If you suffer (we use the term lightly) from an intense devotion to wine, you will feel right at home at these wino-friendly hotels. We must say, we've uncorked the best of the best with these seven getaways. Many are near the best grape stompin' vineyards in the country, or either offer expansive wine lists, classes for newbies, or wine-infused spa treatments -- or all of these things! Just be sure to bring a clean palate; you'll have plenty of opportunity to unleash your inner connoisseur.
Bernardus Lodge, Carmel Valley
Set on 26 pristine Carmel Valley acres awash with vineyards and lavender, The Bernardus Lodge is a hit with pinot aficionados. Guests can unwine (get it?) at the spa with a chardonnay pedicure before uncorking in the tasting room. The restaurants here stock 25,000 premium bottles of wine, including 10,000 bottles from the Bernardus Vineyards and Winery near the resort.
Bellagio, Las Vegas
You may not have bet on Las Vegas for being a wine lover’s jackpot, but The Bellagio has plenty high-brow vintages to sniff and swirl. Bellagio boasts an impressive team of wine experts and its restaurants stock more than 50,000 bottles spanning approximately 5,000 selections. This 3,933-room Italian “villa” is also the embodiment of Vegas luxury. The elaborate Italian-themed courtyard is one of many highlights, with five swimming pools, elaborate sculptures, and those dancing fountains.
The Meritage Resort and Spa, Napa
Located in Napa Valley, The Meritage Resort and Spa looks like a postcard straight from Tuscany: There’s rolling hillside vineyards, sun-baked decor, and water fountains for wish makers. This luxurious 158-room property, which saw a $40 million expansion in 2012, has just about everything the quaint Wine Country boutique hotels offer, but at a larger scale thanks to a long list of outstanding extras that make the stay ultra-convenient. The hotel offers wine and chocolate tastings, vineyard tours, and classes too — so you won’t even have to leave the property to enjoy a full wine experience.
The Grand Del Mar, San Diego
The Grand Del Mar offers various wine events and tastings throughout the year, which makes it a favorite of wine savants and wine snob wannabes. The hotel’s extensive wine list (over 3,500 bottles) has won Wine Spectator‘s coveted Grand Award every year since 2009. The 249-room Spanish-Colonial-style resort in the rolling hills near Del Mar is stunning, from the old-world decor to the enormous rooms to the luxurious spa.
Calistoga Ranch, An Auberge Resort
The Calistoga Ranch is made for sauvignon swirlers. It is the only resort in Napa Valley with an on-site vineyard. Guests are able to share in the process of winemaking by learning the art of pruning and joining in on the rituals of the harvest and the crush. The hotel concierge can also arrange once-in-a-lifetime experiences such as dining in a vintner’s home or private barrel tastings.
Bacara Resort & Spa, Santa Barbara
Bacara Resort & Spa may not be built on a winery but it makes up for it by offering its guests customized tours of local vineyards near Santa Barbara. If you’d rather visit the wineries on your own, guests only need to present their room key for free tastings at 20+ wineries. The hotel also has a gorgeous spa, two golf courses, and beautiful coastal scenery.
Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa, San Diego
If “umami” and “rancio” aren’t in your everyday vernacular — they will be after a trip here. The Estancia features a Trinitas Wine Cellars Wine Bar where its wine education team hosts several unique classes in which guests can learn the art of pairing wine with tasty cheeses and dishes. This 210-room hotel in picturesque La Jolla also has more charm than other hotels in its price range. Lovely grounds and Spanish Colonial-style architecture complete with orange tile roofs and whitewashed walls round out its upscale, tranquil appeal.
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