Creativity has always thrived in wine countries around the world, easily experienced by tasting the good juice created by the winemakers or reading the quirky labels of many wine bottles these days.   Ingenuitive chefs flock to these regions to create a culinary pairing for these local wines and are inspired by the wines to create new and exotic flavors while pushing the boundaries of cuisine. Wine has also inspired many great creative figures throughout history, Hafiz, the great Sufi poet even titled one of his masterpieces “The Great River of Wine.”

Nowadays, that creativity is shining through in the unique architecture and settings of these 8 hotels in wine countries around the world. Whether designed by world-renowned architects or locals using the best of the natural materials and surroundings, these properties are nothing short of creative genius and combined with the consumption of wine are sure to inspire many more great works.

Hotel Marques de Riscal – Rioja – Spain

The Frank Gehry masterpiece is not only a retreat for wine lovers but since it’s opening in 2006, has attracted many architecture lovers from around the world.   Perched atop the hill, overlooking the town of Elciego, it’s located in the center of Spain’s famed Rioja wine region and is the flagship hotel for the Marques de Riscal bodegas and boasts a Michelin starred restaurant.

Endemico – Valle de Guadalupe, Mexico

Endemico’s 20 luxury cabins blend seamlessly into the rugged, arid landscape of the hills surrounding the Valle de Guadalupe wine region in Baja California. It’s just another Grupo Habita property that has mastered the art of casual luxury, with 360 degree views from the individual guest cabins, the open lobby that doubles as a winery & tasting room as well as from the pool and BBQ areas, allowing mother nature and the wine valley below to be in the spotlight.

Argos Cappadocia, Turkey

Carved out of caves on the hillside of Cappadocia, Turkey, the Argos is one of the most architecturally unique hotels both on the inside and out. Local emir grapes grow within the terraces of the property grounds and outside of town, the Argos has it’s own vineyard, Argos Baglari, growing Syrah and Kalecik Karasi grapes and there are many other wineries to visit in the area surrounding Cappadoccia.

Bardessono – Napa Valley, California

Bardessono’s minimalistic chic blend of eco friendly (LEED Platinum Certified) and simple naturally sustainable products easily attracts an environmentally conscientious traveler, but the guest suites with ample indoor and outdoor private spaces, including outdoor showers and soaking tubs are perfect for enjoying a little vino with your loved one after a long day of wine tasting.

Loisium Wine & Spa Resort- Langenlois, Austria

One would never expect to find a modern, glass box shaped hotel in a land that has a grape growing history that dates back to the ancient Roman times. In the Kamptal region of Austria, the Loisium Wine & Spa Resort, is held in such high regard that two local, neighboring wineries have joined together to dedicate an exclusive sparkling wine blend “Genius” to the property. Dinner at Loisium’s Vineyard Restaurant can also give you a “one of a kind” experience of dining amongst the grapes, right in the vineyard and during concert season, dinner is always accompanied by a live music.

Ermito, Hotelito del Alma – Umbria, Italy

This eco-luxury hotel, built of 13^th century stones, set atop the green hills of Umbria is the most perfect setting for relaxation and rejuvenation after your daily visits to the area’s wineries…or just stay in, make it a spa day and completely disconnect as Eremito boasts no telephones or televisions in the guest rooms in order to deliver an experience that truly touches the soul.

Cavas Wine Lodge – Mendoza, Argentina

Private plunge pools for the warmer months and rooftop terraces equipped with fireplaces for stargazing year round are just a few of the ultra exclusive details at this tiny adobe village like resort in the vineyards of Mendoza. With nearly 25 wineries in the immediate vicinity of Cavas, the concierge can arrange private guides or you can just take the bikes out an explore on your own. Later upon returning, the private chef cooking class with Mendoza wine pairing is a culinary experience not to be missed.

Hotel Mas Tinell – Penedes, Spain

In the land of cava, what could be more fitting than a hotel designed to look like the cava bottles resting in the fermentation process? Hotel Mas Tinell perfectly blends into it’s vineyard and countryside setting with a mosaic tiled roof, and from inside the guest rooms, you actually feel like you’re inside a cava bottle, looking out. The wine pairing dining experience at En Rima, Mas Tinell’s, intimate, chef’s table style restaurant is also truly unique and not to be miss.

Practicality in packing for your getaway is just as important as comfort and fashion in my opinion.  When heading off to the wine country of your choice, it’s always great to remember these few things…

1.  Sun Protection – Even though it’s not the beach, the vineyards can get pretty sunny and wine intensifies the sunburn, so a good hat and sunglasses are a must and don’t forget a scarf for once the sun goes down.  I choose the Solumbra by SunPrecautions Outback Straw Hat with SPF 100, Tortoise Shell Sunglasses by Warby Parker and a MAATI Silk Scarf.

2. Comfortable, Stable and Easy On / Easy Off Shoes – Yup, you’ll be doing a lot of walking on varied terrains of the vineyards + don’t forget the possibility of grape stomping…Ok, ok…this isn’t exactly that infamous “I Love Lucy” episode, but in certain parts of the world they still allow you to participate for fun.  Recent favorites of mine for the ladies, Vionic Sydney Driver Loafers and for the gents, a Barcelona favorite, MAIANS Sisto Combi 2 shoes.

3.  Safe Transportation of Wine Bottles – Although you can find wine shipping companies quite easily in many wine countries around the US, making the shipment of your treasured finds effortless at the end of your stay, in other corners of the world, it’s not as organized.  If you’re wanting to bring home these goods in your checked bags, make sure to protect your precious bottles as well as your clothing and other goods packed along with them.  Try WineSkin for a space saving option for  “anti breakage / anti leaking” of the vino and Bottle Bully for an ultra secure, impact resistant case to enclose your wine.

4. Enjoying The Goods While There – Being surrounded by the great outdoors and having an amazing selection of food and wines at your disposal makes for the perfect setting for a picnic.  Don’t forget to pack the Picnic Time Metro Insulated Basket, which is collapsible for easy packing and for the true wine connoiseur, the Coravin 1000 “Flight Ready” Needle, so you can enjoy a glass of wine without uncorking the entire bottle.

I recently had the opportunity to chat with David Pagan Castano, Spanish born and bred winemaker now holding the reigns of the production at Potomac Point Winery outside of Fredricksburg, Virginia.

My love of Spanish wines had me interested in his latest project, Vino Camino, a blend of Monastrell grapes from his hometown of Yecla, Spain and Potomac Point’s Cabernet Franc.

Fortunately, David was able to share a little about the making of Vino Camino:

In Spain, there is a word reserved just for the harvest of grapes, vendimia. It is the time of year when the wineries smell of fermentation and yeast and enologists and their teams are working around the clock to create thousands of gallons of wine. This is just the first step.

Most of the wines we make during the crush, as the harvest is often called here, will be blended throughout the year. Blends can be the same grape fermented in different barrels or tanks, different varieties, or even different years, in what is known as non-vintage wine.

Recently, I blended wines from two different countries, Spain and the US. It is called Vino Camino, literally ‘wine path’ in Spanish. The grape variety I used from Yecla, Spain is called Monastrell, or Mourvèdre if you were harvesting this variety in France. This variety does very well in the Yecla region where my family has been making wine for three generations. It is often made into a varietal and offers licorice, ripe black fruits, and warm spices to the nose and palette.

I blended this wine with Potomac Point Winery’s Cabernet Franc. For three years working with this grape in Virginia, I have come to learn about its special ability to thrive here. This variety, often celebrated by the Commonwealth’s wine associations, presents ripe red berries and black pepper on the nose and balance to the mouth feel.

This past Sunday, September 28 a group of over 150 people came to learn about the blend and celebrate its release. You can read more about the story and the event at www.potomacpointwinery.com/blog.

The blend represents my roots from Spain and my home here in Virginia with my wife and son. When I met my wife, we shared a lot about each other’s culture and made a fusion family. It was inevitable to create a fusion wine. I am grateful for the support of Cindi and Skip Causey who supported the concept and helped it come to life, to Jeanne Eickhoff for designing the label, and for all those who contributed to helping this come to fruition.

As soon as I return to the States, my first priority is trying a bottle of Vino Camino.

Cheers / Salud and Congratulations David!

One of the major benefits of travel these days is getting to know the local people, their culture, their food and of course their drinks. Exploring wine countries in the fall during harvest time is a great way to interact with the local wine makers, try some exceptional food and wine from the region and spend a lovely day in the great outdoors and what better way to do all of this than in one of the lesser traveled wine regions, not only giving you a more intimate experience but also easier on the wallet.

Penedes, Spain

Although the Penedes region is internationally known for it’s cava, Spanish sparkling wine, whether large operation or small the majority of the wine making remains in the family and most of these wineries have been in operation for many generations. Another plus, it’s a short 35 minute commuter train ride from Barcelona.

Mix up your day by experiencing the large production winery and caves of Juve y Camps, followed by a trip to the caves of Gramona and the very intimate wineries of Josep Maria Ferret Guasch, Pares Balta and Mas Comtal, both located in the families home.

Remember to soak up the wine with a great rustic Catalan meal at Masia Aran my favorite countryside restaurant in the region or if you’re looking for a more haute cuisine experience, try En Rima, Hotel Mastinell’s on site restaurant where you can have a 5 star dining experience for a mere $30 with their pre fixe 3 course lunch menu.

Penedes Continued…

At the end of your wine tasting days, there’s one clear option of where to lay your head to rest, the newly opened Hotel Mastinell, the place to stay in Penedes.  Already garnering hospitality accolades from around Europe, it’s unique architecture was designed to look like cava bottles resting during their fermentation process, and the wine theme is cleverly included in every detail of your stay, down to the bathroom amenities.  Hotel Mastinell has upgraded packages including breakfast, a complimentary bottle of cava and a gift for around 200 Euro per night.

Russian River Valley / Green Valley, CA

This tiny enclave of a wine country within the greater Sonoma County is a gem away from the masses in Napa. The hilly landscapes and many rivers lead to an oasis of exploring the great outdoors, one glass of wine at a time.

Biking around to a few of the wineries that are in Healdsburg or the outskirts of town, however, the driving in these parts can be a bit tricky with the windy and confusing country roads, so my suggestion is to hire Da Vine Wine Tours as your personal guide for the day.  She picks you up at your hotel in the morning and provides door to door service as well as assists in packing a fantastic picnic for lunch.  This way, you can easily start off with some bubbly and phenomenal views at Iron Horse’s outdoor tasting room, followed by Merry Edwards “the Queen of Russian River pinots”, right down the street, and then a bit further down, end things with Hanna, a best all around and ideal location for that picnic lunch in the vineyard.

After power napping off the wine, a must do for dinner is heading to The Girl & The Fig in Sonoma for a memorable and perfectly prepared dinner in an intimate and elegant setting.  Make sure to save room for the fig kisses and the caramel fig pudding deserts that stayed on my mind for weeks later.

Russian River Valley Continued…

If traditional countryside Inns aren’t really your thing or you prefer to be Eco Chic on your travels, then the H2 Hotel, Healdsburg’s green certified boutique hotel in the center of this charming and quirky town is the place for you.  Walkable to great restaurants, the award winning Costeaux French Bakery, and a short bike ride away from many wineries and yes, they’ve got bikes.  You can stay at H2 this fall via their H2 for 2 Special – Eco Studio room + dinner at one of the area’s top rated restaurants, Spoonbar, which happens to reside downstairs,  and 20% off of spa services, oh and did I mention the free bikes?  All for $339 / night.

Umbria, Italy

An hour away from Rome and a world away from the arid landscapes of the Italy that everyone else knows. The lush, green countryside of Umbria is the birth place of Sangiovese and the home of the autumn food and wine festival Festa del Bosco, taking place in early November, in case you need another reason to indulge.

A little bocce ball with your wine, why not? This an other activities like horseback riding and chef prepared wine lunches are all the rage at Terre Margaritelli, organic winery.   On another note,  you can expand your knowledge of the history of viniculture at the MUVIT Wine Museum of Torgiano then visit it’s founders, the Lungarotti winery, see a few of their historical wine making artifacts while tasting their goods.  Arnaldo Caprai, is another must see with their state of the art tasting room with sweeping views and if you’re lucky you’ll leave with  a Cruciani bracelet from their sister company, along with some wine.

Umbria Continued…

A palace on a pauper’s budget?  I never believed this existed, but you can truly satisfy even the most discerning “champagne tastes” on a “beer budget”  by staying at Palazzo delle Signorine while visiting Umbria.  This amazing luxury boutique hotel in a small historical palace in town is centrally located, boast it’s original 17^th century frescoes, and arranges private chef dinners for guests with Life Italian Style’s Jennifer Mcllvaine.  Luxurious pampering?  Check!  Unique setting?  Check! Won’t break the budget?  Check!  I’m ready to call this palace my home for a mere 80 Euro / night based on double occupancy!

Northern Viriginia Wine Country

This “New Kid on the Block” of wine countries can easily be a great road trip option from many East Coast metropolitan areas or a longer vacation combined with Washington, DC, only slightly over an hour away.  The beautiful rolling hills and countryside vistas from the wineries in this land of Cabernet Franc are great paired with a visit to nearby historical Fredricksburg.

Along with the younger vineyards and wineries comes some great new and award winning winemaking talent here in Northern Virginia.  A few of these young and creative masters of their craft that you must visit are David Pagan Castano, who brings his family’s wine making tradition from Spain to Potomac Point Winery and is even working on a unique international blend for the fall.  Other young talent to keep an eye out for and savor a bit of their craft, Nate Walsh at Sunset Hills Vineyard and Steve Monson at Early Mountain Vineyards.

Northern Virginia Continued…

Even if you don’t have the chance to visit nearby Fredricksburg for the historical sightseeing, you can take part in a bit of history by staying at Stevenson Ridge, the historical Inn and B&B that includes 7 private cottages from the 18^th and 19^th century set amongst their expansive, 87 acre property just outside of Fredricksburg.  Explore the property and find a great spot for an intimate picnic near an old stone bridge or along a stream, or cozy up at night besides your private fireplace with a great bottle of wine from one of the days’s wineries.  Fall rates at Stevenson Ridge can be found for as low as $135 / night on Trivago.com.

If you’re wondering what to pack…How to keep those precious bottles of wine from breaking on the journey home or just how to look “grape stomping” chic while staying comfortable in the countryside?  Don’t forget these must pack items:  *MORE DETAILS HERE