REVIEW: The Vineyard Hotel in Stockcross, Berkshire

The Hotel

The Vineyard is a high-end hotel located in Newbury and is part of the prestigious Relais & Château group of estates. This luxury hotel boasts an owner who is very well-known in the world of fine wine too, Peter Michael. Peter is the owner and wine maker behind Peter Micheal Winery in California and whose wines have won some incredible accolades over the years, often beating their French counterparts in blind tastings, which is noted throughout the hotel with strong features around The Judgement Of Paris. A fascinating story which The Vineyard tells very well;

In 1976, in small room in a Paris hotel, a strange thing happened. Something that changed a centuries-old status quo and rocked the ‘civilised’ world to its roots. A cataclysm, or a revolution, depending on your point of view. In a blind tasting with some of the leading French wine aficionados of the day, Californian wines were chosen over France’s very best. Big names were knocked right out of the park in a comprehensive whooping. Now, we love wine – all kinds of wine – and we have no problem in recommending a bottle of Chateau Pétrus or d’Yquem when the occasion demands, but it’s no coincidence that the Vineyard opened its doors after that auspicious day in Paris. It’s no secret either that Sir Peter Michael, The Vineyard’s owner, is a wine farmer who produces some very fine estate wines in Knights Valley, Sonoma. So you might conclude that Californian wine inspires us. So much so that Sir Peter commissioned a picture, ‘After the Upset’ to commemorate the day the wine world changed forever. All the protagonists are in there, and so is Sir Peter himself. It’s a constant reminder that, with dedication and a never-give-up spirit, novices can become masters. And that’s something worth drinking to. – Read more: http://tinyurl.com/js76t2a

This luxury hotel has so much to offer and no matter how long or short your stay may be, there’s always something new to do or see – from admiring the wine displays, relaxing in the lounge, searching the winding hallways, spending time by the open fireplaces or sipping on a cocktail in the bar – you name it and they most likely have it. Some areas of the hotel are perhaps a little stuck in the 90’s, but I’m still under 30 and can always appreciate a little bit of over-the-top-glam – so I was in my element.

The Grounds/What To Do

The Vineyard doesn’t have much to offer in terms of its surrounding grounds, but it has some very interesting places to visit within only a short drive away, most notably Highclere Castle. The castle has become famous in recent years as being the home to one of the most successful period dramas, Downton Abbey. When filming isn’t taking place, Highclere Castle is home to the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon. If stepping out into the cold isn’t your thing, the hotel has plenty to offer inside – from wine tastings, gastronomic meals, a private art collection to browse and an award-winning luxury spa. Before dinner we spent an hour browsing the hotels wine cellars which is home to an astonishing 30,000 bottles – one of which was an impressive double magnum of 1982 Château Petrus. Private wine tastings can also be scheduled here at the hotel and is just another way of making your experience even more exciting at this wine immersive hotel.

The Rooms

We stayed in a Deluxe Suite whilst here at The Vineyary, and what a gorgeous room it was. Perfectly placed table lamps dotted around the room set the scene and created a warming, relaxed feel. As you walk in your greeted by the lounge, complete with sofa, flat screen TV, Nespresso machine, mini bar and single-seater desk for writing – a place I spend a lot of time at when travelling. Through the double doors from the lounge awaits an incredibly plump bed, a second TV (which we never used) and my personal favourite – walk in wardrobe. The bathroom was for me a little dated and not to my taste, but REN spa products were provided and their intense fragrances create a wonderful aroma which lingers around the room. Bottles of wine are left available in the room to guzzle on (priced and at your own expense) and two glasses of Champagne were brought to our room complimentary, along with an exquisite home-made pannetone and USB stick in the shape of a cork – which now follows me around on my travels.

The Spa/Gym/Health & Fitness

The spa – well it was fabulous (especially the treatments). Complete with swimming pool, warm bubbly jacuzzi which looks out over the room and a Fitness Suite packed with cardiovascular equipment and weights can be located from spiral staircase just next to the spa entrance. Downstairs you’ll find a hidden steam room and sauna. The next morning we booked ourselves into a Darphin Facial, specifically tailored to my needs. I’ve unfortunately developed a case of Rosacea over the years (occasional skin inflammation of the face) so was a little worried, but the Darphin products they use here are incredibly delicate and for once left me feeling invigorated and refreshed, instead of red and inflamed – a first for me. If you need to add one thing on to your to-do list when visiting The Vineyard, it’s pay a visit to the treatment rooms and indulge in a facial.

The Food & Drink

I really had no idea what to expect from the food before visiting The Vineyard, but I’d heard so many good things about it from friends and family – some of whom have been coming back here for years. The wine and bar area really need no introduction given this is a hotel full of wine – you could only image the vast selection on offer. Cocktails are excellent too – my espresso Martini was stunning. Breakfast was taken in our room (at a surcharge) and was the perfect way to spend the morning, wrapped in our dressing gowns watching a double helping of Frasier. As good as that all sounds, dinner was the real spectacle. Head chef, Daniel Galmiche has created something truly special here at The Vineyard. You can read all about my dinner experience HERE.

The Verdict

When approaching The Vineyard I’ll admit, it’s not particularly inspiring and the exterior of the building is a little flat and plain, but as soon as you walk in through the front doors all of that changes. The staff members throughout are excellent, the décor is warm and inviting, the spa relaxing and the food delicious. With only an hours drive from London The Vineyard is a destination hotel and one well worth the travels – with a restaurant I’d like to keep a very close eye on. To sum The Vineyard up in two words – pure relaxation.

The Vineyard
Stockcross
Newbury
West Berkshire
RG20 8JU
Tel: 01654 781209