The Louise
“The Louise in Barossa Valley, Australia
Where: Marananga, in Australia's Barossa Valley about 45 miles from Adelaide
The Details: All 15 suites contain a king-size bed, a flat-screen television with a DVD player, a Bose iPod station, a fully stocked minibar and mini fridge, and a bathroom with spa tubs for two. Complimentary fresh fruit, port, and cookies await in the room.
Why Stay Here: The Louise is not technically located on a vineyard, but it's close enough -- Peter Lehmann Stonewell's Shiraz vines surround the property. The hotel is also just across the street from the progressive Tscharke Wines, which was the first winery in Australia to successfully produce Albarino and Montepulciano wines. The wine region has more than 100 wineries (many known for their award-winning Shiraz and Riesling vintages); ask the hotel to arrange a tour. You can also hop on a bicycle and pay $5 for a tasting at Two Hands Wines cellar door, a short ride down the road. The Louise is also home to the Appellation restaurant, which offers a special "breakfast with the kangaroos." A guide takes you in a 4x4 vehicle for a 20-minute drive to a nearby nature conservancy, where you can enjoy an alfresco breakfast among the kangaroo (from $135 per person).
Best Time To Go to Avoid Crowds: Mid-April to mid-August
How Much: From $445 for a 1,000-square-foot suite for two people.
(frommers - best vine yard inns & hotels)”
Where: Marananga, in Australia's Barossa Valley about 45 miles from Adelaide
The Details: All 15 suites contain a king-size bed, a flat-screen television with a DVD player, a Bose iPod station, a fully stocked minibar and mini fridge, and a bathroom with spa tubs for two. Complimentary fresh fruit, port, and cookies await in the room.
Why Stay Here: The Louise is not technically located on a vineyard, but it's close enough -- Peter Lehmann Stonewell's Shiraz vines surround the property. The hotel is also just across the street from the progressive Tscharke Wines, which was the first winery in Australia to successfully produce Albarino and Montepulciano wines. The wine region has more than 100 wineries (many known for their award-winning Shiraz and Riesling vintages); ask the hotel to arrange a tour. You can also hop on a bicycle and pay $5 for a tasting at Two Hands Wines cellar door, a short ride down the road. The Louise is also home to the Appellation restaurant, which offers a special "breakfast with the kangaroos." A guide takes you in a 4x4 vehicle for a 20-minute drive to a nearby nature conservancy, where you can enjoy an alfresco breakfast among the kangaroo (from $135 per person).
Best Time To Go to Avoid Crowds: Mid-April to mid-August
How Much: From $445 for a 1,000-square-foot suite for two people.
(frommers - best vine yard inns & hotels)”