The joy of wine lies beyond the drink itself—the ultimate global wine adventure formula
Last updated 2026-09-27 — Savor the purest, richest flavors. In the slightly tipsy land of early autumn, we walk alongside nature. You don’t have to drink excessively—what nature bestows upon wine regions goes far beyond just beverages. It offers unique produce, culture, and...
Written by TRAVELER Luxe (Luxe Traveler) reporter Liao Hongxin
Savor the purest, richest flavors. In the slightly tipsy land of early autumn, we walk alongside nature. You don’t have to drink excessively—what nature bestows upon wine regions goes far beyond just beverages. It offers unique produce, culture, and breathtaking landscapes so beautiful they seem otherworldly. Using wine as an excuse, let’s set off to enjoy wine country and uncover new ways to experience wine travel. The intoxicating scenery, the profound richness of wine culture, and the relaxed ease of winemakers all flow forth like wine from a barrel—rich, pure, and genuine.
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Wine Estate Cool Architecture & SPA
SPA is often translated as “water therapy,” which relates to its origins—from ancient Greek and Roman bathing customs to the rise of Alpine hot springs in the 18th century. SPA was initially known for thermal healing, incorporating massage techniques, aromatic oils, and even spiritual meditation. To some extent, it’s a product of modern trends. So, SPA can be divided into two parts—hot springs and supplementary water therapy elements. Wine SPA (Wine SPA) briefly led the trend, becoming popular across major wine regions since the millennium, partly because wine SPAs feel authentic within wine-producing areas, and also because wine regions often feature hot springs. But true Vinothérapie® (wine therapy) is a registered trademark. Therefore, any treatment using wine in hot springs or grape pomace as a massage additive can call itself a wine SPA, but only treatments offered by Caudalie’s spas can be called Vinothérapie—the combination of mineral-rich thermal waters sourced from 540 meters underground and massages using grape byproducts. The key lies in special techniques that “massage” anti-aging and antioxidant compounds like polyphenols from grape seeds and skins deep into the skin.
A masterpiece by Frank O. Gehry, said to be inspired by the foil torn off a wine bottle. (Image provided by Hotel Marqués de Riscal)
Among Caudalie’s six spas, the Marqués de Riscal Hotel is arguably the most “out-of-the-box” choice. On rolling hills woven with vibrant greens, a massive structure suddenly rises, slicing through the rich imagery of wine country, estates, and centuries of winemaking history—it’s pure Salvador Dalí mischief. Not quite—this is the work of architect Frank O. Gehry, who also designed the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao. Located in Spain’s Rioja Alavesa wine region, it bridges tradition and innovation, embodying the spirit of the century-old Marqués de Riscal estate. It looks like a metallic cloud or sliced cheese, forming a whimsical contrast with the 19th-century estate buildings around it. The 43 rooms, in shape, design, and outward views, all transform within this asymmetrical steel giant, much like wine itself changes under weather, time, and countless human and environmental factors—not just a flashy display.
Enjoying Vinothérapie between museum-grade architecture and endless pastoral views brings a slight twinge of guilt. Though Marqués de Riscal’s wines aren’t expensive—and perhaps because it’s not in a famous wine region, it has stayed understated despite its strength—bathing in wine and grape pomace feels almost excessive. But looking at the range of treatments—wine or pomace barrel baths, Merlot grape, honey, or wine body wraps, fruit scrub massages, Cabernet or Merlot body exfoliation massages, and grape seed facial care—one feels tempted to indulge a little while soaking in fragrant wine-filled thermal waters, gazing out at the soothing blue of autumn.
[info]
Marqués de Riscal Hotel
Address: Calle Torrea, 1, Elciego 01340, Spain
Website: www.hotel-marquesderiscal.com/en
Soaking in a Caudalie grape pomace bath, with unchanging views outside the window. (Image provided by Hotel Marqués de Riscal)
Stay at a Healing Wine Estate
Light a bonfire in the open wilderness, where howls of beasts echo faintly from the darkness before fading away. Sit together under the vast night sky, gazing at the Milky Way like a silver ribbon winding through the heavens. The air still carries the warmth of recent wine and food, but now there’s only silence, letting the clear starlight reflect in your heart—everything is beyond words. The urge to travel sometimes arises from the simplest things, perhaps just for that boundless starry sky. Arrive at The VineResort & Spa in Argentina’s Mendoza region, in the Uco Valley. Stroll through vineyards, gaze at the clear night sky, and let the stars that watch over travelers heal your soul along with Mendoza’s fine wines, Argentine cuisine, and the grandeur of mountains and rivers.
Chefs busy preparing local seasonal ingredients in the open-air kitchen. Anticipating an Argentine feast. (Image provided by The Vines Resort & Spa)
A heart healed by Mendoza is the very origin of The Vines Resort & Spa. American wine enthusiast Michael Evans met Pablo Gimenez Riili, a Mendoza lawyer whose family had been winemakers for generations. Not only was he warmly welcomed by the Riili family, but he also quietly planted the seed of a winery dream. Later, the two spotted the potential of the Uco Valley to become a world-class wine region. To fulfill the dream of “owning a winery and creating one’s own wine aroma,” they invested in the area, attracting international buyers to bid on Uco Valley properties. To date, The Vines of Mendoza group has helped 120 overseas wine lovers become estate owners and owns 1,500 acres of vineyards. After years of managing private winery sales and consultations, providing technical guidance, wine production, Argentine wine distribution, and organizing Mendoza tours, their passion for this land now takes tangible form—the The Vines Resort & Spa, set to open in December 2013. Born from wine, yet far surpassing a typical hotel.
Twenty-two Villas are scattered across vast vineyards, with architectural designs inspired by the Uco Valley environment—simple yet warm. The Two Bedroom Deluxe Villa, spanning over 250 square meters, blends rugged wilderness, contemporary restraint, and urban escape into one. From the terrace, gaze at the Andes Mountains. At sunset, watch endless vineyards turn from emerald to golden before melting into the indigo sky—your mood settles as the sun sets.
The on-site restaurant “Siete Fuegos” (Seven Fires) is helmed by renowned chef Francis Mallmann. Dining tables sit right by the vineyard. Argentine grilled ribeye, cast-iron salt-crusted salmon—local seasonal ingredients are transformed into traditional dishes fusing the heritage of nomadic tribes and European immigrants. And, of course, there’s wine from the Uco Valley. Watch the open kitchen as chefs and staff bustle about, while Chef Mallmann boldly lights a bonfire to roast a whole lamb, treating guests to hearty feasts reminiscent of when founder Michael Evans was first welcomed into an Argentine home.
The facilities are impeccable, and daily leisure is also expertly handled by The Vines Resort & Spa. The Vines of Mendoza group leverages its tourism expertise to offer professional travel services. These include vineyard experiences guided by master winemaker Santiago Achával—harvesting, brewing, and crafting custom wine blends. Ride horses across vineyards and the foothills of the Andes, fish in the Mendoza River, stargaze from private decks, and more. If worldly worries still linger, unwind with a holistic SPA by Argentine wellness brand FUEGUIA 1833, or find a quiet corner for a sky yoga session. Let the wilderness, horizon, vineyards, and untroubled clarity sink deep into your heart.
Setting forth in pursuit, reflecting through seeing, and ultimately finding peace at the foot of the Andes. If isolation reveals the true self, then wander the South American continent.
[info]
The Vines Resort & Spa
Address: Ruta Provincial 94, km 11, Tunuyan, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
Phone: +54-9-261-461-3900
Website: www.vinesresortandspa.com
Note: Expected to open in December 2013
Yoga class by the pool, in the vineyard, under the open sky. (Image provided by The Vines Resort & Spa)
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