Vinotherapy is a wellness discipline that harnesses the antioxidant power of grape extracts, wine polyphenols and vine-derived ingredients for skin and body treatments. The concept was developed in Bordeaux in the 1990s by Mathilde and Jerome Cathiard at their Château Smith Haut Lafitte estate, and has since spread to wine régions across France and beyond. A vinotherapy session might involve soaking in a warm barrel bath infused with crushed grape seeds, receiving a full-body polyphenol wrap, enjoying a vine shoot exfoliation scrub or relaxing with a grape-based facial. The treatments are as indulgent as they sound, and the setting — typically surrounded by vineyards — adds considerably to the experience.
Where to Find the Best Wine Spas in France
The Les Sources de Caudalie spa near Bordeaux remains the benchmark for vinotherapy worldwide. Set among the vines of Château Smith Haut Lafitte in the Pessac-Leognan appellation, it offers a full menu of original treatments developed with the Caudalie beauty brand, a thermal pool, hammam and four restaurants. Overnight stays allow guests to combine spa sessions with cellar visits and wine tastings at the estate. Other wine spas have opened in Alsace, Burgundy and Provence, with varying levels of luxury and a shared focus on vine-derived ingredients. Most offer half-day and full-day packages that can be combined with nearby vineyard exploration.
Combining Vinotherapy with Wine Tourism
A wine spa break works perfectly as part of a wider wine tourism itinerary. Spend mornings visiting nearby estates, exploring cellar collections and attending tastings, then retreat to the spa in the afternoon for treatments and relaxation. Many wine hôtel spas also offer wine tasting experiences led by in-house sommeliers, creating a seamless blend of wellness and wine éducation. Booking a two or three-night vineyard stay with spa access included is often the most cost-effective approach, and allows you to experience the full range of what wine accommodation in France has to offer at its most luxurious.
