[Image: Courtesy of Mirbeau Inn & Spa]Located in a glorious countryside dotted with vineyards, Keswick Club in Charlottesville, Virginia, added wine-based treatments to its spa’s menu after its director of health and wellness, Colette Long, researched and became convinced by the merits of vinotherapy. “The components in the acids of the red wine grapes strengthen microcirculation and help retain skin’s elasticity,” enthuses Long, who encourages spas to work with nearby wineries to create offerings that appeal to wine drinkers and spa lovers alike. During the local grape harvest season, from August through November, she sees a spike in bookings for packages like The Keswick Reserve (180 min./$365), which includes a glass of red wine and five treatments: a grapeseed oil massage, Shiraz body scrub, red wine body mask, Pinot Noir facial, and Shiraz face and body smoother.
Nestled in New York State’s gorgeous Finger Lakes Wine Country, Mirbeau Inn & Spa in Skaneateles takes advantage of its proximity to local vineyards by running a Wine Tour package (from $1,590 for two people) that includes accommodations for two nights, a winery excursion and a 50-minute spa treatment. The spa’s menu also presents more accessible treatments such as a Crushed Cabernet Scrub (pictured above) and Honey & Wine Wrap (both 50 min./$130 weekdays or $140 weekends), which are designed to maximize the nourishing and regenerative properties of grapes. For spa owners who want to incorporate wine-based services into their menus, spa director Catherine Sinclair advises, “Make sure they fit with the overall theme of your spa, and choose a line that has a retail component so your guests can continue the experience at home.”
To coincide with the grape harvest from August through October, the spa at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa in Carlsbad, California, holds a weekly Spa Under the Stars event, in which participants enjoy a wine-themed treatment such as the Vintners Reserve Facial (50 min./$139), followed by an outdoor wine and cheese tasting hosted by a sommelier. The evening get-together has proved so popular that the spa has expanded its roster to include a Weekday Wine Down, giving guests 20% off select services, plus a glass of wine or champagne post-treatment. “Grape seeds contain potent antioxidants, deeply condition the skin and work great as exfoliants,” says spa director Michelle Frye. “Plus, we’re a very social spa, so incorporating wine into the experience really caters to what our clients look for.” Cheers to that!
–by Jennifer Chen
