When we talk about Old World wines, we are generally referring to European wines whose origins date back to Roman times. France has the regions everyone's heard of from Burgundy, Bordeaux and the Loire Valley (not forgetting Champagne either!); Spain's most famous region is undoutedly La Rioja; whilst Italy can boast about Chianti, Piedmont and the ever popular Prosecco Country. These regions just scratch the surface, but everyone has to start somewhere! Below is our pick of the best Old World Wine Hotels, a list which has a choice for all tastes and budgets from all out luxury to vineyard hideaways. The perfect place to start planning your tour around the vineyards!
Peso da Regua (Lamego)
A world-class luxury hotel set in a quintessentially Portuguese landscape. Terracotta-coloured manor house on the banks of the Douro. Sleek contemporary rooms with all the equally sleek technology. Excellent spa and gourmet restaurant. A magnificent setting for complete relaxation.
St Émilion (Saint Emilion)
A sun-soaked sandstone house, set on seven acres of idyllic vineyards. Elegant rooms with individual themes, from Out of Africa to Pop Art. A truly stunning country B&B with lovely natural pool. A wine lovers’ paradise!
La Rioja (Villabuena de Álava)
An unusual contemporary design hotel in the Rioja region. Sleek modern rooms and suites with all the mod cons and private balconies. Excellent restaurant, garden and pool, and plenty to explore in the region. A romantic country escape for wine lovers.
Veneto (Susegana)
A charming country house hotel surrounded by vineyards. Unique rooms with vintage style textiles, wrought-iron beds and hillside views. Breakfast served in the beautiful garden with outdoor pool to cool off in. A laid-back choice for a romantic country escape.
Ribeauville
A romantic Four Star hotel set in the hills with valley views and vineyards around. Rooms and suites in the style of wood cabins have elegant furnishings, all the mod cons, and private balconies. Dinner served in the restaurant, indoor pool, and therapeutic spa facilities. A country escape.
Puligny-Montrachet
Quaint 17th Century townhouse hotel in the heart of Burgundy's best vineyards. Spacious bedrooms are a charming blend of traditional and contemporary and the two suites have a private terrace. Burgundian cuisine is paired with the best wines of the region and from the family winery.
La Rioja (Rioja)
This gorgeous hotel, set within a winery has a fabulous lookout tower and bedroom views across the stunning vineyards. Bedrooms are comfortable with lots of natural light and private balconies. The gourmet restaurant serves a range of traditional Spanish cuisines and great wines.
Meursault (18 Rue de Cîteaux)
Set in a 19th century building amongst the popular vineyards of Meursault, this luxury hotel offers a calming atmosphere to its visitors. A unique spa experience, an all day buffet breakfast, a fine dining restaurant and a wine cellar that houses some of the best age-old wines from the region.
Geneva (Peney-Dessus 16)
A lovingly restored former winery nestled in the heart of the Geneva Vineyards. The beautifully decorated and comfortable rooms offer excellent views of the Rhone river and the Jura mountains. The restaurant has earned two Michelin stars for its unique inventive dishes. Well worth checking out!
San Gimignano
A beautiful hotel set on a Tuscan farm near San Gimignano. Rooms are tasteful and spacious with exposed wood beams and stone flooring. Lounge by the pool with vistas of sprawling Tuscan countryside or browse the vines and groves from which the hotel produces its delicious wine and olive oil.
Chateauneuf du Pape
An impressive chateau overlooking endless stretches of vineyards. Elegant, well-proportioned, rooms are classically styled with cast iron beds, bold colours and large arched windows. Spend days cycling through the countryside or sipping on excellent regional wines. The perfect rural spot to unwind.
Vogtsburg (Vogtsburg-Oberbergen )
A superb restaurant with rooms and winery situated in picturesque vineyards. Traditional rooms are totally charming with chintz fabrics, antique furniture and lovely views. The Michelin starred restaurant serves exquisite French cuisine and the winery encourages sampling.The perfect rural idyll.
Gironde (Labarde)
Château Giscours is a 19th-century castle with glorious gardens, in the Margaux appellation outside Bordeaux. The property's stone and wooden interiors give it a classically rustic feel. With three large, elegantly decorated rooms this is the perfect option for a quiet country retreat!
Le Marche
A working winery and chic guesthouse in the relatively undiscovered, and astoundingly scenic, region of Le Marche. A handful of rooms are beautifully renovated with simple modern furniture, tiled floors and white-washed walls. Expect a glorious infinity pool, wine tasting and exemplary cuisine.
Champagne (LUDES)
A rural mansion and working vineyard in the Champagne region. Elegant rooms are traditionally dressed with chandeliers, large sash windows and carved antiques. Fabulous dinners are available (laced with champagne) by prior arrangement and tasting's of the hotel's produce is an added bonus.
Tuscany (Mercatale In Val di Pesa)
A 12th-century castle set amidst rolling Tuscan hills dotted with vineyards. Offering Renaissance-style bedrooms with antique furnishings and terracotta floors. The outdoor pool and the restaurant serving local cuisine, alongside the tours to local wineries, are a real draw. A charming rural escape.
Sicily (Castiglione di Sicilia)
This luxury wine resort occupies a renovated country estate at the foot of Mount Etna. Rooms blend modern and classic interior design; the best have an exquisite four-poster bed. All rooms offer views of the vineyard and black tiled floors made from volcanic lava. Relax by the pool; a stylish stay.
Pinhão (Pinhão)
This attractive 19th century Manor House, perched high up amongst the vineyards which tumble down steeply to the Douro River beneath it, offers 11 charming rooms, a tiny 18th century white-washed chapel, perfect for weddings, and a restaurant which in summer opens out onto a terrace.
Narbonne
A beautifully restored chateau with a handful of rooms and range of self catering villas just ten minutes from Narbonne. Interiors throughout are fresh and contemporary and the facilities are second to none: gourmet dining, spa, complimentary bikes...A superb pick for a luxurious family holiday.
Piedmont (Piedmont)
A cracking country house B&B not far from Asti. Rooms with panoramic views boast elegant interiors filled with antiques and period features; the best come with a private balcony or terrace. Plus there's a large pool and early evening drinks service. A hidden gem in truffle and wine country.
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