Sip, savour and indulge at Australia’s 21 best winery stays

Australia is renowned for the delicious diversity of its wine regions; fruit-forward semillon in the Hunter, crisp riesling in Tamar Valley, and so much in between. Each area is a bastion of indulgence, and the accommodation within is just as exceptional too.

Whether you’re craving poolside glamour at the best Barossa hotel or prefer an intimate villa overlooking the Swan Valley vines, there’s an Australian winery stay with your name on it.

Kingsford The Barossa is ready to treat your taste buds at its pool bar and restaurant.

While not a definitive list of accommodation in the wine regions, these are some of the finest on a vineyard, enjoying stellar views of nearby vines, or with its own winery cellar door.

The best winery accommodation in VIC

Jackalope – Mornington Peninsula

Ensconced within 27 acres at Willow Creek Vineyard, Jackalope is one of Australia’s best luxury hotels – a juxtaposition of sultry rooms, darkened corridors and neon lights, gazing out to row upon row of vines draped across the property. Read our review here. 

Vine views are assured from almost every room.

Art is a core focus of the hotel, from the seven-metre horned rabbit sculpture in the courtyard to the renowned Rain Room installation. The food and wine are worthy of attention too, while the onsite day spa is waiting to beckon you inside.

The black-walled corridors are not what you'd typically expect from a vineyard hotel.

Lancemore Milawa – VIC High Country

A hop, skip and jump over the road from the acclaimed Brown Brothers Winery in King Valley, Lancemore Milawa is a hotel designed for enjoying the seasons, whether it’s exploring the area’s snow-capped hills in winter or the kaleidoscope of wildflowers in spring.

Lancemore Milawa luxe new look places a greater emphasis on socialising.

Emerging from an ambitious transformation in September, the 40-room hotel now offers a refined Mediterranean feel with French doors opening to vine views, poolside hammocks and sunbeds, and a fine dining venue Restaurant Merlot sure to delight the senses.

Rooms are understated and elegant with natural finishings.

Meletos – Yarra Valley

Not to be left in the cold, the legendary Yarra Valley is home to some beautiful winery stays too. Like The Farmhouse at Meletos, a Tuscan-inspired boutique hotel affording views across vines and apple orchards to the blue-tinged Great Divide.

Rustic elegance is the name of the show at The Farmhouse.

Transporting you around the world with rich textiles and rare design pieces sourced from travels across the world, no two of its 23 rooms are the same. And when hunger strikes, the onsite cafe, brewhouse and whisky bar have got you covered.

Meletos Cafe is open seven nights for dinner, and Thursday to Sunday for lunch.

Polperro Villas – Mornington Peninsula

Red Hill’s Polperro Wines is well-known for its premium pinot noir and chardonnay. The same attention to detail going into every vintage has been extended to its gorgeous onsite accommodation and restaurant, both nestled within its lush 25 acre estate.

Each villa has an open fire place, central spa bath and private deck.

After a long lunch or dinner at Chef hatted Vineyard Dining restaurant, which focuses on seasonal produce and Victorian wines, the one bedroom villas offer a perfect spot to curl up by the fire and maybe enjoy a few more glasses of vino.

Polperro's seasonal menu is designed to take you on a culinary journey.

Mitchelton Hotel – Goulburn Valley

A Goulburn Valley gem. Mitchelton Hotel is like no property you’ve seen, with its 55-metre tower – more airport control than Rapunzel – an icon in the area. The cellar door and winery first opened in 1974, while its sleek hotel and spa were added in 2018.

Mitchelton's new owners engaged Hecker Guthrie to design its chic cellar door and 54-room hotel.

Within you’ll find extensive stone and timber, cosy fireplaces and textured furnishings. On top, there is also Muse Restaurant, an infinity pool, and the brilliant Mitchelton Gallery of Aboriginal Art.

Interiors are a stark and minimalist contrast to the natural location, but they work.

Chateau Yering – Yarra Valley

A grand country mansion with barrel vault ceilings, heritage gardens, and an art collection that could rival many museums. Chateau Yering may sound like a five star hotel in Provence, yet it’s actually just 60 minutes from Melbourne in the scenic Yarra Valley.

Chateau Yering is set within heritage-listed gardens, with views over the valley to the Great Dividing Range.

Taking pride of place in a vast 250-acre estate, the hotel harks back to an earlier time, with each of its 32 suites adorned in rich textiles and antiques. And in public areas like the lounge and Eleonore’s Restaurant? They’re even more lavish, and therein lies the charm.

Eleonore's Restaurant is open for dinner every Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

The adjacent Yering Station Winery is well worth a visit too.

Port Phillip Estate – Mornington Peninsula

A modernist chateau with dramatic curved walls, a chic light-drenched dining room, and cellar door with stunning sea and vine views. That’s Port Phillip Estate to a tee – and the wines at this five-star Halliday-rated retreat are exceptional too.

The monumental, rammed-earth walls are beautiful from every angle.

Each of its six luxury suites features sumptuous king beds, sunken living areas and evocative artworks by Australian photographer Bill Henson, while the largest of the group also has a second bedroom and self-contained kitchen.

Raise a glass to the views across the vines to Port Phillip Bay.

The best winery accommodation in NSW

Spicers Vineyard Estate – Hunter Valley

Nestled amid eight acres and surrounded by native bushland, Spicers Vineyards Estate is one the Hunter Valley's most famous winery hotels. Home to 12 beautiful spa suites, plus its own restaurant and day spa, it’s a complete escape free from the crowds.

Transport yourself to Provence down under at Spicers Vineyard Estate in Pokolbin.

Chef Chris Rhoney is the genius behind Spicers’ award-winning Restaurant Botanica, plating up inventive locally-inspired dishes and fresh takes on familiar classics for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Private picnics amongst the rustling vines can also be arranged.

Bite into braised lamb with black garlic and a root vegetable gratin at Restaurant Botanica.

Boydell’s Camp – Hunter Valley

Boydell’s has a deserved reputation for its quality wines, with its rustic Morpeth cellar door and restaurant showcasing both to full effect. If you want to delve deeper though, the luxurious Boydell’s Camp on its 200-acre vineyard nearby is well worth discovering.

Boydell's is named after Charles Boydell, who settled the property in 1826.

Welcoming just one couple, the African safari tent features fine linens, indulgent bath products, and an array of local produce – not to mention a breathtaking view. A BBQ dinner with paired wines, private farm tour, and wine tasting can be arranged too. 

A deep, freestanding copper bath and draped mosquito nets add to the luxury safari feel.

Cedars Mount View – Hunter Valley

Cedars Mount View is all about quality over quantity, with just four distinct villas set within its 94 undulating acres. Villa Lorea is the most alluring, with its curved bush and vine-view tub sure to be filled more than once.

Optional helicopter pick-up is available from the front lawn of Villa Lorea.

Tailor-made for romance, a five to seven-course in-house private chef dinner, helicopter wine and dine tour, and relaxing Hawaiian massage are a few of the packages also available.

In addition to this curved bathtub you'll find an infrared sauna and double rain shower.

The best winery accommodation in WA

The Colony at Mandoon Estate – Swan Valley

Swan Valley is one of Perth’s greatest treasures – an historic wine region right on its doorstep. At its core is Mandoon.

Home to a cellar door, restaurant, brewery, and art gallery, the estate launched in 2010, yet has a history stretching back to the 1840s.

The Colony overlooks Mandoon's historic Verdelho vines, planted in 1895.

Composed of 32 beautiful rooms, The Colony is your basecamp to sip and savour your way through the region. The deluxe and superior rooms are divine, but it’s the split-level executive suites you’ll really want to check into.

The Superior Rooms are well-equipped base for your next wine tasting odyssey.

Cape Lodge – Margaret River

Three hours south of Perth, Cape Lodge is a local favourite striking a perfect balance between privacy, relaxation and indulgence. Producing awarded wines from its eight-acre vineyard,  with a lauded restaurant to match, it’s a complete gourmet getaway.

Cape Lodge is nestled within extensive grounds, complete with its own private lake.

For guests hoping to stay a while, there are stylish lake and garden view rooms, together with a beautiful four-bedroom residence for groups. An inviting pool and tennis court are also located within the extensive grounds.

Lakeside dining at Cape Lodge Restaurant is a must.

Ampersand Estates – Pemberton

Further south is the emerging Pemberton wine region, which is gaining a reputation for its pinot noir, chardonnay and merlet. Ampersand Estates is one of the biggest local wineries, boasting an artisanal distillery and cellar door. 

Taste your way through the Ampersand Estates collection at the onsite cellar door.

Those in the mood to kick on can choose from three accommodation options: the original 1870s Settlers Cottage, Homestead and Vintner’s Residence. Each offers a distinct experience, with the first two also boasting a kitchen and fireplace.

Be sure to book one of the private gourmet picnics.

The Homestead sleeps up to 10 guests in five ensuite bedrooms.

Empire Retreat & Spa – Yallingup

An adults’ only retreat hidden amid olive-green bushland near Margaret River. Empire Retreat & Spa welcomes wine-loving guests with an eclectic mix of suites and villas, each beautifully furnished in a rustic yet luxurious aesthetic.

Empire Retreat is a serene bush escape close to the wineries of Margaret River.

With 12 acres of the extensive property – also home to a day spa offering massages, facials and body treatments – dedicated to vines, it produces award-winning and highly drinkable wines including cabernet merlot and semillon sauvignon blanc.

Choose from 11 tastefully-styled suites, including Loft, Balcony, and Luxury Villa.

The best winery accommodation in SA

The Louise – Barossa

Part of the Baillie Lodges family, The Louise is one of South Australia’s highly-awarded hotels. The fact it’s surrounded by the rolling vines of the Barossa Valley only makes it better, with vine views from Appellation a perfect accompaniment to the meal.

Executive Chef Asher Blackford leads the talented culinary team at The Louise's Appellation Restaurant.

Emerging from a $3 million refurbishment in September, the hotel now offers 15 contemporary suites, a new bar serving up local wines, brews and small-batch cocktails.

There’s also a walk-in wine cellar and secret speakeasy-style den for late night drinks.

Sunset dips are a definite must.

Kingsford The Barossa – Barossa

Though not yet a household name, Kingsford The Barossa certainly deserves to be. Among its accommodation delights are the 1856 Homestead, View Suites and the Stonemason’s Cottage, each dripping with opulence and enjoying easy access to Peppertree Bar & Pool.

A tranquil bush bath is one of Kingsford The Barossa's signature experience.

But that’s not all. There’s also a cellar door, bowling alley, and fire pit for enjoying the clear southern skies, along with an outdoor clawfoot bush bath experience allowing you to soak and soak up the bushland and river views while simultaneously serenaded by native birds.

The Matilda King Suite features a custom four-poster bed and elegant French doors.

Le Mas – Barossa

Nestled between the Para River and vineyards in Barossa's valley floor, Le Mas is a fusion of French and Australian style – part boutique hotel, part winery and cellar door exclusively for in-house guests. Add in a bountiful French restaurant and you have a destination worth travelling for.

Le Mas is also just minutes from Jacobs Creek, St Hugo, Rockford, Charles Melton and St Hallett.

The Orangerie is an elegant dining experience plating up seasonal dishes paired with a curated selection of Barossa wines (including those by Le Mas, of course).

Relax and indulge at The Orangerie restaurant.

Hotel California Road – McLaren Vale

There’s plenty of room at the Hotel California (Road). Set amid the organic vines of Inkwell Wines, this micro-hotel is a distinctive jigsaw of former shipping containers. With just three suites on offer, you’ll feel like you have the adults’ only hideaway all to yourself.

Don't be fooled by its rustic exterior, within lies a high-end haven with views for days.

Within its corrugated walls you’ll find rooms with deep, soaking bathtubs angled to appreciate the vista, floating king beds, twin rain showers and original Aboriginal artworks, together with a minibar stocked with Inkwell wines, Bluetooth audio and a 50” HDTV.

A vintage wine tasting experience is also available by appointment.

The best winery accommodation in TAS

Mona Pavilions – Hobart

Mona Museum of Old and New Art is a thought-provoking masterpiece on the Derwent River, not only for its impressive collection but the avant garde building itself. That same contemporary flourish has been applied to its accommodation: Mona Pavilions.

Walter Pavilion is the embodiment of Mona's architectural prowess.

Each named after an influential Australian artist or architect, the pavilions feature crisp lines and vibrant decor, with all the gadgetry you might possibly need. Guests also enjoy access to a shared gym and infinity pool, plus breakfast at The Source Restaurant at the museum.

The light-filled interior of Robin Pavilion.

Prospect House – Coal River Valley

Sometimes a classic country hotel is just what you crave. Prospect House in Richmond is just that: a grand Georgian manor with 11 cosy guest rooms, restaurant with kitchen garden, and even a convict-built cellar home to more than 80 award-winning local wines.

Step back in time at Prospect House in Richmond, just 30 minutes from Hobart.

A sibling to Pooley Wines just over the road, the house can also be booked exclusively, with additional butler service sure to leave you feeling like a member of the ‘upper half’.

Stroll across the road to sample all the delicious drops at Pooley Wines.

The Picker’s Hut – Jordan Valley

Enveloped by the working farm and vines of Invercarron Wines, just 45 minutes from Hobart, The Picker’s Hut is all about celebrating its surroundings. Clad in gently silvering timber and stone, it offers a stunning vantage from its expansive deck and large windows.

Breathe in 360-degree views across the vineyard and surrounding valley.

Sleeping up to four in two bedrooms, the hut was originally built to house soldiers during WWII, before being moved to its present location in 2016 and later upgraded into a private escape. Although the luxe-factor has been dialled up, it still retains several original features.

When in the Jordan Valley, a grazing platter and bottle of Invercarron wine are just what the doctor ordered.

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