Travel indulgence of the month
Fancy an über-romantic weekend break in the middle of a vineyard? We're not suggesting you jet off to France or Italy: instead, you can head for a haven of peace and tranquility in glorious Gloucestershire.
The famous Three Choirs vineyard has recently opened a collection of luxurious lodges, nestling between the breathtaking vines and overlooking the ponds in the valley below the winery's celebrated restaurant.
Each lodge is separated from its neighbour by several rows of vines, so it's the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, and indulge in a little you-and-me time. Beds are king-size; bathrooms feature large baths and separate showers; and an inviting verandah wraps around two walls of each lodge.
And you don't even have to leave the lodge for breakfast. Every morning, a hamper is delivered to your doorstep, featuring a mouthwatering selection of culinary delights including freshly squeezed orange juice, yoghurts, fresh fruit and delicious pastries. If you want to further immerse yourself in your beautiful surroundings and eat al fresco, the vineyard can provide barbecue packs. Keep a cautious eye on the weather, though!
Of course, it would be a shame not to visit the restaurant at some point during your stay: if you don't make it there for a cooked breakfast, you can always book a table for lunch or dinner. Some sample dishes? Seared breast of Gressingham duck with spring onion mash, plum and hoi sin sauce; or grilled rib-eye of Aubrey Allen award-winning beef served with grilled vine-ripened cherry tomatoes and a béarnaise sauce.
And if you want to learn a little more about the winery during your visit, why not book a Vineyard Experience Day? You'll get to don your winemaker's overalls and help out with whatever tasks need doing - whether its pruning, shoot-rubbing or grape-picking. Your reward? A three-course lunch in the restaurant and your choice of two bottles of wine to take away with you!
Lodges can be booked from £145 per night. For more information, go to www.threechoirs.com.
