Raise a toast at Australia’s best winery hotels and lodges

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.

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.

The serene outlook from Jackalope on the Mornington Peninsula.

While not a definitive list of wine region accommodation, 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 NSW

Spicers Vineyard Estate – Hunter Valley

Nestled amid eight acres and surrounded by native bushland, Spicers Vineyards Estate is up there among the Hunter Valley's best 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.

Head chef Adam Frey is the maestro 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.

Yeates Vinestay – Mudgee

While Hunter Valley may get most of the attention in the accommodation stakes, Mudgee has some excellent options too, including the delightly low-key ‘Gate House’ and ‘Vine Loft’ at Yeates Vinestay.

Accommodation is either side of the estate's central cellar door.

The two one-bedroom escapes are housed within the Yeates Estate, alongside the cellar door (be sure to try the Albariño or Gatekeeper Reserve) and within easy reach of the region’s other wineries, making it a perfect base for exploration.

Within you'll find a comfy king bed, bathroom and fully-equipped kitchen.

Cedars Mount View – Hunter Valley

Cedars Mount View is all about quality over quantity, with five distinct villas set amid 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 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 2022, the hotel offers 15 contemporary suites plus a luxe bar pouring 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.

The Vineyard Retreat – McLaren Vale

Set on a 15 acre vineyard less than an hour from Adelaide, The Vineyard Retreat is all about relaxation, featuring six elegant and distinctive accommodation options. Among them, the Cadole Avalon tiny house and elevated two-bedroom guest house, The Highland.

The outlook from Cadole Avalon.

While checked in you can enjoy a picnic on the central lawn, slip into the bubbling waters of the jacuzzi, or join a guide to discover more of the sensational McLaren Vale wine region.

The Manhattan is ideal for couples travelling together.

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 Victoria

Re’em – Yarra Valley

A new addition to the Yarra Valley’s award-winning Helen & Joey Estate, Re’em is a decadent and delicious experimental restaurant, cellar door and boutique 16-room hotel, of which every one enjoys views across the vines.

The new Re'em Yarra Valley.

Settle into your circular bathtub with a glass of bubbles in hand, join the cellar door’s expert team for a journey through the estate’s premium wines, and then treat your tastebuds to Chinese-influenced fare brought to life by head chef Abe Yang.

Cleveland Estate – Macedon Ranges

Part of the Lancemore hotel group that also includes Lancemore Milawa and Lancemore Mansion Hotel Werribee Park, Cleveland Estate in Lancefield is enveloped by over 100 acres of vineyards and gardens, with an 1880s homestead and guest rooms at its heart.

The estate is less than an hour's drive from the Melbourne.

Visitors can indulge in some of the finest wines from the Macedon Ranges at the underground cellar door, as well as dine on smoky wood-fired pizza and à la carte cuisine (with a fabulous vista, of course) at Carriage House Restaurant.

The Homestead sleeps up to 14 in six suites.

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. 

The mythical jackalope from which the hotel takes its name.

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.

Moody interiors are a stark contrast to the lush greenery outside.

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.

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.

The best winery accommodation in WA

Maya Maya 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.

Maya Maya means 'camp' in the local Noongar language.

Composed of 32 beautiful rooms, Maya Maya (previously known as 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.

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.

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.

The best winery accommodation in Tasmania

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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