We’ve all been there, excited for a wine weekend getaway, plotting every winery on the map and the best route to take. Once you have the perfect plan, it’s time to fight over who is going to be the designated driver, which, let’s face it, no one wants to put their hand up. We’d much rather sip our weekend away on Riesling and pinot noir.
There is an easy solution. Why not stay at the winery? You’d be hard-pressed to find a winery that doesn’t offer some lodging, be it a glamping tent, a cottage, or a rustic shed studio. Some even offer spas and private function spaces. Wineries are more than just a place to drink these days; they’re a destination in their own right.
So the next time you’re itching for a winery getaway, book a stay at one of Victoria’s top winery lodgings, offering great wine and so much more.
Jackalope
Mornington Peninsula
When it comes to wine and leisure, Jackalope is hard to beat. This super lush wine resort has everything you need for a relaxing getaway, including classy touches of art. Apart from the on-site cellar door, where you can taste the estate range, this resort offers 44 luxury rooms with private terraces, deep-soak Japanese baths, and vineyard views.
There is also a 30-metre infinity pool overlooking the rolling hills of vines, plus two exceptional restaurants, Doot Doot Doot and Rare Hare, both of which have received culinary acclaim. The spa is a popular spot to relax and rejuvenate, or if you love art, explore the collection spread throughout the property, including the Rain Room, a 100-square-metre field of continuous rainfall art installation.
Mitchelton Hotel and Spa
Nagambie
Mitchelton is one of Australia’s favourite wineries, and since adding a 58-room hotel to the property, it’s now one of Australia’s favourite places to escape. Nestled in the Goulburn Valley, the apple centre of the country, guests will find a haven of natural stone and timber finishes, with a touch of brutalism to reflect the region’s earthy tones.
Everything from the furnishings to the spa spills luxury, making it a cut above the rest. Each guest room either looks over the valley or the vineyards, including the central pool. On the property, you will find a sanctuary-like spa, restaurant, and of course, the iconic cellar door to taste drops from the five-star rated winery.
Lancemore Milawa
Milawa
Nestled in the King Valley, Lancemore Milawa offers a picturesque stay, with vineyard vistas and alpine mountains surrounding the boutique hotel. Guests can unwind and take it slow here. There are only 40 rooms in this two-storey building. Each room has its own private balcony, but the property has ample indoor and outdoor spaces for relaxing with a glass of wine in the afternoon.
The swimming pool, in the warmer months, is always a popular place. Nearby, guests have access to vineyards, including Brown Brothers’ merlot plot, which sits at the rear of Lancemore Milawa. You can taste a drop at the onsite restaurant, which also has it wons spectacular views of the vineyards and mountains. Should you choose to leave the property, Milawa is home to great cellar doors, cafes, and bakeries where guests can taste local food and wine delights.
Lancemore Lindenderry
Red Hill
This restored country estate is the picture-perfect regional stay. There are only 40 rooms up for grabs, keeping it boutique and intimate for guests looking to get away from the buzz of the city. The rooms vary from luxury suites to garden terraces, some will have open fireplaces for the cooler months. What makes this place so desirable is the hatted restaurant, dishing up a five-course menu sure to keep you coming back for more, the cosy cellar door, and pouring the region’s staples, Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.
Lakeside Villas at Crittenden Estate
Dromana
There’s something special about this lakeside escape. It’s peaceful and beautiful, not to mention romantic. The Lakeside Villas at Crittenden Estate offers just that and more. Each villa overlooks the lake, with cosy fireplaces, fully equipped kitchens for a self-contained stay, and freestanding spa baths, with, you guessed it, lake views.
You won’t want to leave your cosy dwelling, but if you muster up the effort, be sure to visit the restaurant and cellar door to claim your complimentary wine tasting. The Stillwater restaurant, a stone’s throw from the villas, is a fine dining establishment focused on serving local and organic produce. While there isn’t a spa onsite, you can book an in-room massage, facial, and other spa treatments with a bottle of Crittenden sparkling to enjoy afterwards.
Port Phillip Estate
Red Hill South
This striking architectural landmark is one of Australia’s most exciting food and wine destinations. We refer to Port Phillip Estate, a monumental limestone rammed dome housing a dining room and cellar door with sweeping views across the Mornington Peninsula.
While the building is as impressive as the European-influenced menu, the six contemporary designed suites seem to keep visitors on the property for longer than a meal and tasting. Each room boasts king-sized beds, sunken living areas, either vineyard or coastal views, and private terraces to take in the Peninsula air. Expect fun pops of colour in the furnishings and art, contributing to the high design profile the estate is going for.
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