Creativity has always thrived in wine countries around the world, easily experienced by tasting the good juice created by the winemakers or reading the quirky labels of many wine bottles. Chefs with Ingenuity flock to these regions to create new and exotic flavors while pushing the boundaries of cuisine. Wine has also inspired many great creative figures throughout history, Hafiz; the great Sufi poet, even titled one of his masterpieces “The Great River of Wine.”
Nowadays, that creativity is shining through in the unique architecture and settings of these 8 hotels in wine countries around the world. Whether designed by world renowned architects or locals using the best of the natural materials and surroundings, these properties are nothing short of creative genius, and the perfect backdrop for any creative couple’s marriage proposal and engagement trip - or combine all 8 of these locales for the dream honeymoon tour of any architecture loving, foodie and wino couple.
HOTEL MARQUES DE RISCAL - RIOJA - SPAIN
The Frank Gehry masterpiece is not only a retreat for wine loving honeymooners, but since it’s opening in 2006, has attracted many architecture lovers from around the world. Perched atop the hill, overlooking the town of Elciego, it’s located in the center of Spain’s famed Rioja wine region and is the flagship hotel for the Marques de Riscal bodegas and boasts a Michelin starred restaurant, the perfect setting for a special celebratory dinner for two with your husband.
ENCUENTRO GUADALUPE (formerly Hotel Endemico) - VALLE DE GUADALUPE, MEXICO
Endemico’s 20 intimate and very private luxury cabins blend so seamlessly into the rugged, arid landscape of the hills surrounding the Valle de Guadalupe wine region in Baja California, Mexico, that you and your husband will feel like you’re the only ones around for miles. It’s just another Grupo Habita property that has mastered the art of casual luxury with 360 degree views from the individual guest cabins, pool and BBQ area and the open lobby that doubles as a winery and tasting room. Whether you’re spending the afternoon being lazy in bed, sunbathing poolside or having a private outdoor dinner, mother nature and the wine valley below are the perfect backdrop.
ARGOS IN CAPPADOCIA, TURKEY
Carved out of caves on the hillside of Cappadocia, Turkey, the Argos in Cappadocia is one of the most architecturally unique hotels both on the inside and out. Local emir grapes grow within the terraces of the property grounds and outside of town, the Argos has it’s own vineyard, Argos Baglari, growing Syrah and Kalecik Karasi grapes. The region boasts many other wineries to visit with your other half surrounding Cappadocia, and quite a few double as wedding venues, perfect for a unique Destination Wedding setting.
BARDESSONO - NAPA VALLEY, CALIFORNIA
Bardessono’s minimalistic chic blend of eco friendly (LEED Platinum Certified) and simple naturally sustainable products easily attracts an environmentally conscientious honeymooner, but the guest suites with ample indoor and outdoor private spaces, including outdoor showers and soaking tubs are perfect for enjoying a little vino with your loved one and unwinding after your wedding.
LOISIUM WINE AND SPA RESORT - LANGENLOIS, AUSTRIA
One would never expect to find a modern, glass box shaped hotel in a land that has a grape growing history that dates back to the ancient Roman times. In the Kamptal region of Austria, the Loisium Wine and Spa Resort, is held in such high regard two local, neighboring wineries have joined together to dedicate an exclusive sparkling wine blend “Genius” to the property. Dinner with your sweetheart at Loisium’s Vineyard Restaurant gives you a “one of a kind” romantic dining experience set amongst the grapes in the vineyard, and during concert season, the meal is accompanied by live music, making for a complete date night to remember.
EREMITO HOTELITO DEL ALMA - UMBRIA, ITALY
This eco-luxury hotel, built of 13th century stones, set atop the green hills of Umbria is the most perfect setting for relaxation and rejuvenation after your daily visits to the area’s wineries… or just stay in, make it a spa day and have a couples massage with your husband, and completely disconnect as Eremito boasts no telephones or televisions in the guest rooms in order to deliver an experience that truly touches the soul. What more do you need on your first getaway as a newlywed couple?
CAVAS WINE LODGE - MENDOZA, ARGENTINA
Private plunge pools for skinny dipping a deux in the warmer months and rooftop terraces equipped with fireplaces, perfect for cuddling up and stargazing year round are just a few of the ultra exclusive details at this tiny adobe village-like resort in the vineyards of Mendoza. With nearly 25 wineries in the immediate vicinity of Cavas, the concierge can arrange private guides for you and your husband or you can take the bikes and explore on your own. Later upon returning, the private chef cooking class with Mendoza wine pairing is a culinary experience not to be missed. What better way to remember your honeymoon than to recreate one of the favorite meals you experienced together, when you return to your new home?
CAVA & HOTEL MASTINELL - PENEDES, SPAIN
In the land of cava, what could be more fitting than a hotel designed to look like the cava bottles resting in the fermentation process? Hotel Mas Tinell perfectly blends into it’s vineyard and countryside setting with a mosaic tiled roof, and from inside the guest rooms, you actually feel like you are inside a cava bottle, looking out. Romantic touches like a bottle of Mas Tinell Cava and house made chocolates greet the newlyweds upon arrival and gourmet packed picnic baskets prepared on your eBikes have couples ready for setting out together and exploring the surrounding wine country for the day. The wine pairing dining experience at En Rima, Mas Tinell’s, intimate, chef’s table style restaurant is also truly unique and a not to be missed honeymoon experience.
CREDITS
Article written by: Travel Expert, Amy Jarczynski and documented on JetsetterGypsy.com
Article edited for Aroos Joon by Onzu Tuzuner