This Summer’s Premier Mixology and Wine Experiences at Hotels

For your next summer gathering, wouldn’t be great to wow your friends with a curated selection of top summer mixology and wine-tasting experiences. What if some of the top hotels and resorts from around the world did all the recipe prep work for you!

Read on for a diverse array of beverages, creative reinterpretations of classic drinks and immersive experiences that invite guests to fully engage with each locale’s unique character.

Vanderbilt, Auberge Resorts Collection l Newport, RI

This summer experience The Vanderbilt Auberge Resorts Collection’s first-ever whisky tasting room experience honoring one of the world’s leading single malt whiskies, The Macallan®. The Vanderbilt proudly offers its Reserve Room–an extraordinary haven for guests and locals to immerse themselves in an unparalleled world of spirits. The space has been transformed into a sumptuous, interactive whisky haven complete with a billiards table, red paneled walls, custom lighting, exploratory mystery activations, and more, serving exclusive cocktails and pours of the storied whisky brand. The Reserve Room will serve as the backdrop for the Into the Cask Whisky Tasting, allowing guests to savor a variety of The Macallan expressions while learning the story behind each of the pours alongside indulgent bites from Executive Chef Tim Caspare, and The Macallan Mixology Class, an immersive and educational cocktail class and mixology experience centered around The Macallan’s finest whisky.

Stanly Ranch, Auberge Resorts Collection | Napa Valley, CA

Guests are invited to The Grange for an immersive herb-forward cocktail experience this summer. They can join Farm Director Nick Runkle for a tour, exploring the property’s regenerative agriculture practices and harvesting fresh ingredients directly from the garden. Following the tour, guests will enjoy a refreshing cocktail alongside Farmer Nick before learning to craft two unique cocktails with the guidance of our lead mixologist.

Domaine Des Etangs, Auberge Resorts Collection | Massignac, France

Sunset cocktails and wines from nearby Bordeaux pair beautifully with live music at Bar Etoile at Domaine Des Etangs this summer, the Chateau’s cocktail bar set within the living rooms of the 13th-century castle. Travelers can join for sunset cocktails, bites and nightcaps from Thursday through Saturday, complete with live music. Cocktail ingredients are harvested from Domaine’s onsite gardens, celebrating the rich heritage of France and its signature spirits of Cognac, Armagnac and Champagne. Guests looking to immerse themselves fully in the region’s distilling history should not miss a nightly Honour Bar featuring Bourgoin Cognac, as well as a new custom Cognac blending experience from the vineyard that leads guests on an exploration of flavor.

Ojai Valley Inn | Ojai, CA  

On August 14, guests are invited to an unforgettable tequila tasting in the Farmhouse, Ojai’s one-of-a-kind epicurean destination and event space. This exclusive event is a fantastic opportunity to explore the world of Codigo’s sought-after tequilas. With a tequila specialist guiding the way, guests will dive into the rich history of tequila production and learn how to distinguish between different styles. Additionally, on August 6, join an hour-long seminar with Ojai’s newest and most exciting winery, Ojai Mountain. This tasting features a flight of five exquisite wines, paired perfectly with cheese and charcuterie.

Grace Hotel, Auberge Resorts Collection | Santorini, Greece

Grace Hotel has debuted this summer two new infinity suites and a tablescape collaboration with Mrs. Alice, welcoming the long-awaited return of European summer vacations. Perched on the cliffside overlooking Santorini’s famed caldera, and enveloped by vineyards from the north to the south, this intimate hotel invites guests to embark on a journey to discover the region’s finest wineries, accompanied by a knowledgeable private tour guide. Savoring aromas unique to the island, guests will taste rare and exotic local wines, culminating in an authentic experience at Santorini’s most cherished local farm.