted areas in Europe.
At L'AND Vineyards, wine and its culture are deeply ingrained in the identity of the estate. Spanning 6 hectares, the vineyard is meticulously cultivated with red grape varieties including Touriga Nacional, Touriga Franca, Alicante Bouschet, and Syrah, along with the white grape variety of Gouveio, all of which are certified organic. The vineyard prioritizes biodiversity and honors the unique terroir of the region. Guests staying at the hotel and winery are treated to a variety of immersive wine experiences. What sets L'AND Vineyards apart is its innovative approach, which transforms the vine and wine into deeply personal and enriching encounters, marking a unique venture in Portugal's winemaking landscape.
Angala Boutique Hotel
SOUTH AFRICA
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Angala Boutique Hotel is located in the heart of the Cape Winelands, in the upper reaches of Vrede en Lust wine estate. Between mountains, near a lake, and surrounded by lush trees, you will find a personal oasis of peace and indulgence. Choose between a suite or a cottage, with views to the mountains or the valley. Look out onto a secluded garden or the pond from your balcony or a private veranda. Cool off during the day in the Eco Pool - where the ecosystem mimics the streams, rivers and ponds. Warm up by the fireplace in your private lounge once the sun goes down.
Natural wine has found a welcoming home in the Cape Winelands of South Africa, a region traditionally known for its excellent wines. The natural wine movement in this area, as in other parts of the world, emphasizes minimal intervention in both the vineyard and the winemaking process. Winemakers in the Cape Winelands are increasingly turning to organic and biodynamic farming practices, avoiding the use of synthetic pesticides and fertilizers.
Conti di San Bonifacio
ITALY
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Conti di San Bonifacio Winery and Resort is a captivating Tuscan vineyard and wine resort hotel located in the picturesque hills of the Maremma region in Italy. Acquired by the passionate Count and Countess, Manfredo and Sarah di San Bonifacio, in 2002, the estate embarked on a remarkable journey to restore the old farmhouse into the stunning villa that now graces the hilltop. Central to their vision was the aspiration to craft exceptional Organic Super-Tuscan Wines, and in 2003, they planted 7 hectares of vines on the estate's grounds to realize this dream.
The estate's philosophy revolves around the concept of the "organic garden-vineyard," which underlines their unwavering commitment to quality. It involves the labor-intensive process of hand-sorting and culling the grapes, ensuring that only the finest fruit finds its way to the vats and barrels.Continuing the journey, Conti di San Bonifacio allows its vintages to mature for an extra year or two in the bottle, resulting in extraordinary wines upon release. Each bottle encapsulates the essence of the land from which it originates. The dedication to organic viticulture and winemaking is deeply ingrained in their approach, emphasizing the importance of high-quality fruit as the cornerstone of winemaking. Biodiversity thrives in the vineyards, with grass growing between the rows, contributing to a rich and balanced ecosystem. Pest control measures are conducted with minimal intervention, using elemental compounds such as sulfur and copper. It's a certified organic policy that reflects their commitment to environmentally responsible practices, resulting in exceptional wines that stand as a testament to their dedication to the craft.
Encuentro Guadalupe
MEXICO
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Encuentro Guadalupe is an extraordinary hotel nestled in the heart of Mexico's Valle de Guadalupe, a region celebrated for its breathtaking landscapes, commitment to sustainability, and flourishing wine culture. This exceptional retreat offers guests a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Baja California peninsula. The hotel is ingeniously designed, with its individual eco-lofts blending harmoniously into the undulating terrain, offering awe-inspiring views of the valley and the surrounding vineyards.
Sustainability is at the core of Encuentro Guadalupe's philosophy. The property has been thoughtfully developed to minimize its environmental footprint, employing innovative eco-friendly technologies and practices. The eco-lofts, constructed from repurposed shipping containers, are not only chic and comfortable but also exemplify the spirit of sustainable architecture. The commitment to sustainability extends to the hotel's farm-to-table dining experiences, featuring locally sourced ingredients and wines from the nearby vineyards.
The Valle de Guadalupe, known as the Napa Valley of Mexico, is renowned for its burgeoning wine scene. This picturesque region benefits from a combination of factors that make it ideal for organic and biodynamic wine production. The valley's Mediterranean climate, characterized by hot, dry summers and cool winters, provides the perfect conditions for grape cultivation. Furthermore, the region's diverse soils, which include clay, granite, and volcanic deposits, contribute to the unique terroir of the area. At Encuentro Guadalupe, guests have the opportunity to explore the burgeoning vineyards and partake in wine tastings, deepening their appreciation for the region's vinicultural heritage.
Les Sources de Caudalie
FRANCE
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Les Sources de Caudalie is a charming wellness retreat in Southwest France, surrounded by vineyards and forests, only 20 minutes from Bordeaux. The retreat has been created in mind with the French Paradox that French diet and lifestyle lead to good health, and built with recycled local materials, complimenting the surroundings. Choose one of 40 rooms, one of 7 suites, or one of 6 private cottages, named after regional heritage, and complete with unique antique designs and terraces facing the Chateau Smith Haut Lafitte’s vineyard. For a unique experience, stay in “Le Village des Pêcheurs” (Fishermen’s village) - where each of 12 suites are on stilts around a small lake. One of the main attractions of the hotel is the Vinothérapie® Spa. Treatments combine natural hot spring water from 540 meters beneath the earth, as well as grape and grapevine extractions. Take advantage of the steam room, relaxation rooms and the jet-stream. Try Crushed Cabernet scrub, Honey and Wine Wrap, Barrel Bath, or Winemaker's Massage for an unforgettable experience.
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