A Globetrotting Guide to Winery Restaurants

We believe in too much of a good thing, but not when it comes to winery restaurants. As if best-in-class wineries and restaurants weren’t enjoyable enough on their own, restaurants set on stunning wine-producing estates are simply divine. What could be better than enjoying a meal surrounded by vineyards, sipping on stellar wines made on site?

We spoke with wine industry pros to find the very best winery restaurants around the world, from Stellenbosch to Napa. Many of these restaurants are recognized by the Michelin Guide, but what really sets them apart is their spectacular surroundings and, of course, the wines.

Image Courtesy of Long Meadow Ranch

Farmstead at Long Meadow Ranch

Napa Valley, California

“I always feel like I am visiting someone’s home when at Farmstead,” says Cha McCoy, a sommelier and author of the forthcoming 100 Wine Journeys of a Lifetime. At the foothills of the Mayacamas Mountains, the acclaimed New American restaurant is nestled among the surrounding ranch and winery. With wood-fired pizzas and non-fussy farmstead cuisine, the menu shows off ingredients sourced directly from the ranch, including the olive oil, honey and grass-fed highland beef and lamb.

“I don’t know if it’s the inviting garden, the sweet heat from the barbecue in the air, or getting a chance to connect with my fellow Wine Enthusiast 40 Under 40 Tastemaker Chris Hall, the owner,” she adds. Whatever the reason, it’s well worth the trip.

Ten Minutes by Tractor

Mornington Peninsula, Australia

Paul Robineau, master sommelier at Domaine les Crayères, a Relais & Châteaux property in the heart of Reims, France, says fine-dining restaurant and winery, Ten Minutes by Tractor, holds some of his favorite memories of Australia.

In a chic, modern setting, executive chef Hayden Ellis serves a playful French-inflected tasting menu (think bone marrow short rib doughnuts) designed to show off the cool-climate wines of Mornington Peninsula.

“The winery is known for producing high-quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, [and] the cool climate and unique soil conditions contribute to the wines’ distinct characteristics,” says Robineau. “The Chardonnay often exhibits bright acidity and mineral notes, while the Pinot Noir typically displays red fruit flavors and earthy undertones. These wines pair well with the regional cuisine, offering a taste of the Mornington Peninsula terroir.”

Palma at Torre de Palma Wine Hotel

Vaiamonte, Portugal

This picturesque hotel in the Alentejo also happens to be the site of a 14th-century vineyard, as well as Palma, a celebrated restaurant serving inventive takes on regional cuisine like slow-roasted Alentejo pork tenderloin served with chorizo ravioli and bacalhau no forno (baked codfish) with cornbread crumbs. Served in a warm yet elegant dining room within the castle, the menu also shows off simpler fare like homemade sausages, regional cheeses and house-baked bread served with olive oils made on-site.

“I love a winery that covers all of my hospitality needs,” says McCoy. “Torre de Palma is the perfect wine and wellness destination. It’s a great example of the perfect stress-free wine getaway with an onsite chef and overnight suites.”

Bistro Sixteen at Steenberg Wine Farm — Image Courtesy of Steenberg Wine Farm

Bistro Sixteen82 at Steenberg Wine Farm

Cape Town, South Africa

“Steenberg in Constantia offers a complete winelands experience,“ says Michael Langenhoven, cellar master at Mont Rochelle in Franschhoek, South Africa. And its restaurant, Bistro Sixteen82, lives up to the exceptional wines with a contemporary bistro menu.

The terraced dining area is surrounded by striking reflective water features and sweeping views of the local gardens and mountains.

“You can enjoy a sophisticated, contemporary menu with dishes showcasing fresh, seasonal ingredients, all perfectly paired with Steenberg wines,” he says. “Beyond the excellent food and wine, Steenberg boasts a world-class 18-hole golf course set against the stunning backdrop of the Constantia mountains.”

Cucine Nervi

Gattinara, Italy

The highly acclaimed restaurant, Cucine Nervi, serves contemporary Italian cuisine, featuring housemade fresh pastas like tortello and broccoli rabe gnudi, from inside the beautiful Cantine Nervi winery, which is the oldest cantina (i.e. cellar) in Gattinara.

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Despite its rich history, the ambiance is chic and elevated, with traditional tables as well as the option to sit at the counter in front of the large open kitchen.

“Roberto Conterno brings his fastidious focus on perfection to his restaurant at his property in Gattinara,” says Jason Alexander, wine director of Che Fico, Che Fico Parco Menlo and Che Fico Pizzeria in San Francisco.

The Restaurant at Hidden Valley Wines

Stellenbosch, South Africa

“This true hidden gem is renowned for its award-winning wines, particularly their elegant Sauvignon Blanc and complex Bordeaux-style blends, all crafted with fruit from their sustainably farmed vineyards,” says Langenhoven.

Simply known as The Restaurant at Hidden Valley Wines, the eatery offers “a relaxed yet sophisticated dining experience, with a focus on fresh, seasonal cuisine that complements their wines,” he says.

All served atop a floating deck with stunning panoramas, dishes span from ostrich carpaccio to herb-crusted kudo loin (a type of antelope). “But what truly sets Hidden Valley apart are the breathtaking views. Imagine savoring a glass of their flagship red blend while overlooking the rolling vineyards, framed by the dramatic peaks of the Helderberg mountains. It’s a must-visit for anyone seeking a tranquil escape and a taste of the Stellenbosch winelands at their finest.”

Les Avisés

Avize, France

Both veterans of the legendary chef Anne-Sophie Pic, Les Avisé chef Stéphane Rossillon and his wife (who works front of house) serve a set menu of modern French cuisine at a gorgeous family estate. Dishes are served in the charming guesthouse dining room, which includes a sunny terrace, change daily, but the cheese course of regional delicacies is not to be missed.

“Located in the Grand Cru village of Avize in the Côte des Blancs, Les Avisés offers a unique Champagne experience,” says Robineau, noting that this small hotel and restaurant is associated with Domaine Jacques Selosse, known for its highly sought-after Chardonnay Champagnes.

“The chalky soils of Avize contribute to the distinctive character of these wines, often described as having great depth and purity,” Robineau says. “At Les Avisés, guests can enjoy these exceptional Champagnes alongside elegant cuisine in a refined setting. It’s a rare opportunity to experience these prestigious wines at a reasonable price.”

Amisfield Restaurant

Frankton, New Zealand

Named as one of the World’s 50 Best Discovery restaurants in 2023, the cutting-edge spot serves a 3.5 hour tasting menu on a 200-acre organic winery that overlooks Lake Hayes. The dining room is simple and refined, with giant windows framing the picturesque countryside.

“Amisfield in New Zealand is the best in the world,” says Chase Williams, executive chef at Anthology in Oregon’s Dundee Hills, which also happens to be a restaurant located within a locally beloved winery (Four Graces). “They offer an exceptional dining experience, paired with phenomenal wines, all perfectly representing the region.”

Indigeno Ristorante at Salcheto

Montepulciano, Italy

Set amid the rolling hills of Montepulciano, this Michelin-recommended Tuscan restaurant is located inside a 13th-century farmhouse that was converted into a wine estate.

“One of the most memorable meals I have ever had was at Salcheto in Montepulciano, where their winery restaurant, Indigino, served foraged vegetables from the estate and incredibly delicious cinghiale [boar] paired with pici pasta—now my favorite pasta style after all my travels,” says Nicholas Schulman, director of wine at RPM Italian Restaurants. “Under the visionary guidance of Michele Manelli, the head of the estate, the experience felt like a masterclass in local Tuscan flavors and traditional culinary passion.”

Rustic at Francis Ford Coppola Winery

Geyserville, California

“One of my favorite restaurants at a winery is in California at Francis Ford Coppola,” says Peter Marcy, beverage director at Black Walnut Inn & Grange Estate in Oregon. “With a beautiful setting, surrounded by movie props and memorabilia, you can sit outside amongst the vines or enjoy the architecture inside. There is so much to explore before and after dinner.”

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In addition to the super fresh Italian cuisine, like tagliatelle bolognese, seasonal wood-fired pizzas and braised short rib, all served in a warm, casual atmosphere, “you are surrounded by a plethora of California wines,” Marcy adds.

Photography by Rodrigo Guillenea for Bodega Garzon

Bodega Garzón Restaurant

Maldonado, Uruguay

The so-green-I-can’t-believe-it’s-real views are alone enough of a draw to lure guests to Bodega Garzón’s sleek modernist winery, which is perched atop a hillside overlooking the estate’s sprawling vineyards planted 160 meters above sea level. Throw into the mix world-class wine (its bottles are consistently rated highly by Wine Enthusiast’s Tasting Department) and a knock-out restaurant, and a visit is a no-brainer.

“The dining room features these panoramic views of the surrounding vineyards that are kind of shocking in their beauty, to be honest—it’s hard to convey how lush it is,” says Wine Enthusiast Digital Managing Editor Rachel Tepper Paley. The food hits the mark, too.

“The culinary director is the famous Argentinian chef Francis Mallmann, who specializes in this very evocative, open-fire style of cooking,” Tepper Paley continues. “Needless to say, one eats well here.”

Expect rib-sticking dishes like clay oven-baked lamb with sweet potatoes swimming in a meaty broth and charred pork ribs with grilled fennel, as well as homemade bread served alongside aromatic olive oil made by Colinas de Garzón, which is operated by Bodega Garzón owner Alejandro Bulgheroni.

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