Wine and Spa Lovers Unite
A European trend is quickly spreading. Two heavenly pleasures - spas and wine - are now joined in a marriage of grape bliss.
Vinotherapy, an alluring wellness concept, intertwines the luxurious world of spas with the age-old indulgence of wine. Originating in the lush vineyards of France, this unique therapy was pioneered by the French skincare brand Caudalie, co-founded by Mathilde and Bertrand Thomas. The couple discovered the potential of grape seeds in enhancing skin health during a chance meeting with Professor Joseph Vercauteren, a polyphenols specialist, at their family vineyard in Bordeaux. Fascinated by the antioxidant properties of grape seeds, which are potent in combating aging, they developed a skincare line and spa treatments revolving around this concept, thus birthing vinotherapy.
Vinotherapy has since garnered global acclaim, becoming a coveted experience for wellness enthusiasts and wine lovers alike. The treatments typically involve the use of grape-based products such as grape seed oil, crushed Cabernet scrubs, and wine baths, believed to harness the rejuvenating and revitalizing properties of grapes. This luxurious therapy transcends beyond mere relaxation, promising anti-aging benefits and improved skin vitality, making it popular among those seeking a unique pampering experience. Its popularity has grown not only because of its supposed health benefits but also due to the sheer indulgence and novelty it offers.
In the heart of Bordeaux, Les Sources de Caudalie, stands as the epitome of vinotherapy luxury. This exquisite spa, nestled amidst vineyards, offers an array of treatments that showcase the essence of vinotherapy. From barrel baths filled with warm water and vine extracts to Merlot wraps and grape-seed oil massages, the spa promises a holistic experience that celebrates the vine's life cycle. Another notable mention is the Spa Vinothérapie Caudalie at The Plaza Hotel in New York City, where urban dwellers can escape into a world of wine-inspired relaxation.
Italy, too, has embraced vinotherapy with open arms. At the Adler Thermae Spa in Tuscany, guests can immerse themselves in baths of local Brunello di Montalcino, renowned for its rejuvenating properties. The spa combines traditional Italian thermal waters with the antioxidant benefits of grapes, offering a unique blend of health and heritage. In the picturesque region of Piedmont, the L’Andana Spa offers treatments using grapes from their own vineyards, epitomizing the farm-to-face ethos.
As vinotherapy continues to captivate the wellness world, more spas across the globe are incorporating wine-based treatments into their offerings. From the rolling vineyards of South Africa to the sun-kissed valleys of California, these treatments celebrate the natural bounty and timeless allure of the vine. Whether it’s a wine bath in Bordeaux or a grape seed scrub in Tuscany, vinotherapy offers an intoxicating journey into the heart of wellness and luxury, making it a must-try experience for those seeking a unique blend of indulgence and health.
Why drink the elixir of centuries when you can swim in it? I say dive in. The water (bubbly, blush, red, or white) should be divine.
Updated December 2023.