Blending elegance with faultless service, The Vineyard in Berkshire is a 25-year-old property that’s ageing like a fine wine. Editor Sophie Ritchie checks in for the weekend to share more:
Nestled in the Berkshire countryside awaits The Vineyard, a five-star hotel that blends elegance with faultless service to deliver a staycation experience that’s seriously worth the bottle.
It’s no secret that wine and luxury hotels often go hand in hand, but at The Vineyard in Newbury, the obsession with liquid grapes is taken to the extreme. Everything at this property seems to centre (or should that swirl) around all things wine-related.
Owned by Sir Peter Michael, a Berkshire born and bred entrepreneur who moved across the pond, Michael originally wanted to bring a taste of his esteemed Californian vineyard back to UK soil. Thus, he opened The Vineyard hotel in 1998 – now going 25 years strong, complete with a cellar worth salivating over and endless artwork to boot.
A prestigious member of the Relais & Chateaux group, step over the threshold and find yourself whisked away into a world of elegance and enchantment – complete with 49 luxurious rooms, an award-winning restaurant and pampering spa.
The interiors are undoubtedly classic – but the old school tradition also features a playful ambience thanks to carefully-curated menus, fun in-room amenities and the charm of the dedicated staff themselves.
The Room
Settled in with a glass of house white, we’re swiftly led through an array of corridors and presented with our abode for the night – a Deluxe Suite, which immediately feels like a home from home thanks to its comfortable feel, living room area and vast size. All rooms are individually named, ours being ‘Forman’ (most likely named after the famed Czech film director as opposed to the smoked salmon artisans, but you never know).
Comprising a traditional suite layout, the space features a separate living room and bedroom – ideal if you’re an early riser who likes to start the day with a coffee curled up on the sofa whilst the plus one opts for a lie in.
The suite’s ample size makes it feel like a mini apartment (and with the sheer amount of baggage I pack, I might as well have moved in for the weekend). Featuring rich colour tones, with velvety reds and gold motifs throughout in the form of curtains, pillows and furnishings, this is classic luxury at its finest – and ideal if you enjoy traditional elegance with your hotel getaways.
The bathroom, draped in impressive emerald green marble, is particularly opulent – kitted out with small bottles of silky toiletries and fluffy white towels.
Playful details add to the mix – such as a bottle-shaped ‘Time To Top Me Up’ notice to hang up outside the door for anyone seeking a room refill and clean. That’s one thing you’ll get used to rather fast at The Vineyard – they showcase their wines as much as the interiors, with an impressive 30,000 bottles available on-site.
The Food and Drink
All main meals are served within the main restaurant – a beautiful mixed-level space featuring 90 covers split into different areas. The 3 AA Rosette restaurant is worth its salt (and price tag) as the fine dining dishes here are presented with both flair and delicious flavour. It’s unsurprising that the wine list is extensive and named as such, presented as ‘The Long List’ within a leather-bound book.
It’s the attentiveness of the staff, however, that really captures my attention. There really isn’t enough they can do to make one’s meal feel perfect – and yet somehow, they manage to check-in regularly without the sense of irritation or an overbearing nature in the slightest. It’s a well-executed equilibrium that will have you rebooking faster than you can say “Darling, when’s our anniversary?”.
Things To Try
1 A workout in the hotel’s on-site gym: Petite in size but packed with top notch equipment, burn off that sixth spoonful of dessert with a session in the gym, available for gym bunnies 24/7.
2 A session at the spa: Pre-book your time slot and don the complimentary slippers for a visit to the hotel’s spa. Complete with circular pool, plus jacuzzi, steam room and sauna, the wellness experience is ideal for a quick reset. Just ensure to avoid visiting at peak times, as the amenities are certainly not built for the masses.
The Wordrobe Verdict
I heard it on the grapevine – this five-star hotel makes an excellent weekend getaway, especially if you have any special occasions worth celebrating. Blending elegance with faultless service, The Vineyard is a staycation experience that’s ageing like a fine wine at its best.
Make it happen
Where: The Vineyard Hotel, Stockcross, Newbury RG20 8JU
How: Room rates start from £295 per night for a luxury double room, or £336 including breakfast. For more information, please visit the-vineyard.co.uk
Words by Sophie Ritchie, editor
