Hotel at a Glance: The Vineyard at Florence

These rustic Italianate villas in the appropriately named Florence, Texas, are set amid 32 acres of rolling vineyards, where creeping vines hang heavy with ripe Cabernet and Lenoir grapes. You can sample the estate’s robust wine selection in a gallery decked out with original artwork, or pick up a bottle at the onsite shop and take it to your guest room’s private balcony. The property’s café offers the additional temptation of hot chocolate from Bissinger’s chocolatiers.

• Wine tasting included with your stay
• Savor wood-fired pizzas and chicken piccata beneath the shade of live oak trees at Café di Elysia.
• Tuscan-inspired decor and private balconies add stylish touches to luxury rooms.
• Sprawling villas: The Villa Luca accommodates up to 6 people, while the Villa Vigna can hold 10.
• For ultimate luxury: Book the 5,000-square foot Villa Vigna. It overlooks the vineyard and boasts five bedrooms, two outdoor patios, and an outdoor fireplace, among other extravagances.
• Instant rejuvenation: The onsite spa offers Botox and filler treatments by appointment.
• Polo field on the property

Florence, Texas: Intimate Vineyards in Texas Hill Country

Florence sits in Texas Hill Country, amid acres of rolling green hills sprinkled with colorful wildflowers and rock formations. The landscape and warm climate are ideal for grape growing. Visitors can sample local wines at several vineyards in the area or follow the Texas Wine Trail, which extends all the way to Austin.

Austin—less than an hour away by car—is definitely worth a day trip. The state’s quirky capital city is home to eclectic museums, the main campus of the University of Texas, and scores of nightclubs where you can find some of the country’s best live music.

Love to travel? Follow us on Facebook and Twitter for travel tips, inspiration, and photos from around the world.