Amsterdam,
17
June
2020
|
13:12 PM
Europe/Amsterdam

Quench Your Wanderlust with a Taste of Wine Country

Before travel was put on hold, our research showed that 14%* of global travelers were likely to join a winery tour during one of their leisure trips in 2020. So it’s no surprise that while waiting out the pandemic until it’s safe to travel again, hopeful travelers have been enjoying their favorite wines at home and dreaming about the beautiful destinations that have produced them. As travel restrictions lift and borders slowly start to open up again, we will continue to help travelers enjoy incredible stays and travel experiences. Until then, here are some inspiring wine stays to daydream about until the time is right to experience them in person again.

 

Lamego, Portugal

Located in the heart of the Portugese Douro Valley wine region, the luxurious Wine House Hotel is surrounded by extensive private grounds with vineyards. This typical 18th-century house was restored, respecting its traditional architecture and original features and blends modern design with historical ambiance. Each room is individually decorated, and all rooms have an en suite bathroom, while some also have a private balcony. For an even more unique wine experience, the property also offers overnight stays in giant wine barrels. Each barrel is furnished with a double bed, fully equipped bathroom and air conditioning. And the private terrace that each barrel has is a perfect place to soak up the sun, while enjoying the stunning view of the vineyard with a glass of wine in your hand.

 

Not only will the stay itself give travelers the ultimate wine experience, the property offers its guests great opportunities to discover the wine region with various wine tasting tours. And if travel restrictions are lifted in time for travelers to visit during the harvest season (usually in September, but can fluctuate depending on the climate), a traditional wine stomping experience where you can feel the grapes crush under your own feet awaits. After a day filled with winemaking and tasting, guests can enjoy a lovely dinner at the property’s restaurant, which offers panoramic views of the beautiful surrounding landscape. The traditional Portugese cuisine on offer includes local ingredients from the Douro region that of course perfectly pairs with another glass of wine or two.

 

Los Árboles, Argentina

Situated in Valle de Uco, the Argentinian wine region particularly known for its Malbec red wines, is the beautiful Casa de Uco Wine Hotel & Spa. Located next to several vineyards and with breathtaking views of the Andes Mountains, this property gives travelers the opportunity to rest, relax and unwind, something almost two-thirds (61%)** of survey respondents said would motivate them to travel once travel restrictions have been lifted. The property offers modern and bright guest rooms, with a cutting-edge design. And what better way to wake up, as each room offers beautiful mountain views. Although the property is located in a remote area, perfect for those still practicing social distancing, there are still a lot of opportunities for guests to enjoy themselves as the property offers complimentary bikes for exploring the surrounding areas.

 

But of course a wine region isn’t a wine region without the possibility to taste wine. Guests of the hotel can visit the Casa de Uco Winery and join a tour through the vineyard, and end their visit with tasting the wines. After a day filled with activities guests can relax in the 790-acre (320-hectare) garden and enjoy the beautiful views and the quietness of the area, or treat themselves to a relaxing treatment at the hotel spa. Guests can then end the day at the onsite restaurant and enjoy a luxury meal made with regional products.

 

Pokolbin, Australia

Escape the big city and explore one of Australia’s major wine regions, Hunter Valley. Just a two-hour drive from Sydney, the area is known for a variety of wines such as Semillon and Shiraz. Some of the most exclusive restaurants and luxurious hideaways can be found in the valley, making it a perfect trip for travelers who would like to keep some social distance but want to make the most out of their stay at the same time. Nestled among the world-famous vineyards is Spicers Vineyards Estate, a property that offers spacious rooms that include a fireplace, spa bath and amazing views of the valley’s vineyards, making it a perfect escape for any wine lover.

 

The estate also offers a variety of leisure activities including a relaxing spa, swimming pool and, for guests who want to taste their way through the surrounding wineries, bike rental.

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*Research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of 50,688 respondents across 29 markets. In order to participate in this survey, respondents had to be 18 years of age or older, had to have travelled at least once in the past 12 months and be either the primary decision maker or involved in the decision making of their travel. The survey was taken online and took place in November 2019.

**Research commissioned by Booking.com and independently conducted among a sample of adults who have taken a trip in the last 12 months. In total 4,708 respondents were polled including 826 from Germany, 969 from France, 942 from Great Britain, 971 from Italy and 1,000 from the US. Respondents completed an online survey between 24 April and 1 May 2020.