Our idea of the quintessential wine country hotel involves proximity to vaunted wineries, gorgeous scenery, excellent food and an unpretentious vibe. Throw in a few free wine tastings and vino-inspired spa treatments and we’re ready to move in permanently. Check out Forbes Travel Guide’s picks for five wine country retreats that deserve a toast.
Cozy private cottages and spacious suites dot the 250 forested acres at this Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star country-style St. Helena estate, which is brimming with activities from lawn croquet and hiking trails to tennis and golf. We’re partial to the 85-room hotel’s wine education program (led by an in-house sommelier), complimentary afternoon wine tastings and Four-Star formal restaurant (reserve a table on the terrace for views of the rolling grounds).
Nature is at every turn at this indoor-outdoor Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star getaway, located at the northern end of Napa Valley in Calistoga. Each guest room is a freestanding lodge, constructed with large cedar decks, private outdoor rain showers and floor-to-ceiling picture windows that look out over the redwoods and pines. The 157-acre property has a private lake and stream, hiking trails, two honeybee colonies and a spectacular Four-Star rustic spa with mud and mineral water treatments.
Located in Napa Valley’s downtown Yountville, the LEED Platinum-certified Bardessono combines chic, contemporary design with eco-friendly philosophies. The 62 rooms (all of which are spa suites where the therapists come to you) have muted earth tones, organic bed linens and private courtyards or balconies. Other perks? Wine tasting is within walking distance, the rooftop pool has views of the valley and mountains, and the hotel lends guests carbon fiber bikes for exploration.
Love pinot noir? Then head to this 35-acre resort in Oregon’s Willamette Valley, a region known for the stellar red varietal. The 85-room Allison Inn & Spa is the area’s only true luxury hotel, with a 15,000-square-foot spa that features large outdoor terraces and treatments infused with local ingredients (wine, honey, rose). Rooms all have views of the valley (from bay-window seats) and feature large soaking tubs, gas fireplaces and original artwork.
This Four-Star Craftsman-style resort sits on 1,700 acres between Monterey and San Jose near the Santa Cruz Mountains in California. People often visit for the remarkable Robert Trent Jones Jr. golf course and relaxed country club vibe, but the hotel also features an onsite winery, large outdoor pool, Four-Star spa and charming bungalows with fireplaces and patios overlooking the majestic golf course.
Photo Courtesy of Bardessono,Rosewood Hotels and The Allison Inn & Spa
