9 extraordinary places for wine lovers

A magical spot near Gdańsk, Poland, created by a former Time magazine foreign correspondent, whom we’ve mentioned in our previous roundups. John fell in love with this region, and today, alongside hosting guests, he makes wine from his own grapes and crafts authentic vodka from local Kashubian potatoes, generously shared with visitors. The on-site vineyard produces mainly red wines from frost-resistant American and French grape varieties, well-suited to Poland’s harsh winters. The wine list goes even further, offering over 250 selections worldwide—from Argentina, South Africa, France, Austria, Australia, to New Zealand. As a bonus, there’s a view of the lake and John’s unforgettable stories, shared effortlessly as popping a cork.Slowhop’s take: Lakeside setting with 16 apartments for wine and food lovers who also enjoy an active escape. A great base for running and cycling trails in Kashubia—preferably tackled before the wine. On-site tastings and meetings with winemakers and sommeliers from around the globe are common. And there’s a flock of sheep eager for cuddles.

“I honestly don’t know what to say—I didn’t want to go home. What the hosts have created here is simply amazing: a place born of heart, passion, and love. If I had to compare it to something, it would be the gateway to paradise where everyone finds something they enjoy. Thank you for your hospitality :)”

Here, on a south-facing slope, the wines are biodynamic with zero sulfur. Ania and Michał decided to use the inherited plot’s natural incline to create a vineyard like no other. Of course, the wine takes center stage, but there’s also a small, cozy cabin for up to four guests—an excellent spot to admire the vines and the Sudetes at any hour. Add in Ania’s delicious breakfasts and a wine-pairing dinner (with corks popping in the background), and you have a dreamy escape. We couldn’t help but daydream.Slowhop’s take: All this happens in Jerzmanice-Zdrój, near Złotoryja in southwestern Poland, at the foot of the Kaczawskie Mountains, the Izera Range, and the Karkonosze. You won’t run out of ways to unwind, and if you want to learn winemaking, you can join the vineyard work.

Here, everything clicks: passionate hosts, the natural treasures of Poland’s Podkarpackie region in view, and award-winning wines. As if that weren’t enough, Sztukówka has also become a local hub for handmade crafts and a warm, community-festival atmosphere. Loyal guests enjoy tastings where murmured delights and half-closed eyes abound. It’s a flawless combo. Leszek and Basia didn’t stop there—they rolled up their sleeves and added the final touch to this gem. To our delight, guests can now stay overnight—no counting wine glasses necessary. Two apartments (for two and four people) are available, both pet-friendly.Slowhop’s take: We love spots that become community centers, and Sztukówka is one of them. From May to August, the “Sztukówka invites” events feature local cheeses, linen products, wreath weaving, and live music.

We couldn’t imagine a wine roundup without Italy’s contribution. Introducing Novanta Borgo di Gello Hotel, set among the rolling green hills of Tuscany, east of Florence. This isn’t your typical hotel—it’s a restored village (Borgo di Gello) given new life by four friends from Amsterdam who fell for its charm. They transformed the rustic buildings into a retreat and a little capital of dolce vita, giving themselves ninety (novanta) days to make it work—and they succeeded brilliantly. Serving local wines here is a given, and most of what you eat and drink comes from the immediate surroundings. We’ll leave it there before this turns into an Italian novel.Slowhop’s take: By Slowhop standards, this is a large spot—it can host up to 76 guests across three separate houses. The upside? You’ll find communal dinners and wine tastings that stretch into the early hours. The downside? There’s no hotel corridor where you’ll bump into 15 strangers—each house has its own feel. Accommodation options range from rooms in the three traditional Tuscan buildings to a treehouse and a “bed under the stars.”

If lounging makes you think of preschool punishment, it’s time to rethink. We recommend doing it in the Żywiec Beskids, Poland, with Aga and Szymon at Sen & Wino. Why? For ten years, the hosts have been growing varieties like Solaris, Bianka, Aurora, Regent, Marechal Foch, Leon Millot, Muscaris, Johanniter, and Souvignier Gris on the south and east-facing slopes of the Beskid Żywiecki. Guests say the wine tastes best paired with local cheeses and the hosts’ stories. And you know what’s best? After such an evening, you’re just a few steps from REM sleep. The three cabins each sleep up to seven and are built to be allergy-friendly and eco-friendly—the clay houses have a wooden frame filled with straw bales. Smooth rest, Jackson-face-after-botox level, guaranteed.Slowhop’s take: We recommend the tasting cabin, which holds all the wine treasures, and the recreation cabin with sauna and hot tub. If that’s not enough, you can order more hedonistic pleasures on-site (massages and spa treatments). Check the profile or ask the hosts for details.

‘The place is charming with a very quiet and peaceful atmosphere. We left fully recharged with positive energy. I highly recommend Sen & Wino. The staff is friendly and professional, and our dog Gałgan was an unbeatable companion :). Our five-year-old daughter was delighted with everything—no small feat, since children are the toughest critics.’

First, we should explain why Dyziówka made it onto this list even though there’s no wine here. One reason is its proximity to the fantastic Widokowa Vineyard in Kombornia, part of the Carpathian Wine Route in southeastern Poland. Another is that Dyziówka is all about alpacas—and something tells us alpacas and wine make a great pair. Staying here means you can pet these lovely animals and then head out on a wine adventure through Subcarpathia. There’s plenty to explore, as the route covers 24 wineries in Poland and Slovakia. The closest are Widokowa Vineyard, Zamkowa Vineyard, and Dwór Kombornia Vineyard.Slowhop’s take: Alpaca therapy in Subcarpathia and a cozy wooden cabin next to the host’s home. There are also alpaca blankets and a warming Dyziówka liqueur—just ask (but not the alpacas!). Right next door, you’ll find a second cabin charmingly named Alpaczino.

‘Fairytale-like, peaceful, and serene—that’s how I’d sum up Dyziówka. Stunning, quiet, green surroundings. You can really feel the closeness of nature, made even better by the friendly alpacas roaming around. The cabin is decorated in a wonderfully atmospheric style and has everything you need. Just grab a deck chair and sip the homemade liqueur prepared by the hosts. Dyziówka was our absolute discovery, and we recommend it to anyone seeking a moment of relaxation in beautiful surroundings.’