Stay, Sip, and Savor: Top 10 Winery Hotels in the U.S.

The U.S. has some amazing wine regions that are well worth visiting, and the best way to enjoy the nation’s wineries is to stay directly on the property. That way, you can enjoy everything wine country has to offer.

Whether you’re a nature lover, a wine connoisseur, or are just looking for your next romantic getaway spot, there’s a winery hotel in the U.S. for you.

1. Bear Creek Winery & Lodging in Homer, Alaska

Starting Nightly Rate: $195

Alaska isn’t usually the first destination when people think of wine country, but that’s part of Bear Creek Winery‘s allure. Not only do guests have a chance to sample some of the vineyard’s acclaimed blends, but they’re also able to see and even experience some of the process.

Bear Creek Winery is particularly popular with couples; all guests must be at least 12 years of age. Add one of the hotel’s packages to your stay to get your fill of Bear Creek’s berry-infused wines.

Some activities, like the winemaking tours, are only available during the summer. Wine tastings are held every weekend, but make your reservations at least a week before. 

Hot Tip:

Hotel reservations typically qualify as hotel purchases; however, onsite dining and winery experiences might be categorized as dining expenses on your credit card statement. In such cases, a travel credit card like the Chase Sapphire Preferred^® Card is an excellent option. It offers 5x points for bookings made through the Chase Travel portal, 3x points on dining worldwide, and 2x points on other travel-related purchases.

2. Belhurst Castle and Winery in Geneva, New York

Starting Nightly Rate: $195

It’s not every day that U.S. travelers can stay in a castle, let alone one with an on-site winery. For that reason, Belhurst Castle is a popular choice for a vineyard vacation. Today, Belhurst Castle is technically split into 2 hotels. However, for the true winery experience, stay at the Chambers in the Castle & Vinifera Inn.

There are only a handful of rooms and cottages here, so it’s cozy and intimate. No matter where you stay at the winery, you’ll have access to the lake and dock, restaurants, in-room amenities, and, of course, a wine or craft beer tasting.

What makes this particular winery so special and popular is that it produces not only renowned wines but specialty beer as well. Thus, it can appeal to a broad variety of visitors.

3. Chateau Chantal Winery and Inn in Traverse City, Michigan

Starting Nightly Rate: $510

Tucked away in Michigan wine country, Chateau Chantal is a historic winery that has welcomed guests for centuries. Some of the Chateau’s guests have included members of the nation’s founding families. Over the years, the winery has perfected its traditional farming and harvesting methods, which gives its blends a unique flavor.

Staying at the on-site lodging brings guests up close and personal to the wine-production process. It also offers quiet luxury that was once only associated with the hills of Tuscany or Napa Valley.

Guests can stroll trails through the vineyards, head to the nearby Michigan beaches, and enjoy gourmet food featuring wine and ingredients produced on-site.

Wine tastings are hosted daily. Tours are available for everyone, but if you’re visiting with a group, you can book a private winery tour with at least a week’s notice.

4. Château Élan in Braselton, Georgia

Starting Nightly Rate: $314

Over the years, Château Élan has become one of the country’s biggest wineries. With the help of expert Italian winemakers, it makes over 30 wine blends sold around the U.S.

Staying on the property allows guests to see the winery at work through wine tours and tastings. The entire structure is built in a French style, which lends itself to the elegant and upscale vineyard atmosphere.

In addition to the wine-related activities offered on the property, Château Élan has a professional golf course and tennis club, a full spa, and gourmet eateries. There’s even a speakeasy bourbon bar if that’s more your style.

Northern Georgia’s rolling hills give the winery’s land a European feel that lends itself to long, restorative walks through the countryside and pine forests.

5. The Farmhouse at Veritas in Afton, Virginia

Starting Nightly Rate: $200

With just 6 rooms on the property, The Farmhouse at Veritas is quiet, peaceful, and intimate. It offers many of the same amenities of a luxury hotel, like gourmet dining and luxurious accommodations, but in a quaint setting you would expect from a French vineyard.

Not only is the farmhouse special and idyllic, but it’s also historic. It was first built as a family home 200 years ago, which helps add to its cozy ambiance.

Staying here gives you first access to the Veritas wine tours and tastings. However, you’re just far enough away from the main building to avoid the crowds of the winery’s public and private events.

You can even enjoy Veritas wines without leaving your lodging. Upon arrival, you’ll receive complimentary glasses of select Veritas blends to welcome you. Every evening, guests are offered a small tasting of wines and appetizers.

6. Four Seasons Resort and Residences Napa Valley in Calistoga, California

Starting Nightly Rate: $862

Four Seasons Resort and Residences is in the heart of Napa Valley wine country, tucked away in a vast and beautiful vineyard. The property offers 5 wine-related experiences.

The Truss Fireside Chats allow guests to relax with a glass and enjoy the ambiance. Alternatively, the Thomas Rivers Brown and Napa Valley wine tours take visitors to the heart of wine production. Even the most casual wine drinker will emerge from these tours with a newfound passion for the industry.

Tastings include a customized blind tasting and a Terroir Tasting that can teach you the nuances of wine flavors. Guests are welcome to enjoy the atmosphere of wine country by taking a bike ride, walking on the vineyard trails, or relaxing at the spa.

Hot Tip:

This upscale hotel is available for booking through American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR), a platform available for holders of the Platinum Card^® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express. Reservations made via this platform include complimentary daily breakfast, a property credit of up to $100 to use during the stay, early check-in (subject to availability), and additional exclusive perks.

7. The Inn at Glenora Wine Cellars in Dundee, New York

Starting Nightly Rate: $119

Tucked away on the shores of Seneca Lake in New York wine country, the Inn at Glenora Wine Cellars allows guests to experience the atmosphere of this quaint winery. Virtually all ingredients from the inn’s kitchen are locally sourced, and the kitchen specializes in regional cuisine, creating a truly homey stay for guests.

Glenora Wine Cellars has had years to perfect not just its craft but also its ambiance. When it opened in 1977, it was the first vineyard in this part of the state. Since then, it’s become an award-winning staple in the East Coast wine industry.

Guests can explore the vineyard’s trails at all times of the year, even during the off-season when wine production slows. For an even more immersive experience, cellar tours and wine tastings are also available for booking.

8. South Coast Winery Resort & Spa in Temecula, California

Starting Nightly Rate: $268

South Coast Winery Resort & Spa offers the best of both worlds for vacations. It’s a relaxing spa resort where guests can unwind and rejuvenate and an award-winning winery with 63 acres of vineyards to explore.

Like most winery hotels, tours and tastings are offered. The winery partners with some of Southern California’s best winemakers to sustainably produce some of the state’s best blends. All grapes used in South Coast Winery’s blends are local, from family-owned businesses. They’re also bottled on-site, so every taste is local. 

Frequent visitors to South Coast Winery should consider joining the wine club, which offers free access to the tasting room and discounts on purchases of the winery’s selection. The wine club applies to other local partnered vineyard resorts.

9. Vintners Resort in Santa Rosa, California

Starting Nightly Rate: $362

Vintners Resort in Santa Rosa is the first of its kind in this part of the state. It was the area’s first resort on an active vineyard when it opened. The resort is also home to one of the country’s first farm-to-table restaurants, with many of its eateries sourcing ingredients from the property.

Today, the resort offers something for everyone. Travelers looking for a relaxing oasis can spend their days pampered in the spa. Active visitors can play bocce ball or walk through the vineyard’s trails. Wine lovers can sip local blends and tour the resort’s winery operations.

To make your trip even better, consider booking one of Vintners special packages. Wine Country Romance is a favorite, which comes with credit to the spa or the restaurant and a bottle of locally-produced champagne.

10. Wine Country Inn in Palisade, Colorado

Starting Nightly Rate: $139

Set in the heart of Colorado’s wine country, Wine Country Inn is the state’s top vineyard getaway destination. Spend your day at the spa, stroll among the vines, or enjoy a glass on the patio. There are countless ways to spend your time at this vineyard hotel.

While the winery is worth visiting even for a day trip, staying on the property gives guests a few priceless perks. These include complimentary tastings of the winery’s best blends, a gourmet dinner with wine and signature cocktails, and a breathtaking vineyard view against the Rocky Mountain backdrop.

Exploring doesn’t have to end at the Wine Country Inn’s vineyard, either. The property neighbors Grande River Vineyards, which guests can visit to further understand how this area produces Colorado’s best wines.

Final Thoughts

From luxury hotels to rustic lodging, there’s no shortage of winery hotels in the U.S. Whether you’re a wine-lover or not, checking out the nation’s wine regions deserves a spot on your travel bucket list. Hopefully, this list has helped you decide which part of America’s wine country you want to visit.