Those who presume that wine is just another beverage are missing the point, and missing the potential—for as any connoisseur knows, it’s so much more. Wine can be a collector’s item and an investment; it can be an invitation to a celebration, or the centerpiece at a chic soirée. Of course, it can also be an individual indulgence—a treat, and a retreat—to be savored in sophisticated solitude.
Wine is versatile, with countless vintages and varieties. Beyond the classic reds and whites, there are oranges and organics, sparkles and rosés; appreciating their nuances is a skill that requires cultivation, as much a science as an art.
Naturally, there are certain homes for wine lovers that cater to the pastime in different ways. Here are four glamorous wine tasting properties with features and amenities that raise the standards, and raise a glass, in demonstrating what a luxury wine home can include.
A Home With a Wine Cellar on a Whole New Level
Russell Reddell & Matt Finnigan – New Zealand Sotheby’s International Realty
Some tasting rooms are on an entirely other level—and that’s literally the case at this mountainside masterpiece, where the subterranean cellar and sampling area are on full display through the transparent glass floor. It’s not just a visionary architectural flourish, either; temperature is everything when storing wines of varied vintages, and the controls in this space are state-of-the-art.
This isn’t the only area to make a vibrant statement with glass. Floor-to-ceiling windows grace the front of the home with views of a fresh mountain tarn, and open onto an garden and outdoor living area where homeowners can bring a favorite bottle and luxuriate in the beauty of the alpine foothills.
Host Happy Hour in a Five-Star Wine Bar
Ellis Sotheby’s International Realty
What could possibly be more pleasurable than enjoying a gorgeous glass of wine in an elegant, high-end cocktail bar? How about if the cocktail bar is in the comfort of your own home? That’s one of the many benefits of this majestic country wine estate home. Owning your own private establishment is as exclusive as it gets; you decide the wine list and the guest list.
Of course, the wine bar is located in just one of several dwellings on the expansive acreage. Besides the historic architectural marvel that is the main house, there also happens to be a parcel of land dedicated to a thriving winery—with production and bottling facilities accompanied by a two-bedroom apartment and a private tasting room.
Creating Unique Wines Through Vineyard Real Estate
Laura Vetrugno Venturi – Italy Sotheby’s International Realty
Indeed, luxury homes with vineyards hold special appeal for wine lovers, and true aficionados pay special attention—and often pay premium prices—for properties with intriguing and inimitable varieties. Such is the case in this astonishing villa, where the terraced hillside vantage, plentiful sunlight, and abundance of fresh water grant the grapes a sumptuousness that’s difficult to duplicate.
The onsite winery is designed to produce and age wines of unparalleled uniqueness and quality. But just as impressive is the property’s immersive wellness spa, where wine is the ideal complement to a lavish day of self-care.
A Showcase in Every Sense of the Word
Oliver Karlsson – Madrid Sotheby’s International Realty
Another reason to appreciate wine: a spectacular selection is the ultimate understated status symbol. In a residence like this contemporary seaside getaway, the wine storage is as functional as it is fashionable, wowing guests with its avant-garde geometries of glass and light without you having to say a word.
With pools, a hammam, and a sauna all surrounded by lush greenery, there’s a plethora of places to sip a glass of wine and bask in the afternoon warmth. And as this wine country home has space for up to 10 bedrooms, it’s superb for accommodating friends and family.
There’s a thriving real estate market for wine enthusiasts, but there are rare paragons that redefine what a wine tasting home can be. These four—with their tasting rooms, custom cellars, and winemaking facilities—are the types of properties that will dazzle even those with the most discerning tastes.
Interested in more culinary-focused properties? These five outdoor kitchens are perfect for al fresco dining.
