UK Hotel Review: The Vineyard, Berkshire

What’s it all about?

Wine. Not just wine, obviously – that wouldn’t be much of a hotel – but it’s kind of a big deal at the Vineyard, as you’ve probably guessed from the name. Owner Sir Peter Michael has an estate in California’s Sonoma County, and his love of the US state’s wine is reflected in the 30,000-bottle-strong (really) cellar, and a list so comprehensive it has 100 wines by the glass. Keep an eye out for wine weekends and wine schools – that’s our kind of education.

What else does it have?

The eponymous restaurant – helmed by Daniel Galmiche – serves inventive (and very, very pretty) modern food. Think Cornish cod with a pecorino fondue, and pressed rabbit terrine surrounded by flowers, confit baby carrots and mustard crisps. Needless to say, they won’t have any trouble finding wines to match – if you’re feeling ambitious/thirsty, try the epic California vs France ‘Judgement of Paris’ wine pairing menu. There’s a spa, too, with a pool, treatment rooms and a fitness centre.

love of the US state’s wine is reflected in the 30,000-bottle-strong (really) cellar

What are the rooms like?

Decor falls somewhere between country house vintage and airy, modern design, with an emphasis on comfort and understated luxe. Room names are wine-themed (of course they are), and stocked with everything you could possibly need should you choose to barricade yourself in for the weekend – including wine. Ask for a room with views of the sculpted gardens and circular pond.

What’s not to like?

If you’re looking for edgy design or bold architectural statements, you won’t find them at the Vineyard. It’s not a budget option, either, but then it isn’t supposed to be – it’s relaxed, feel-good luxury for urban escapists. And if you don’t like wine, well… What can we do nearby? Newbury and its race-course are down the road, as are plenty of rolling hills and small towns and villages like Stowcross (a few minutes’ walk away) and Hungerford.

The medieval ruins of Donnington Castle – a proper top-of-a-hill, turrets and gargoyles job – are a couple of miles away, so you can live out your knights-and-maidens fantasies.