Wine Lovers’ Paradise(s)

“Oenophilia” – a term used to describe the general enjoyment and appreciation of wine.

If you’re an Oenophile (as we are at Further Afield) then you’ll appreciate the idea of staying somewhere that doesn’t just offer a superb welcome, stylish accommodation or a lovely pool, you’ll also love the fact that it’s in an area offering superb wines. Here are a few ideas from the Further Afield collection for you to sample:

Le Pavillion, St-Emilion, Bordeaux, France

Surrounded by vines, this beautiful chateau is a superb base for visiting the surrounding wineries – some of which are literally on your doorstep. Julian has an in-depth knowledge of (and contact list for) the local wineries and can arrange personalised tours. There’s also wine from which to help yourself provided every afternoon. Rude not to.

Arriadh Hotel, Ronda, Andalucia, Spain

Just outside of stunning Ronda, the Arriadh Hotel offers a sanctuary from Andalucian summer heat with its lovely pool as well as a cosy retreat in winter. It’s also a great base to explore the wines of this region, where wine making dates back to the Phoenician period of Spanish history. You’ve also got the Sherry regions of Jerez nearby if a chilled Fino is more your style.

NardoSalento Boutique Apartments, Puglia, Italy

Puglia has garnered a reputation for its beautiful scenery, coastline and towns, but it’s also an area with superb native wine varieties. Basing yourself in Nardó means spending time in a traditional and beautiful town with beaches close by – stay at Vincent’s selection of chic apartments and you’re also living “la dolce vita”! Even better, stay four nights or more and enjoy a free wine tasting at Schola Sarmenti, a local winery. Check out our other properties in Puglia too.

La Grande Maison, Loire Valley, France

A stay with Sue and Micaela is to indulge your love of good food and wine. Experts on the science and varieties of wine, they also offer tailored made tours to discover the Loire Valley and the emphasis is about truly getting under the skin of the region. We love the idea of the “Wine Sampling Supper” where you dine on homegrown produce accompanied by local wines. Fascinating and delicious.

Reading more about Loire Valley Wines / Find out more about La Grande and book

Blackbird Barn, Herefordshire, England

English wines are still somewhat underrated, but there are some great varieties across the country and at Furnace Projects, home to Blackbird Barn, there are some outstanding wines being produced. Beth and Linda offer tours of the winery and your chance to sample the wines they’re producing, as well as providing a complimentary bottle when you stay at the beautiful, contemporary space that is Blackbird Barn.

Torre de Palma Wine Hotel, Alentejo, Portugal

A stylish country retreat in Portugal’s Alentejo region, boutique hotel Torre de Palma is a true wine lovers’ haven. Ancient wine cellars, tastings and the chance to experience the mechanics of wine making are massive draws. But then so are the lovely interiors, the pool and grounds as well as Paulo and Ana’s truly special hospitality.

Le Jardin de la Cathédrale, Troyes, Champagne, France

Should you choose to leave the enchanted walled gardens of this super stylish guest house, or the ancient and stunning Troyes, there’s a myriad of wineries nearby. You of course need to sample the wine for which this region is most famous and the “Champagne Route” close by. Your hostess, Laetitia, can also arrange tasting with her brother who distils his own Prunelle de Troyes, a traditional French liqueur.

Find out more about Le Jardin and book

White Water Farm, South Africa

With Cape Town just a couple of hours away and wineries on your doorstep, White Water Farm is a super easy way to enjoy not just the stunning countryside, but some local wines too. With national parks to discover and beautiful Stanford, with its antique shops, to explore, there’s loads to keep you busy. The homegrown produce served at the restaurant here is superb, but head out to one of the many wineries for supper and combine food and drink #anidealfurtherafieldnightout

Chateau d’Omlet, Occitaine, the Languedoc

We love this region; not only for the access to great wineries and the fantastic wines they produce, but also for the fabulous scenery and places to visit, all easily accessible from this beautiful hilltop B&B. Scoot off to Roquefort for its caves and cheese or Montpelier for a glamorous day out. But at the end of the day you can also return poolside to the haven that Eric and Stephen have created, they’ll even prepare dinner for your return (by prior arrangement). Even better they have a licence to sell local bio wine on the premises. Nice one.

La Palazzetta del Vescovo, Umbria, Italy

With its stunning views, pool, grounds and rooms there’s enough to tempt to you beautiful La Palazzetta del Vescovo on its own merits. Couple those with an amazing wine cellar, personalised tours available from your hosts as well as a vast array of wineries nearby and this is a perfect accompaniment to any trip to Umbria!