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Sleep in a Giant Wine Barrel at this Beautiful Portuguese Vineyard

By Mike Richard Published April 21, 2021

At some point in their misspent youths, most red-blooded men have found solace or a good night’s “rest” at the bottom of a wine bottle. So, it’s reasonable to think you might also find both inside of a wine barrel. One Portuguese vineyard is giving wine-lovers the opportunity to do just that.

Owners Paulo Pereira and Maria do Céu Gonçalves personally designed each of the 10 wine-barrel-inspired guest suites at the Quinta da Pachecha estate. From the outside, they resemble giant pine wine barrels, complete with a large round glass entryway, a private deck, and even a “bunghole”-inspired skylight. Inside, the 270-square-foot floor plans feature all the trappings of a boutique hotel room including a round bed, en suite bathroom with high-end fixtures and a walk-in shower, Wi-Fi, and air-conditioning.

Quinta da Pachecha — Quinta da Pachecha/Facebook

Most connoisseurs will appreciate overnighting in a giant wine barrel as a bucket-list-worthy experience unto itself. However, the grounds of the 140-acre vineyard estate are the real star of the show. Even amid Portugal’s iconic Douro Valley wine region, Quinta da Pachecha stands out. Just steps from each suite, guests can tour 116-year-old grape vines, sip whites, reds, and ports in one of 15 wine-tasting rooms, and sample other boutique items like olive oil and fresh jams.

Quinta da Pachecha

Quinta da Pachecha

Quinta da Pachecha

Sleeping inside an industrial-sized booze barrel isn’t an entirely new concept. Germany’s boutique Schlafen im Weinfass (literally translated: “sleeping in a wine barrel”) winery offers similar barrel-inspired suites amid the country’s famous Baden wine region. All of the 8,000-liter barrel rooms feature a bed, en suite bathroom, modern amenities, and a garden patio overlooking the Rhine Valley. If tequila is more your speed, Mexico’s Matices Hotel de Barricas has you covered. Situated in the town of Tequila, the only place in the world allowed to produce the beverage officially, this distillery offers guest the opportunity to crash in a tequila-barrel-shaped guest room. All feature similarly modern amenities, plus a private deck overlooking acres of agave fields.

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A stay in Quinta da Pachecha’s wine barrel suites starts at $285 per night. If it’s a bit too kitschy for your liking, there are also traditional hotel rooms just steps away from the estate’s wine-making rooms.

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Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…

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