The Grape Escape: Spend a Night in One of These Wine Barrel Hotels

Quinta da Pacheca in Portugal’s Douro region is a spectacular spot to plonk yourself after a day, well, on the plonk. The estate, which was founded in the 16th century, is home to 10 luxury accommodation units modelled after authentic wine barrels. Each rounded double room includes a circular bed, ensuite bathroom, glass front doors and a private terrace so guests can relax in comfort while soaking up the delicious views and tipples on offer. Quinta da Pacheca produces white, rosé and red wines, and it also makes different ports, dessert wines and extra virgin olive oil.

Booze and snooze amid the vines at Schlafen im Weinfass, located just outside the village of Sasbachwalden in Germany. The family-run winery, which cultivates about 6ha (15 acres) with different grape varieties, has six sleeping pods fashioned out of giant 8,000-litre wine barrels. Guests can get wine delivered to their doors, and an aperitif is served on arrival. For a spot of relaxation, the vineyard hotel has also fashioned a wine barrel into a sauna and another into a hot tub by chopping it in half and putting it on its end.

Reisling and shine at Hotel Lindenwirt in the delightful German winemaking town of Rüdesheim am Rhein. In the 1970s, the hotel went about converting six oak barrels that were used for storing wine into homely bedrooms. There are six casks in total with space for two guests, and there are adjoining bathrooms and living rooms. To get into the spirit of things, the hotel has a package deal, with a night’s stay in the wine barrel, a wine tasting session, a three-course meal and a ride on the Rüdesheimer cable car over the surrounding vineyards included.

If you’re looking for a vine time, Hotel De Vrouwe van Stavoren will fit the bill. The hotel in Stavoren, which is one of the oldest towns in the Netherlands, has 12 original wine barrels that have been converted into comfortable hotel rooms. There are eight 23,000-litre casks and four slightly smaller 15,000-litre barrels. Each one has an adjoining living area and spacious bathroom. But the pinot-de-resistance is the set of newly renovated spa-style barrels, complete with saunas, Jacuzzis and steam rooms.

Wine lovers will have a grape time at this eccentric holiday rental in Walla Walla County in the US state of Washington. The property includes a wine barrel separate from the main house, with it turned on its side and transformed into a double bedroom. There is one bed inside the cosy cabin and a window that looks out into the garden. Continue the vino theme with a trip to one of the area’s 120 wineries, which collectively cover 1,133ha (2,800 acres).

Step up your glamping game with a stay at Camping Terme Ptuj in Slovenia, where there are eight original wine barrels available to stay in. The unusual abodes can accommodate two people, and they are situated around a communal fireplace, where guests can barbecue and unwind with a glass of wine. The campsite says that the wine barrels are a “popular choice for couples” and “great fun for families or private groups”. Get into the spirit of things by exploring Ptuj’s extensive winemaking history. The region boasts the oldest wine cellar and oldest wine in Slovenia.

For a sauvignon night’s sleep, sip your way to Cava Colchagua Hotel Boutique, which is surrounded by vineyards on the outskirts of Santa Cruz in Chile. The unique property is home to enormous wine barrels dating back more than 100 years, and they once contained 45,000 litres of wine. They were carefully converted into double-storey guest rooms. Each cask features a double bed on the top floor looking out onto the gardens, and a bathroom on the ground floor. Stays at the hotel include breakfast and a welcome glass of wine. There is also a spa, with massages taking place among the vines.

For those with luxury tastes, the Yeatman in Porto, Portugal, will certainly whet the holidaying appetite. The hotel, which is a member of the Relais & Châteaux collection of hotels and home to a two-Michelin-star restaurant, has a magnificent two-bedroom presidential suite, with one of the beds inside a restored port wine barrel. Other highlights of the sprawling apartment include a private swimming pool and garden with corking views of the Porto skyline. Moving elsewhere, the hotel’s extensive cellars house one of the world’s most comprehensive collections of Portuguese wines, with tasting sessions and masterclasses available to book.

Nestled among Saint-Émilion’s rolling vineyards in the south of France, Coup 2 Foudres features two wine barrel cabins crafted by expert barrel maker Seguin Moreau. Each holiday let features a double bed, lounge area and bathroom, with contemporary furnishings giving a sleek look. Guests can explore the on-site winery, where there is also an impressive cellar carved into the limestone and dating back more than 200 years.

Roll over to Jenins in Switzerland for a tranquil stay in a wine barrel with magnificent views over the Rhine Valley. With each booking at Schlaf-Fass Blauburgunder, guests are provided with two cabins, one for sleeping in and the other for relaxing and eating in. They also have small toilets and sinks, but no showers. On the wining and dining side of things, wine is available to order along with a spread of local products, from cold meats to cheese. There is no restaurant on the site, but a cheese fondue kit can be delivered for dinner. The small, wine barrel holiday camp has a sister property just six minutes away, offering different views over the little village of Maienfeld.