Best Vineyard Inns and Hotels Around the World
By
Algodon Wine Estates in Mendoza, Argentina
Where: Argentina's Mendoza province, about a 10-minute drive from the city of San Rafael
The Details: Each of the nine suites has a working fireplace, a flat-screen television, and a private patio from which you can see the pool, the olive trees, or the surrounding vineyards. Rooms are a short walk from the tasting room, where a tasting of rosé, red, and white wine is included for overnight guests. Stays also include breakfast, a complimentary bottle of Algodon wine, nightly turndown service, and access to the outdoor pool. You can also enjoy a complimentary upgrade and late checkout, subject to availability upon check-in.
Why Stay Here: Inspired by the traditional Argentinean estancia, the property contains two lodges in a secluded part of Mendoza. Guests can hop on a golf cart to explore the 2,050-acre property, which has 11 tennis courts and a championship golf course. Valentin Bianci Winery is about 30 minutes by car. The winery, which dates back to the 1940s, is known for its award-winning Malbec and Bonarda wines (rated 90 or above by Wine Spectator). The property also contains olive groves and apricot, plum, and walnut trees. The fruits make their way into the gourmet cuisine at the on-site Chez Gaston, which has a traditional clay oven.
How Much: From $260 per night for a classic suite, with breakfast
Best Time to Go to Avoid Crowds: September to November
Info: tel. (+54) 2627 429020; www.algodonwineestates.com
Photo Caption: Master Suite vineyard views at The Wine & Golf Lodge at Algodon Wine Estates
The Details: Each of the nine suites has a working fireplace, a flat-screen television, and a private patio from which you can see the pool, the olive trees, or the surrounding vineyards. Rooms are a short walk from the tasting room, where a tasting of rosé, red, and white wine is included for overnight guests. Stays also include breakfast, a complimentary bottle of Algodon wine, nightly turndown service, and access to the outdoor pool. You can also enjoy a complimentary upgrade and late checkout, subject to availability upon check-in.
Why Stay Here: Inspired by the traditional Argentinean estancia, the property contains two lodges in a secluded part of Mendoza. Guests can hop on a golf cart to explore the 2,050-acre property, which has 11 tennis courts and a championship golf course. Valentin Bianci Winery is about 30 minutes by car. The winery, which dates back to the 1940s, is known for its award-winning Malbec and Bonarda wines (rated 90 or above by Wine Spectator). The property also contains olive groves and apricot, plum, and walnut trees. The fruits make their way into the gourmet cuisine at the on-site Chez Gaston, which has a traditional clay oven.
How Much: From $260 per night for a classic suite, with breakfast
Best Time to Go to Avoid Crowds: September to November
Info: tel. (+54) 2627 429020; www.algodonwineestates.com
Photo Caption: Master Suite vineyard views at The Wine & Golf Lodge at Algodon Wine Estates
Château André Ziltener in Burgundy, France
Where: France's Burgundy region in the village of Chambolle-Musigny, about 15 miles from Dijon
The Details: Every guest room in this 16th-century chateau is named after a Grand Cru wine from the region. Your stay includes a guided tasting of six wines in the on-site wine cellar. Choose among the 10 rooms, which include deluxe chambers (which sleep two), or luxury suites and apartments that sleep two to four people. Stays include cellar tours, the wine tasting, and the use of bicycles to ride through the vineyards.
Why Stay Here: Wine Spectator magazine called it the "most beautiful hotel in Burgundy," situated along the Routes des Grands Crus in Burgundy. The rest of the route is accessible by foot or by car -- depending on how many vineyards you want to visit. The four-star chateau, which originally housed Cisterian monks, is surrounded by a beautiful park. End your day of exploration at the wine bar with a cheese buffet, or walk to the restaurants in town to dine on simple French bistro fare.
How Much: From ¬200 (about $264) per room per night for two people.
Best Time to Avoid Crowds: May, June, September, October
Info: tel. +33 380 62 41 62; www.chateau-ziltener.com
Photo Caption: Chateau Hotel Andre Ziltener in Chambolle-Musigny, Burgundy, offers a beautiful stay while exploring the Routes des Grand Crus.
The Details: Every guest room in this 16th-century chateau is named after a Grand Cru wine from the region. Your stay includes a guided tasting of six wines in the on-site wine cellar. Choose among the 10 rooms, which include deluxe chambers (which sleep two), or luxury suites and apartments that sleep two to four people. Stays include cellar tours, the wine tasting, and the use of bicycles to ride through the vineyards.
Why Stay Here: Wine Spectator magazine called it the "most beautiful hotel in Burgundy," situated along the Routes des Grands Crus in Burgundy. The rest of the route is accessible by foot or by car -- depending on how many vineyards you want to visit. The four-star chateau, which originally housed Cisterian monks, is surrounded by a beautiful park. End your day of exploration at the wine bar with a cheese buffet, or walk to the restaurants in town to dine on simple French bistro fare.
How Much: From ¬200 (about $264) per room per night for two people.
Best Time to Avoid Crowds: May, June, September, October
Info: tel. +33 380 62 41 62; www.chateau-ziltener.com
Photo Caption: Chateau Hotel Andre Ziltener in Chambolle-Musigny, Burgundy, offers a beautiful stay while exploring the Routes des Grand Crus.
Castello di Vicarello in Tuscany, Italy
Where: Italy's Maremma region in Cinigiano, about 45 minutes from Siena
The Details: Seven suites have been painstakingly restored to retain the original stone and brick walls. Rooms have a tasteful mix of antique and modern furniture. Four suites overlook the courtyard; the remaining three are situated among olive trees, rose gardens, and lavender fields. Wake to a complimentary breakfast of fresh pastries, honey, muffins, and fruit.
Why Stay Here: Set in a relatively undiscovered part of Italy, the 12th-century Italian castle is surrounded by organic vineyards. Guests can take a "training walk" around the grounds and learn about the winery's production techniques. After the walk, you'll taste three wines: Castello di Vicarello, Terre di Vico, and Brunello di Montalcino. Castello also presses and bottles its own olive oil. Relaxation also tempts in the form of Ayurvedic and shiatsu massages, the Turkish bath, and sauna. At the end of the day, wind down with house wine and Tuscan fare cooked using the finest local and on-premises ingredients possible. Tours in the area of nearby Montalcino (45 minutes by car) can be arranged to see the production of Brunello wine. Nearby Tuscan villages worth a visit include Pienza, Vignoni, and Montepulciano.
How Much: From ¬390 per room per night (about $514) for two people, with breakfast
Best Time to Go to Avoid Crowds: November to March
Info: tel. (+39) 0564 990718; www.vicarello.it
Photo Caption: Aerial view of Castello di Vicarello and vineyard, in Cinigiano.
The Details: Seven suites have been painstakingly restored to retain the original stone and brick walls. Rooms have a tasteful mix of antique and modern furniture. Four suites overlook the courtyard; the remaining three are situated among olive trees, rose gardens, and lavender fields. Wake to a complimentary breakfast of fresh pastries, honey, muffins, and fruit.
Why Stay Here: Set in a relatively undiscovered part of Italy, the 12th-century Italian castle is surrounded by organic vineyards. Guests can take a "training walk" around the grounds and learn about the winery's production techniques. After the walk, you'll taste three wines: Castello di Vicarello, Terre di Vico, and Brunello di Montalcino. Castello also presses and bottles its own olive oil. Relaxation also tempts in the form of Ayurvedic and shiatsu massages, the Turkish bath, and sauna. At the end of the day, wind down with house wine and Tuscan fare cooked using the finest local and on-premises ingredients possible. Tours in the area of nearby Montalcino (45 minutes by car) can be arranged to see the production of Brunello wine. Nearby Tuscan villages worth a visit include Pienza, Vignoni, and Montepulciano.
How Much: From ¬390 per room per night (about $514) for two people, with breakfast
Best Time to Go to Avoid Crowds: November to March
Info: tel. (+39) 0564 990718; www.vicarello.it
Photo Caption: Aerial view of Castello di Vicarello and vineyard, in Cinigiano.
The Yeatman Hotel & Wine Spa in Porto, Portugal
Where: Porto, Portugal, about 60 miles west of the Douro Valley
The Details: The Yeatman is a luxury boutique property with 70 rooms and 12 suites, all with balconies offering views of the River Douro and the historic town center. Basic rooms have either a king-size bed or two twin beds, and a large marble bathroom with Portuguese ceramic tiles and a deep soaking tub.
Why Stay Here: The Yeatman family's connection to the town of Porto and wine goes back to 1838, as it was one of the first wine merchant families in the region. Today, the Yeatman boasts one of the best cellars in the country, with 25,000 bottles. The hotel partners with many of Portugal's finest wineries for weekly wine-pairing dinners. In 2011, the Restaurant at the Yeatman, under Chef Ricardo Costa, was awarded one Michelin star. Relax at the outdoor decanter-shaped infinity pool, take in a vinotherapie treatment at the wine spa, set yourself up for a cooking class, or simply stroll through olive groves and lavender fields. When it's time to explore, take a boat, board a train, or rent a car to explore the wine region.
How Much: From €150 ($197) for a superior room for two people
Best Time to Avoid Crowds: March to May; September to November
Info: tel. 351 22 013 3100; www.the-yeatman-hotel.com
Photo Caption: A balcony suite at the Yeatman overlooking Porto, Portugal
The Details: The Yeatman is a luxury boutique property with 70 rooms and 12 suites, all with balconies offering views of the River Douro and the historic town center. Basic rooms have either a king-size bed or two twin beds, and a large marble bathroom with Portuguese ceramic tiles and a deep soaking tub.
Why Stay Here: The Yeatman family's connection to the town of Porto and wine goes back to 1838, as it was one of the first wine merchant families in the region. Today, the Yeatman boasts one of the best cellars in the country, with 25,000 bottles. The hotel partners with many of Portugal's finest wineries for weekly wine-pairing dinners. In 2011, the Restaurant at the Yeatman, under Chef Ricardo Costa, was awarded one Michelin star. Relax at the outdoor decanter-shaped infinity pool, take in a vinotherapie treatment at the wine spa, set yourself up for a cooking class, or simply stroll through olive groves and lavender fields. When it's time to explore, take a boat, board a train, or rent a car to explore the wine region.
How Much: From €150 ($197) for a superior room for two people
Best Time to Avoid Crowds: March to May; September to November
Info: tel. 351 22 013 3100; www.the-yeatman-hotel.com
Photo Caption: A balcony suite at the Yeatman overlooking Porto, Portugal
Kenwood Inn and Spa in Sonoma County, California
What: California's Sonoma County in Kenwood
The Details: Choose among Kenwood Inn and Spa's 29 rooms decked out with Italian linens, fireplaces, soaking tubs -- and no televisions. Wake up in the morning to a complimentary breakfast that includes granola, local organic yogurt, fresh fruit, and freshly squeezed juices.
Why Stay Here: The Mediterranean-style inn is set among vineyards, fruit trees, rosemary bushes, and climbing vines. The on-site wine bar features tasting flights with three or four wines ($30-$40 per person). Kenwood is well-positioned: Kunde Vineyards flanks the east, north and south of the property, offering guests beautiful views. Healdsburg and the Russian River Valley are 45 minutes to the north, but there are nearly 100 vineyards within 30 minutes of Kenwood. At the end of the day, refresh yourself in one of the three saltwater plunge pools, and enjoy the silence: the Inn also has a no-children policy.
How Much: From $275 per room per night for two people, with breakfast
Best Time to Avoid Crowds: November to April
Info: tel. 800/353-6966; www.kenwoodinn.com
Photo Caption: Balcony view from a guest room at Kenwood Inn & Spa, Sonoma.
The Details: Choose among Kenwood Inn and Spa's 29 rooms decked out with Italian linens, fireplaces, soaking tubs -- and no televisions. Wake up in the morning to a complimentary breakfast that includes granola, local organic yogurt, fresh fruit, and freshly squeezed juices.
Why Stay Here: The Mediterranean-style inn is set among vineyards, fruit trees, rosemary bushes, and climbing vines. The on-site wine bar features tasting flights with three or four wines ($30-$40 per person). Kenwood is well-positioned: Kunde Vineyards flanks the east, north and south of the property, offering guests beautiful views. Healdsburg and the Russian River Valley are 45 minutes to the north, but there are nearly 100 vineyards within 30 minutes of Kenwood. At the end of the day, refresh yourself in one of the three saltwater plunge pools, and enjoy the silence: the Inn also has a no-children policy.
How Much: From $275 per room per night for two people, with breakfast
Best Time to Avoid Crowds: November to April
Info: tel. 800/353-6966; www.kenwoodinn.com
Photo Caption: Balcony view from a guest room at Kenwood Inn & Spa, Sonoma.
Black Barn Vineyards in Hawkes Bay, New Zealand
Where: New Zealand's Hawkes Bay region in Havelock North, about 10 miles from the city of Napier
The Details: Black Barn and Rush Cottage are each outfitted with two bedrooms with king-size beds. From either of these cottages, you can stroll to the tasting room, and stay on the vineyard grounds. Fourteen other cottages and lodges are available off the vineyard grounds, and are best accessible by car; the Beach House at Waimarama Beach is about 20 minutes away. Regardless of your chosen retreat, each cottage has a kitchen stocked with the first morning's provisions: fresh bread, milk, eggs, butter, jam, cereal, and fruit -- and an extensive minibar at cellar door pricing.
Why Stay Here: This is the place to go -- and stay -- with another couple, a small group, or your family. Accommodations are geared toward groups and the pricing is per night, not per person. Black Barn is comprised of 25 acres, and many of its wines (Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Rosé) are only available on-site and through its website. The included tasting typically will feature five to six selections (three to four white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris and one to two reds, such as Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc). The on-site restaurant, Black Barn Bistro, was rated New Zealand Cuisine's winery restaurant of the year in 2011. Exploring Hawkes Bay is easy by car, and you're close to more than 150 vineyards; it's the second-largest growing region in the country. During the summer (December-February), you can amble through Black Barn's vines and buy some fresh produce for your meals at the nearby market. Enjoy pop, opera, and classical music performances at the on-site amphitheater from December to February; concerts move indoors during the colder months.
How Much: From NZ$390-NZ$650 ($318-$531) for Black Barn or Rush Cottage for four people; other properties range from NZ$450-NZ$1,600 ($368-$1,309) per night; some of them can sleep up to 12 people.
Best Time to Avoid Crowds: May to September
Info: +64 6 877 7985; www.blackbarn.com
Photo Caption: The Black Barn retreat is right in the heart of the Vineyard at Black Barn Vineyards, Havelock North.
The Details: Black Barn and Rush Cottage are each outfitted with two bedrooms with king-size beds. From either of these cottages, you can stroll to the tasting room, and stay on the vineyard grounds. Fourteen other cottages and lodges are available off the vineyard grounds, and are best accessible by car; the Beach House at Waimarama Beach is about 20 minutes away. Regardless of your chosen retreat, each cottage has a kitchen stocked with the first morning's provisions: fresh bread, milk, eggs, butter, jam, cereal, and fruit -- and an extensive minibar at cellar door pricing.
Why Stay Here: This is the place to go -- and stay -- with another couple, a small group, or your family. Accommodations are geared toward groups and the pricing is per night, not per person. Black Barn is comprised of 25 acres, and many of its wines (Merlot, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Rosé) are only available on-site and through its website. The included tasting typically will feature five to six selections (three to four white wines such as Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and Pinot Gris and one to two reds, such as Pinot Noir and Cabernet Franc). The on-site restaurant, Black Barn Bistro, was rated New Zealand Cuisine's winery restaurant of the year in 2011. Exploring Hawkes Bay is easy by car, and you're close to more than 150 vineyards; it's the second-largest growing region in the country. During the summer (December-February), you can amble through Black Barn's vines and buy some fresh produce for your meals at the nearby market. Enjoy pop, opera, and classical music performances at the on-site amphitheater from December to February; concerts move indoors during the colder months.
How Much: From NZ$390-NZ$650 ($318-$531) for Black Barn or Rush Cottage for four people; other properties range from NZ$450-NZ$1,600 ($368-$1,309) per night; some of them can sleep up to 12 people.
Best Time to Avoid Crowds: May to September
Info: +64 6 877 7985; www.blackbarn.com
Photo Caption: The Black Barn retreat is right in the heart of the Vineyard at Black Barn Vineyards, Havelock North.
Steenberg Hotel and Winery near Cape Town, South Africa
What: South Africa's Constantia Valley, about 12 miles from Cape Town
The Details: Stay in one of the 24 rooms at this five-star boutique hotel, whose buildings date back to 1682. Rooms offer views of the Winelands, False Bay, the herb garden, or the 18-hole championship golf course. Many of the rooms have private patios; all have satellite TV, a minibar, and Wi-Fi. Rates include a tasting of eight wines -- four white, four red.
Why Stay Here: Modernist metal sculptures from South African artist Eduardo Villa surprise visitors who stroll through the vineyard grounds. Enjoy the property's flower gardens, hiking and walking trails, and golf course. In terms of wine, Steenberg is known especially for its Sauvignon Blanc Reserve. Choose from a fine dining restaurant, a casual eatery, and an interactive raw bar. The tasting room is on-site and the winery is just a five-minute walk from the hotel itself. You're not far from Groot Constantia, the oldest winery in the Cape, among hundreds of others -- accessible best by car or taxi.
How Much: From $293 per night for a standard room for two people
Best Time to Avoid Crowds: April to September
Info: +27 21 713 2222; www.steenberghotel.com
Photo Caption: View of the vineyards from a room at the Steenberg Hotel & Vineyard.
The Details: Stay in one of the 24 rooms at this five-star boutique hotel, whose buildings date back to 1682. Rooms offer views of the Winelands, False Bay, the herb garden, or the 18-hole championship golf course. Many of the rooms have private patios; all have satellite TV, a minibar, and Wi-Fi. Rates include a tasting of eight wines -- four white, four red.
Why Stay Here: Modernist metal sculptures from South African artist Eduardo Villa surprise visitors who stroll through the vineyard grounds. Enjoy the property's flower gardens, hiking and walking trails, and golf course. In terms of wine, Steenberg is known especially for its Sauvignon Blanc Reserve. Choose from a fine dining restaurant, a casual eatery, and an interactive raw bar. The tasting room is on-site and the winery is just a five-minute walk from the hotel itself. You're not far from Groot Constantia, the oldest winery in the Cape, among hundreds of others -- accessible best by car or taxi.
How Much: From $293 per night for a standard room for two people
Best Time to Avoid Crowds: April to September
Info: +27 21 713 2222; www.steenberghotel.com
Photo Caption: View of the vineyards from a room at the Steenberg Hotel & Vineyard.
Youngberg Hill Vineyards and Inn in the Willamette Valley, Oregon
Where: Oregon's Willamette Valley in McMinnville, about an hour from Portland
The Details: Eight rooms (four queen suites and four king guest rooms) offer views of the 22 acres of organic vineyards. Rooms are in the same building as the tasting room, where you'll have the chance to taste four wines with the three people heavily involved in the day-to-day operations: the winemaker, the grape grower, and the owner. Rooms have private baths, comfy chairs from which you can enjoy the views, fireplaces, Jacuzzi tubs, Wi-Fi, and loaner iPads.
Why Stay Here: Its on-site vineyard produces organic Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, rated 90 or better by Wine Spectator. Common areas include a library, a lounging salon, and a dining room. Sipping wine on the wrap-around porch offers panoramic views of the Coastal Range, Mount Jefferson, Mount Hood, and Willamette Valley. Want to explore? Dozens of wineries are within a 20-minute drive, including Dundee, Carlton, Amity West Salem, and Eola Hills. Wake up in the morning to a two-course gourmet meal with seasonal food and local products such as homemade granola and yogurt, Pinot-poached pears, and pancetta tarts.
Best Time to Avoid Crowds: November to March
How Much: From $200 per room per night for two people
Info: tel. 888/657-8668; www.youngberghill.com
Photo Caption: Youngberg Hill Vineyards, McMinnville
The Details: Eight rooms (four queen suites and four king guest rooms) offer views of the 22 acres of organic vineyards. Rooms are in the same building as the tasting room, where you'll have the chance to taste four wines with the three people heavily involved in the day-to-day operations: the winemaker, the grape grower, and the owner. Rooms have private baths, comfy chairs from which you can enjoy the views, fireplaces, Jacuzzi tubs, Wi-Fi, and loaner iPads.
Why Stay Here: Its on-site vineyard produces organic Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, rated 90 or better by Wine Spectator. Common areas include a library, a lounging salon, and a dining room. Sipping wine on the wrap-around porch offers panoramic views of the Coastal Range, Mount Jefferson, Mount Hood, and Willamette Valley. Want to explore? Dozens of wineries are within a 20-minute drive, including Dundee, Carlton, Amity West Salem, and Eola Hills. Wake up in the morning to a two-course gourmet meal with seasonal food and local products such as homemade granola and yogurt, Pinot-poached pears, and pancetta tarts.
Best Time to Avoid Crowds: November to March
How Much: From $200 per room per night for two people
Info: tel. 888/657-8668; www.youngberghill.com
Photo Caption: Youngberg Hill Vineyards, McMinnville
Can Bonastre Wine Resort, near Barcelona, Spain
Where: Masquefa, about 35 minutes from Barcelona
The Details: During the week from Sundays to Thursday nights, the entire resort is available for private rentals -- you can take over the whole resort for up to 12 people, with meals included. Or you can simply rent the villa in the middle of the vineyards, which sleeps nine people and has a private pool with Jacuzzi, along with four bedrooms and three bathrooms (also Sundays to Thursdays). On Fridays and Saturdays, the resort is open for overnight guests and has 12 rooms that overlook the vineyards. Breakfast and access to the spa's offerings (the Turkish bath, a sauna, a pool) are included.
Why Stay Here: The rooms are all in the same building as the winery; the restaurant is set in the old barrels room of the winery. A wine tour and tasting -- one white, one red -- are included. Take in your breakfast with views of the Montserrat mountain as the stunning backdrop. Enjoy Segway tours around the vineyards, from €25, ($33) for 30 minutes. Or see the whole region below you via half-day helicopter tour of the wine region, from €600 ($791) per person.
How Much: Overnight stays for two people in a standard room start at €280 ($369); two-night private villa rentals start at €760 ($1,002) for nine people (or about $500 per night). Renting the entire resort starts from €4,500 ($5,937) for 12 people per night and includes staff services, a winery visit, tastings, breakfast, and dinner.
Photo Caption: A guest room at Can Bonastre Wine Resort in Masquefa, Spain
The Details: During the week from Sundays to Thursday nights, the entire resort is available for private rentals -- you can take over the whole resort for up to 12 people, with meals included. Or you can simply rent the villa in the middle of the vineyards, which sleeps nine people and has a private pool with Jacuzzi, along with four bedrooms and three bathrooms (also Sundays to Thursdays). On Fridays and Saturdays, the resort is open for overnight guests and has 12 rooms that overlook the vineyards. Breakfast and access to the spa's offerings (the Turkish bath, a sauna, a pool) are included.
Why Stay Here: The rooms are all in the same building as the winery; the restaurant is set in the old barrels room of the winery. A wine tour and tasting -- one white, one red -- are included. Take in your breakfast with views of the Montserrat mountain as the stunning backdrop. Enjoy Segway tours around the vineyards, from €25, ($33) for 30 minutes. Or see the whole region below you via half-day helicopter tour of the wine region, from €600 ($791) per person.
How Much: Overnight stays for two people in a standard room start at €280 ($369); two-night private villa rentals start at €760 ($1,002) for nine people (or about $500 per night). Renting the entire resort starts from €4,500 ($5,937) for 12 people per night and includes staff services, a winery visit, tastings, breakfast, and dinner.
Photo Caption: A guest room at Can Bonastre Wine Resort in Masquefa, Spain
The Louise in Barossa Valley, Australia
Where: Marananga, in Australia's Barossa Valley about 45 miles from Adelaide
The Details: All 15 suites contain a king-size bed, a flat-screen television with a DVD player, a Bose iPod station, a fully stocked minibar and mini fridge, and a bathroom with spa tubs for two. Complimentary fresh fruit, port, and cookies await in the room.
Why Stay Here: The Louise is not technically located on a vineyard, but it's close enough -- Peter Lehmann Stonewell's Shiraz vines surround the property. The hotel is also just across the street from the progressive Tscharke Wines, which was the first winery in Australia to successfully produce Albarino and Montepulciano wines. The wine region has more than 100 wineries (many known for their award-winning Shiraz and Riesling vintages); ask the hotel to arrange a tour. You can also hop on a bicycle and pay $5 for a tasting at Two Hands Wines cellar door, a short ride down the road. The Louise is also home to the Appellation restaurant, which offers a special "breakfast with the kangaroos." A guide takes you in a 4x4 vehicle for a 20-minute drive to a nearby nature conservancy, where you can enjoy an alfresco breakfast among the kangaroo (from $135 per person).
Best Time To Go to Avoid Crowds: Mid-April to mid-August
How Much: From $445 for a 1,000-square-foot suite for two people.
Info: tel. 61 8 8562 2722; www.thelouise.com.au
Photo Caption: From just outside their room, a couple views the sunset at The Louise.
The Details: All 15 suites contain a king-size bed, a flat-screen television with a DVD player, a Bose iPod station, a fully stocked minibar and mini fridge, and a bathroom with spa tubs for two. Complimentary fresh fruit, port, and cookies await in the room.
Why Stay Here: The Louise is not technically located on a vineyard, but it's close enough -- Peter Lehmann Stonewell's Shiraz vines surround the property. The hotel is also just across the street from the progressive Tscharke Wines, which was the first winery in Australia to successfully produce Albarino and Montepulciano wines. The wine region has more than 100 wineries (many known for their award-winning Shiraz and Riesling vintages); ask the hotel to arrange a tour. You can also hop on a bicycle and pay $5 for a tasting at Two Hands Wines cellar door, a short ride down the road. The Louise is also home to the Appellation restaurant, which offers a special "breakfast with the kangaroos." A guide takes you in a 4x4 vehicle for a 20-minute drive to a nearby nature conservancy, where you can enjoy an alfresco breakfast among the kangaroo (from $135 per person).
Best Time To Go to Avoid Crowds: Mid-April to mid-August
How Much: From $445 for a 1,000-square-foot suite for two people.
Info: tel. 61 8 8562 2722; www.thelouise.com.au
Photo Caption: From just outside their room, a couple views the sunset at The Louise.
