Cover A sweeping view of La Rioja’s vineyards, where centuries-old wine traditions now meet cutting-edge vinotherapy treatments. (Photo: Frimufilms / Freepik)
A sweeping view of La Rioja’s vineyards, where centuries-old wine traditions now meet cutting-edge vinotherapy treatments. (Photo: Frimufilms / Freepik)
1 / 1
Grape-based skincare is gaining ground—here’s where to travel for the most effective and elegant vinotherapy experiences
Vinotherapy isn’t just a gimmick for wine lovers. The science-backed skincare approach, which uses antioxidants found in grape skins, seeds and vines, has found a foothold in some of the world’s top wine regions—and a place in the hearts of beauty enthusiasts. From Bordeaux to the Douro Valley, spas are offering treatments that harness the anti-ageing and anti-inflammatory benefits of wine byproducts. Whether it’s a grapeseed scrub or a soak in red wine extract, these destinations make a compelling case for planning your next trip around vinotherapy.
Read more: The best burgundy red wine alternatives according to Singapore's top sommeliers
Bordeaux, France
Where it all began. Caudalie, the brand that coined the term “vinotherapy”, opened its first Vinothérapie Spa just outside Bordeaux, on the grounds of Château Smith Haut Lafitte. Treatments here use resveratrol-rich grape extracts sourced from the estate’s Merlot and Cabernet vines. The setting, surrounded by grand cru vineyards, isn’t incidental—it’s integral to the experience. Guests come for body wraps, scrubs and facials designed to firm and revitalise, all backed by decades of research.
La Rioja, Spain
For those who wish to experience Caudalie’s vinotherapy treatments in Spain, La Rioja is the place to visit. Known for its centuries-old wine estates, La Rioja has leaned into vinotherapy with notable style. At Hotel Marques de Riscal—a striking Frank Gehry-designed property—Caudalie’s full treatment menu is offered alongside panoramic vineyard views. The ingredients are locally sourced, and the spa makes use of grape polyphenols known for boosting collagen and improving skin elasticity. It’s one of the few places where architecture, wine and wellness intersect with equal intensity.
Tuscany, Italy
Above Clusters of Sangiovese grapes ripen under the Tuscan sun—rich in antioxidants, they’re the foundation of local vinotherapy rituals. (Photo: Kstudio / Freepik)
Clusters of Sangiovese grapes ripen under the Tuscan sun—rich in antioxidants, they’re the foundation of local vinotherapy rituals. (Photo: Kstudio / Freepik)
1 / 1
Vinotherapy in Tuscany feels less clinical and more rustic, though no less effective. At Castello di Casole, a Belmond hotel set on a historic estate, treatments focus on Sangiovese grapes grown on-site. Grape pulp, grapeseed oil and even red wine itself are used in various facials and massages. The spa menu includes antioxidant-rich wraps and exfoliations, drawing from both wine and olive oil traditions. It’s a slower, more sensorial take on the vinotherapy trend.
Napa Valley, USA
California’s wine country may be better known for tasting rooms than spa treatments, but Napa has carved out a niche in vinotherapy. Spa Terra at The Meritage Resort, located in an underground cave, offers Cabernet scrubs and grapeseed facials that highlight the region’s signature varietals. The treatments are designed to counteract environmental stressors—particularly sun exposure—and offer a more grounded, no-fuss approach to wine-based skincare.
Mendoza, Argentina
At the foot of the Andes, Mendoza brings a different altitude to vinotherapy. Cavas Wine Lodge offers spa services that use Malbec grapes, which are known for their high concentration of polyphenols. Treatments include warm compresses soaked in wine and detoxifying grapeseed oil massages. The approach is less about opulence and more about results, and the surrounding snow-capped peaks add a scenic layer to the experience.
Douro Valley, Portugal
Six Senses Douro Valley takes vinotherapy seriously, integrating local grapes into its wellness philosophy. Treatments here focus on regional varietals, and the spa works with products that use crushed skins and seeds to exfoliate and repair. The Douro setting is as much a draw as the treatments, offering forest walks, river views and a quiet atmosphere that complements the restorative nature of vinotherapy.
Cape Winelands, South Africa
Above Vineyards at Stellenbosch, South Africa. (Photo: Wirestock / Freepik)
Vineyards at Stellenbosch, South Africa. (Photo: Wirestock / Freepik)
1 / 1
South Africa’s wine regions are joining the vinotherapy conversation, with Stellenbosch leading the charge. At Lanzerac Spa and other nearby retreats, Pinotage grapes—unique to South Africa—are turned into oils and serums used in skin-brightening facials and tension-releasing massages. The treatments often include locally sourced essential oils and botanical infusions, giving them a distinctly regional identity.
Topics
Chonx Tibajia is a senior editor at Tatler Asia’s T-Labs team, where she writes widely on lifestyle subjects including beauty, style, entertainment and travel. She has a long career in journalism, including roles as a columnist at The Philippine Star, and is the founder of the creative platform Pineappleversed. Beyond Tatler, her bylines appear in regional lifestyle and business publications, showcasing a broad portfolio that spans beauty trends, travel guides and culture pieces.
