The World's Best Winery Restaurants

We travelled. We noshed. We imbibed. We took plenty of notes and even a few photographs.

Then we argued. Just a little, true, but coming up with the definitive guide to the world’s greatest winery restaurants isn’t as easy as it sounds.

Each place must offer not just outstanding wines, but also wonderful meals, service and ambience — the sort of place you’d go back to again and again, if you could. And the sort of place that, once you’ve been there, you’ll remember fondly for the rest of your life.

Here, as chosen by Wine Access, are the best places to eat at wineries around the world, whether you’re planning a trip to a wine region, or simply dreaming about potential escapes.

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Winery Restaurants in Argentina

Bodega O. Fournier, Urban

It’s hard to say which is the more breathtaking: the snowcapped Andes towering over the O. Fournier vineyards, or the starkly modern, minimalist winery standing in the middle of them. But one thing is certain: the winery’s Urban restaurant is elevating the cuisine of Mendoza to near-Andean heights. Chef (and co-owner with her husband, Jose Manuel Ortega Gil-Fournier) Nadia Ortega prepares innovative fixed-course lunches of local ingredients that take inspiration from Argentine, Spanish and Mediterranean cuisine, big flavours that live up to the winery’s huge red wines. (JS)

Calle Los Indios 5567 La Consulta, Mendoza, Argentina

54-0-2622-451579

reservas@ofournier.com

Familia Zuccardi, Casa del Visitante

Tasting note: Zuccardi 2007 Q Tempranillo

A warm, approachable five-star restaurant, with stunning mountain and vineyard views, the Casa del Visitante is the perfect place to discover Argentine wine and food. Chef Matias Aldasoro offers a selection of tasting menus, including one based on the classic tradition of the “asado,” or grilled meats, and another, more creative option that features innovative preparations of local ingredients. In the family tradition, guests can also pitch in and pick grapes before relaxing on the vine-covered patio with one of the winery’s bold red blends. (JS)

Ruta Provincial 33, km 7.5, Maipu 5500, Mendoza, Argentina

54-261-4410000

info@familiazuccardi.com

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Winery Restaurants in Australia

Penfolds, Magill Estate Restaurant

Located about a 15-minute drive from downtown Adelaide, Penfolds’ Magill Estate Restaurant is a sleek, modern building, with incredible views of some of the famous Penfolds vineyards and the city of Adelaide. As for the menu, it’s heavily focused on ingredients — kangaroo, wattleseed, native pepperberries — sourced from local producers and turned into magical dishes by young chef Jock Zonfrillo (formerly from Scotland) and his talented crew. And yes, you can order both current and library vintages of the iconic Penfolds Grange, which is also available by the glass. (SB)

78 Penfold Rd., Magill, South Australia

61-8-8301-5551

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Winery Restaurants in Canada

Cave Spring Cellars, On the Twenty Restaurant

On the Twenty is Ontario’s first estate winery restaurant and is situated in the quaint village of Jordan. The restaurant features an intimate setting, with stunning panoramic views overlooking the Twenty Mile Creek.

Head chef Kevin Maniaci and his culinary team are committed to marrying Niagara foods and wines to draw out the best qualities of each other. Cave Spring wines are paired with wild game and free-run poultry from neighbouring farms, along with fruits and vegetables grown in the same “terroir” where the vineyards are planted. (RVS)

3845 Main St., Jordan, Ontario

1-800-701-8074

restaurant@innonthetwenty.com

Domaine de Grand Pré, Le Caveau

Domaine de Grand Pré, which celebrated its 10th anniversary in 2010, is located at the historical site of the first modern Nova Scotian winery, just outside of Wolfville. The Swiss-born Stutz family added beautiful landscaping, modern wine equipment, a gift shop, and Le Caveau, a fabulous restaurant overlooking the vineyards and the Bay of Fundy, with a gorgeous pergola complete with stone pillars.

Chef Jason Lynch does excellent work here, with a focus on local products, always suiting the crisp, European-style wines fashioned by Jürg Stutz. Specialties include buttered Moroccan chicken and house-made L'Acadie vine-smoked salmon. (CP)

11611 Highway 1, Grand Pré, Nova Scotia

902-542-7177

lecaveau@grandprewines.ns.ca

Hester Creek Estate Winery, Terrafina Restaurant

Sitting under the vines that cover the patio, sipping a glass of trebbiano and nibbling on antipasti, it’s easy to feel like you’re in Tuscany. The Italian mood continues indoors, in the 45-seat restaurant filled with warm colours, iron chandeliers and tantalizing aromas. Executive chef Jeremy Luypen has certainly been inspired by the cooking of Italy, but even more so by the ingredients of the Okanagan. After all, the name “Terrafina” is Italian for “from the earth.” Expect satisfying seasonal and local fare that pairs beautifully with winemaker Rob Summers’ fresh, lively wines. (JS)

13163 326 Ave., Box 1605, Oliver, British Columbia

250-498-4435

info@terrafinarestaurant.com

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Ravine Vineyard Estate Winery, Ravine Bistro

Tasting note: Ravine Vineyard 2008 Reserve Cabernet Franc

It’s tucked away in a quiet corner of St. Davids, set among the vines at Ravine Vineyards. Ravine Bistro, which was revamped this spring, has quickly become a favourite of local food and wine fans for its country charm and relaxed feel, whether inside or on the back porch on a warm summer night. Chef Paul Harber has created a classic bistro menu all sourced from local producers. From crispy-skinned duck confit, to fresh-shucked oysters and coq au vin, this bistro serves quality food matched to Ravine’s organic wines and those of neighbours. (RVS)

1366 York Rd., St. Davids, Ontario

905-262-8463

Tinhorn Creek Vineyards, Miradoro Restaurant

The “miradoro” or “golden view” here is the breathtaking panorama of the South Okanagan Valley, perfectly captured by the floor-to-ceiling windows in this sleek, modern restaurant. Restaurateur Manuel Ferreira, owner of Vancouver’s much-loved Le Gavroche, and chef Jeff Van Geest have created an irresistible Mediterranean-Okanagan fusion cuisine here. Local ingredients bring fresh life to Spanish chorizo, Neapolitan-style pizza and Moroccan tagine, and the dishes pair gorgeously with winemaker Sandra Oldfield’s crisp chardonnays and smooth merlots. The patio overlooking the winery’s amphitheatre is the place to be on sunny afternoons for tapas and a glass of Oldfield Series Rosé. (JS)

32830 Tinhorn Creek Rd., Box 2010, Oliver, British Columbia

250-498-3742 or 1-888-484-6467

info@miradoro.ca

Vineland Estates Winery Restaurant

With a stunning, panoramic view of Lake Ontario and Toronto in the distance, the Vineland Estates Winery Restaurant combines the beauty of the Niagara Escarpment with a superb menu created by executive chef Justin Downes. The main dining room is housed in a renovated 1845 farmhouse and features continental cuisine sourced from fresh, local produce and matched to an extensive wine list made from grapes grown in the vineyards surrounding the restaurant and winery. (RVS)

3620 Moyer Rd., Vineland, Ontario

888-846-3526 ext. 33

reservations@vineland.com

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Winery Restaurants in Chile

Casas del Bosque, Tanino

Situated less than 20 kilometres from the Pacific Ocean, it’s not surprising that this cool, modern wine bar specializes in tender seafood. Chef Álvaro Larraguibel’s chili-marinated scallop tartare and crispy spring rolls stuffed with abalone also happen to pair beautifully with the boutique winery’s crisp sauvignon blancs and luscious chardonnays. Guests can choose the six-course tasting menu with wine pairings in the dining room, or relax over tapas in the saloon, while taking in the sights of the beautiful Casablanca Valley. (JS)

Hijuela Nº 2 Ex fundo, Santa Rosa, Casablanca, Chile

56-2-377-9431

tanino@casasdelbosque.cl

Miguel Torres Chile, Restaurante Viña Torres

A New World outpost of a Spanish vintner, Miguel Torres is one of Chile’s largest wineries and produces everything from brut and rosé to cabernet sauvignon. Guests can sample most of the range when they drop by the winery’s sophisticated restaurant. All cool minimalist décor with big windows for taking in the surrounding vineyards, it’s a relaxed spot to enjoy chef Gabriel Ramos’ inventive regional fare, such as the grilled swordfish with sesame crust or creamy shellfish “chupe,” or stew. (JS)

Panamericana Sur km. 195, Curicó, Chile

56-75-564110

restaurante@migueltorres.cl

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Winery Restaurants in Italy

Antinori, Osteria di Passignano

Tasting note: Antinori 2006 Riserva Badia a Passignano Chianto Classico

The Osteria is a one-Michelin star restaurant located at a breathtaking abbey, by the site where Antinori’s famous Badia a Passignano Chianti Classico Reserva originates. The restaurant was founded by Tuscan cuisine and wine enthusiast Marcello Crini and Allegra Antinori. Head chef Matia Barciulli and his team specialize in creative and ever-changing interpretations of traditional Tuscan cuisine, featuring local ingredients such as the “Cinta Senese” pigs raised wild in the woods. The Wednesday cooking class/winery tour is legendary. (CP)

Via Passignano 33, Badia a Passignano, Tuscany, Italy

39-055-807-1278

Mastroberardino, Morabianca

Morabianca is a recently opened fine-dining hall and funky wine bar in the gorgeous Radici resort, about an hour’s drive from Mastroberardino in Avellino. Chef Francesco Spagnuolo does a wonderful job with inspired interpretations of regional dishes, including ricotta-stuffed ravioli with walnuts and braised beef with herbs, cooked in Taurasi wine.
The view from Morabianca is spectacular,
looking over estate vineyards and olive trees, with shadowy hills in the distance. A complete cellar of Mastroberardino’s fine wines is on offer, including older vintages. Other regional wines are also available. (CP)

Contrada Corpo di Cristo Mirabella, Eclano 83036 (Av), Campania, Italy

39-0825-431-537

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Winery Restaurants in Spain

Marqués de Riscal Restaurant

Located in the fabulous Frank Gehry-designed Hotel Marqués de Riscal, the restaurant offers views of Elciego and the Rioja vineyards. The cuisine is based on traditional Spanish fare, with head chef Francis Paniego and executive chef Ramón Piñeiro (who both previously worked at Michelin-starred restaurants) applying a modern, creative touch. Wine selection is formidable and includes the estate’s own wines. The Memory Menu features such twists on tradition as pheasant in crépine over collard and almond cream. (CP)

Calle Torrea, 1, Elciego, Spain

34-945-180880

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Winery Restaurants in New Zealand

Craggy Range, Terrôir Restaurant

The Terrôir Restaurant at Craggy Range is one of the best places to take lunch or dinner in the Hawke's Bay region. The cuisine is superb, the wines are some of best New Zealand has to offer and the setting is spectacular, at the foot of Te Mata Peak, surrounded by vineyards. It’s a meal to savour, so allow enough time to truly enjoy the experience.

There are some excellent vineyard platters at lunch for around $12 each, which are fun to share if you are looking for a light bite, but find time for a long leisurely dinner with wines for an unforgettable experience. (STh)

253 Waimarama Road, Havelock North, Hawke's Bay, New Zealand

64-6-8730143

Soljans Winery Cafe

If you are visiting wineries in the northern suburbs of Auckland, there is no better place for lunch than Soljans Winery Cafe. The food is Mediterranean-style with a New Zealand twist, and the menu changes with the seasons, since the team uses fresh, local produce. The set menu lunch is about $20 and offers four daily choices, each designed to go with one of the wines (available by the glass) plus dessert of the day. It is very informal and the service is excellent, but it does get busy, so it’s best to book, especially on weekends. (STh)

366 State Highway 16, Kumeu, Auckland, New Zealand

64-9-4122680

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Winery Restaurants in South Africa

Boschendal Estate, Le Pique Nique

There are many fine winery restaurants in the Stellenbosch area but, on the Boschendal Estate, Le Pique Nique offers a unique alfresco experience. Under the trees on this large historic estate, one can take an elegant, French-style picnic with wines. For about $20 per person, you get a sumptuous wicker picnic basket with lots of cold treats and fresh baguettes. Wines from the estate, desserts and hot drinks are served from a gazebo at extra cost.

There are large umbrellas, tables and chairs scattered about, but the truly adventurous take to the grass for a real “déjeuner sur l'herbe” experience. I can think of no better way to take a break, enjoy a light meal and relax amid some of the most spectacular scenery in the wine world. (STh)

27-21-8704272

Steenberg Vineyards, Bistro Sixteen82

Bistro Sixteen82 is an ultra-modern destination with superb bistro dishes on the Steenberg Estate. If you are turned on by the idea of drinking some of South Africa's best sauvignon blanc with seafood, then it is the raw cuisine, such as sashimi, gravadlax, ceviche, carpaccios, oysters and tartares that will enthrall. These dishes are prepared on order by the chef, depending on what is available that morning at the nearby fishing port.

Dine on the terrace or in the spacious modern interior, with views over the vineyards that lie below Table Mountain, and enjoy simple yet deliciously fresh cuisine with the wines of the estate. (STh)

Steenberg Vineyards, Constantia, South Africa

27-21-7132211

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Winery Restaurants in the United States

Domaine Chandon, étoile

Tasting note: Chandon N/V Blanc de Noirs

Dazzlingly talented young chef Perry Hoffman has brought the sparkle back to the only fine-dining restaurant within a winery in Napa Valley. The Michelin-starred étoile has always been known for its sophisticated ambience, gorgeous wine country views and terrific service, but these days, it’s the food that’s the star here. Working closely with the winemakers, who produce nothing but sparkling wines, Hoffman prepares innovative seasonal cuisine based on exceptional local produce, such as spring’s memorable stinging nettle risotto with sweet shrimp, chickweed and shaved bonito. (JS)

1 California Dr., Yountville, California, United States

888-242-6366 Opt. 2

customerservice@chandon.com

Justin Winery, Deborah’s Room

Whether you’re snuggling by the stone fireplace or relaxing on the wishing-well patio, this cozy, intimate spot is one of Paso Robles’ finest places to dine. Chef Will Torres’ menu changes daily, depending on what’s seasonal and good, but guests can expect elegant comfort food that’s rich with deep flavours — celery root soup with duck fat croutons, for instance, or braised Wagyu beef brisket with ginger-carrot puree. Dishes are perfectly paired with this family winery’s award-winning Bordeaux-style blends, such as the intense, complex Isosceles. (JS)

11680 Chimney Rock Rd., Paso Robles, California, United States

805-238-6932 or 1-800-726-0049

innkeeper@justinwine.com