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Hot on the heels of the boom in foodie tourism, the world of wine is opening its doors - and the appreciation of fine vintages is no longer reserved for the elite. Smaller boutique wineries are cropping up from Surrey to Sancerre and there is universal applaud for the pleasures to be found in fine wines. 'There has always been a sense of romanticism about grapes gently ripening in the midday sun, cellars brimming with ageing wines waiting for that special occasion and the life of the chateau owner who spends his day tending his vines before dining al fresco to toast his latest vintage' explains our wine expert Jen Morgan. 'So much has changed in the last ten years and there is a world of wine out there more accessible than ever.' Which is why here at Unique Home Stays, we've hand picked some our of favourite retreats for wine connoisseurs and those of you that simply enjoy the viner
things in life.
POGGIO DIVINO, Grosseto, Tuscany
Situated amidst the vineyards of Tuscany’s Maremma wine region, here the local vintages are served alongside pure panache. Outside there’s panoramic views to the vines and olive groves, whilst inside, the lovingly restored farmhouse has been decked out in rustic tones of wood and stone, with all mod cons from broadband to private bars subtly incorporated. Style aside, this is a place where sumptuous interiors come second best to the hands-on experience of living on a vineyard. As well as sampling divine Syrahs and Cabernet Sauvignons, you can do a course in viticulture, bottle your own wine, prune rows of plump grapes and sink into the pleasures of a winemaker’s life.
Other than wine: There’s a swimming pool onsite and shooting, cycling, horse riding and trekking available on the doorstep.
Main grape varieties: Sangiovese, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot.
Sleeps: Up to 10 guests, self catering or fully catered with a private chef.
Cost: From €6,000 to €8,000 euros per week
Find out more: www.poggiodivino.uniquehomestays.com
PARK CHATEAU, Loire Valley, France
Built in 1839, the chateau was originally the site of an ancient monastery decimated in the French Revolution. Now a haven of tranquillity on the doorstep of Sancerre, here you will fall in love with a relaxed and elegant lifestyle and the delicate, crisp flavour of the region’s wines. Dine on home-grown produce that complements the local vintages and stargaze under clear night skies with a glass of wine in hand.
Other than wine: Pamper yourself with in-house beauty treatments, work up a sweat in the gym, explore the area on two-wheels and stroll in 32-acres of orchards and woodland or relax by the private outdoor pool.
Main grape varieties: The refined luxury of Sancerre, produced from 100% Sauvignon Blanc, is characterised by delicate aromas of elderflowers and gooseberries with subtly balanced acidity.
Sleeps: 10 to 13 guests, self catering or fully catered
Cost: From £3,950 per week self-catered / £4,150 per week B&B
Find out more: www.parkchateau.uniquehomestays.com
MAISON OLONZAC, Languedoc Roussillon, France
In the heart of the wine-making region of Languedoc Roussillon, this 19th Century villa has been decked out in rustic style that doesn’t scrimp on any luxury. Think king-size beds, roll top baths, squishy sofas and French doors that open to a private Mediterranean courtyard garden. Spend long, lazy days wine tasting in Corbières – the largest area of wine production – then call on the services of a private chef so you can kickback and sip local vintages on the roof terrace.
Other than wine: Private indoor pool, outhouse games room with large plasma TV, table tennis and playstation.
Main grape varieties: Corbières is famous for its full and round reds, delicate and floral whites, and crisp and pleasant rosés.
Sleeps: 8, self catering with a private chef available at €25 per hour
Cost: From €2,700 to €3,100 per week.
Find out more: www.maisonolonzac.uniquehomestays.com
BISHOP’S FORTRESS, Lorraine, France
This majestic French gothic castle with its breathtaking valley views, stands in an enviable location between Champagne and Alsace – two of the world’s famous regions for the production of the finest fizz. Stay in one of six sumptuous suites and sample locally produced wines in a grand location where rich tapestries adorn towering stone walls. Visit nearby vineyards in the valley of Moselle, and explore the forests surrounding the chateau – home to wild boar, rabbit and varied mushrooms that can be found on the dinner table.
Other than wine: Capture a bird’s eye view of the valleys from a hot air balloon, or enjoy croquet, games tables and roaring log fires within the castle grounds.
Main grape varieties: Enjoy the aromatic appley wines from the lesser known Muller Thurgau and Riesling grapes offering lighter styles, ideally matched with salads and grilled fish.
Sleeps: up to 12 self-catering (breakfast, buffets and local caterers can be arranged on request)
Cost: From €3,500 to €4,500 per night excluding VAT @ 19.6%
Find out more: www.bishopsfortress.uniquehomestays.com
FINCA LA MORERA, Ronda, Andalucia
A luxury villa close to the sherry capital of Jerez, Finca La Morera is the place to get re-acquainted with a tipple now found in trendy bars alongside the finest wines. Relax in your beautiful farmhouse in the foothills, take in the mountain views from the infinity pool, pick fruit and vegetables from the organic gardens and select locally sourced wine, sherry and Cava from the well-stocked cellar. If you can bear to leave your luxurious hillside sanctuary it’s about an hour and a half to Jerez, where you can take guided tours of the sherry bodegas that hold worldwide acclaim.
Other than wine: Plunge into large infinity pool, relax in terraced gardens planted with lavender, rosemary and thyme, play table tennis and badminton, and put your feet up in the home-cinema.
Main grape varieties: Tuck into tapas with a dry Fino, sip a crisp Amontillado with a dish of pistachios or indulge in a rich Pedro Ximenez poured over a bowl of ice cream.
Sleeps: Up to 12, self-catering with catering staff available on request
Cost: From €3,000 per week (short breaks are available out of season)
Find out more: www.fincalamorera.uniquehomestays.com
LEOPOLD’S CASTLE, Livorno, Tuscany
Decadent elegance, fine wines, gourmet food and a setting in pristine nature: for those with good taste, life doesn’t get much better than it is here at the historic residence of the Grand Duke of Tuscany. Lavish suites and regal antique furnishings are merely a starting point for the rich platter of treasures in store; step outside into the rose garden and dine alfresco with views to the olive groves, tour local vineyards and sip bold, juicy reds from ‘Super Tuscan’ producers.
Other than wine: Cool off in the outdoor swimming pool or Jacuzzi, keep trim in the gym, or get cosy by the log fire in the bar.
Main grape varieties: Local producers include the wonderful Sassicaia, Ornellaia, Grattamacco and Petra known the world over for their powerfully bold, juicy Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc blends.
Sleeps: Up to 20 on a fully catered basis only
Cost: From €18,525 to €23,500 per week
Find out more: www.leopoldscastle.uniquehomestays.com
LA PREGHIERA, Umbria, Italy
In this restored monastery dating back to the 12th Century, lap up the treasures of La Dolce Vita in five-star country house accommodation. Whilst enjoying stylish comforts, not only will you sample fine local wines that rival those made in neighbouring Tuscany, you can also complement your wine appreciation with truffle hunting and Italian cookery courses. Here in the green heart of Italy you can stray far from the beaten tracks of wine tourism and follow winding paths to lesser-known vineyards thriving on fertile slopes known the world over for its grand cru status and pioneering vineyards. Enjoy the jewels of the region from an exclusive haven of modern design, where you can call on the services of a local chef, dine alfresco in style and quench your thirst with some of the world’s finest wines.
Other than wine: Beautiful gardens with a large swimming pool, a private chapel in the grounds and traditional Italian villages climbing the hillsides nearby.
Main grape varieties: A strong contender for the ‘Super Tuscans’, Sagrantino is well worth a sample. Make sure you take time to enjoy a delicious glass of Vin Santo – a naturally medium sweet fortified wine still produced using Umbrian/Tuscan methods handed down through hundreds of years.
Sleeps: Up to 22 guests on a B&B or fully catered basis
Cost: From €90 per room per night B&B or from €6,000 for 3 night stay self catered up to €14,500 week for 22 guests on a B&B basis.
Find out more: www.exclusivelapreghiera.uniquehomestays.com
LA MAISON HAUTE COUTURE, Bordeaux, France
In the heart of one of France’s top foodie regions, this traditional farmhouse-turned-chic retreat is situated on the doorstep of Bordeaux, known the world over for its grand cru status and pioneering vineyards. Enjoy the jewels of the region from an exclusive haven of modern design, where you can call on the services of a local chef, dine alfresco in style and quench your thirst with some of the world’s finest wines.
Other than wine: Take a sunset stroll in the orchards, chill out Californian style by the pool and soak in a huge outdoor bathtub overlooking the sunflower fields.
Main grape varieties: Cabernet franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot are blended to produce some of the world’s most exclusive wines. Stop by the likes of Chateau Margaux, Chateau Palmer and Cos d’Estournel for a guided tour of these renowned wineries.
Sleeps: Up to 10 guests on a self-catered or fully catered basis
Cost: From £8,000 per week self catered
Find out more: www.lamaisonhautecouture.uniquehomestays.com
TREBARWITH STRAND COASTAL RETREAT, Trebarwith Strand, Cornwall
Surrounded by rolling farmland on Cornwall’s north coast, this chic barn conversion is a stunning place to indulge in the fine art of luxury country living on sea. Head away from the rugged beach and it’s not far to the family run Camel Valley Vineyard, home to award-winning bubbly, delicate rosés and crisp, dry whites. On a winery tour see the process from harvesting to bottling, then enjoy a glass or two on the terrace overlooking the vines.
Other than wine: Hike along a staggering section of the South West Coast Path from your doorstep, learn to surf or sail and hire a private to chef to conjure up fresh local fare.
Main grape varieties: The unexpected Cornish climate has proved favourable for Bacchus, Seyval Blanc and Pinot Noir, with beautifully balanced, delicate flavours and aromas.
Sleeps: 8 (there are two additional barns at Trebarwith each sleeping 4 guests) on a self-catering basis with the option to have the house catered.
Cost: From £2,000 to £4,500 per week.
Find out more: www.trebarwithbarn.uniquehomestays.com
For more information on these great overseas properties, contact Sarah Milligan. Alternatively, you can speak to our wine expert Jen Morgan
Tel: +44(0)1637 881942
Email: sarah@uniquehomestays.com
Web: www.uniquehomestays.com
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