The Vineyard Hotel Review: A Luxury Wine & Spa Escape in the Berkshire Countryside

Fine wines, delicious food, sumptuous surroundings and fresh country air. Just a few of the things which sum up The Vineyard Hotel. The Vineyard is a luxury five-star hotel in Newbury which is part of the prestigious Relais & Châteaux group, and as of recently they’ve just joined the wonderful Pride of Britain group of hotels. During the day I work in wine and so this hotel and its owners perhaps make it even more special to me.

The owner, Peter Michael is a world-renowned wine figure and winery in California who produces some of the world’s greatest wines which have so many times been rated higher than their French counterparts in blind tastings, something you’ll get to understand whilst staying here through “The Judgement Of Paris” dinner. We arrived into Newbury train station which is just a short 10 minutes taxi drive, plucked our bags from the car and entered Berkshire’s finest hotel.

After you finished admiring the exterior, take a little time to appreciate the gorgeous lobby. The lobby area at this hotel really is one of my favourites. The light pours in during the day and at night its illuminated. A roaring fire-place, winding stone floor hallways and during special celebrations some rather lovely instalments. Staying here during Easter some elaborate chocolate sculptures were on display. I loved the enormous egg next to the reception desk.

Move a little further into the lobby and you’ll find the stunning wine cellar which at night is again illuminated and looks gorgeous. You’ll notice below your feet is the main hotel cellar which you can see through the glass floor, as well as the terroir (soil & stones) used to grown the wine vines. The latter a very important part of grape growing. At the end of the cellar is a magnificent painting, depicting the famous Judgment of Paris.

The Judgement of Paris came about in 1976 and was an event which completely changed the world of wine. In a blind tasting with some of the leading French wine critics, Californian wines were chosen over France’s very best. French wine makers and critics were astounded after critics judged rather unexpectedly. After this day, Peter commissioned a picture 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.

We were staying in one of the hotels spacious deluxe suites with offers spacious bedroom accommodation, a separate sitting room and marble bathroom. I’ve said before previously the rooms could do with a little updating on their own, but currently they do blend well with the rest of the hotel – so it probably comes down to personal taste. We had a small balcony which offered views out across the golf course and a second small bathroom as you entered the room which came in very handy – especially when you don’t want to disturb the other half during a hotel habit “the afternoon nap”.

Complimentary water, a well-stocked mini bar, Nespresso machine and staying over the Easter weekend – a rather fabulous printed Easter egg was waiting for us in the room. I can tell you know, it lasted only seconds!

The marble bathroom is again very spacious and had some of my favourite spa products from REN. The large bath was perfect for relaxing in and especially more so given the April showers seemingly never-ending from our windows. An excuse to really do nothing and simply relax.

Before dinner and as the sun started to set, we took ourselves downstairs to the bar area, indulging our senses with a few too many cocktails and a refreshing glass of English sparkling wine. Take a seat by the window and watch as the guests arrive for dinner with a drink in hand.

Since our last visit to this hotel, the kitchen has had a bit of a change around with a brand-new head chef named Robby Jenks who has injected some new lifer here. Modern dishes, full of flavour and when it comes to cooking in the kitchen – it’s all about precision. We enjoyed the Judgement of Paris tasting menu, an event which is seen as one of the most pivotal moments in wine history. A blind wine tasting of French and Californian wines, nearly forty years ago, that forever changed the future of winemaking when unknown Californian wines were chosen over some of France’s finest by some of the top critics. It also means that with each course during your meal, you’ll be served one French and one American wine – it’s then up to you to work out which is which! It’s great fun. Read my full review HERE.

The next morning, we ordered breakfast to our room which was one of my favourites this year. Quality ingredients, the omelette was full of flavour and the full-English had just the right quantity. The perfect stat to our day – but sadly all good things have to come to an end.

A swift check-out later and short train journey – we were back home in London. We had such fond memories of our time spent here previously and it was so great to be back. The hotel itself hasn’t really changed much, but the food offerings are really reaching for the stars. The Vineyard Hotel is a wine lovers paradise and I can’t wait to come back very soon.