The world's original wine spa, founded in 1999 among the Grand Cru Classé vineyards of Pessac-Léognan. Signature treatments include the Barrel Bath (soaking in warm Merlot grape extract), the Crushed Cabernet scrub, and the Pulp Friction massage using wine grape seeds.
Vinothérapie Spa Caudalie stands as the world's original wine therapy spa, established in 1999 amid the prestigious Grand Cru Classé vineyards of Pessac-Léognan, in Martillac near Bordeaux, Nouvelle-Aquitaine. Inspired by the discovery that grape seeds contain powerful antioxidant polyphenols, Mathilde and Bertrand Thomas created a pioneering spa philosophy that harnesses the healing properties of the vine at every step.
The spa occupies a beautifully appointed building on the grounds of Les Sources de Caudalie hotel, adjacent to Château Smith Haut Lafitte. Twelve treatment rooms, a hammam, a sauna, an outdoor heated pool set among the vines, and a 55-metre indoor pool that mirrors the architecture of the surrounding wine estate create an atmosphere that is both serene and distinctive. Throughout, the colour palette echoes the warm terracotta and green of the vineyard landscape.
The signature treatment is the Barrel Bath, in which guests soak in a warm wooden tub filled with Merlot grape extract, known for its resveratrol content and skin-softening properties. The Crushed Cabernet Scrub combines fine red wine vinegar with grape-seed powder to exfoliate and brighten skin, while the Pulp Friction massage uses muscovado sugar blended with grape-seed oil in a full-body polish. The Vinomagic Wrap envelops the body in warm grape-marc clay for deep relaxation and detoxification. The complete treatment menu draws on Caudalie's own skincare line, produced in the adjacent winery.
Therapists receive specialist training in Vinothérapie techniques unique to the Caudalie brand. The spa has been widely recognised as one of the best hotel spas in Europe, receiving accolades from Condé Nast Traveller and Travel + Leisure spa awards. Day visitors may book individual treatments, while hotel guests can access the pools and thermal facilities as part of a residential programme. Treatment booking is strongly recommended well in advance, particularly during the Bordeaux wine harvest season in September and October when demand peaks.
Treatments
- Barrel Bath with Merlot extract
- Crushed Cabernet exfoliating scrub
- Pulp Friction grape-seed massage
- Vinomagic grape-marc mud wrap
- Resveratrol anti-ageing facial
Good to know
- Signature
- Barrel Bath with Merlot grape extract and resveratrol treatments
Highlights
- World's first wine therapy spa, founded 1999 among the Grand Cru Classé vines of Pessac-Léognan near Bordeaux
- Signature Barrel Bath soaking in warm Merlot grape extract rich in skin-softening resveratrol
- Outdoor heated pool set within an active working Grand Cru vineyard
- Full treatment menu based on Caudalie's proprietary vine-derived skincare line
- Among Europe's most awarded hotel spas, with Condé Nast and Travel + Leisure recognition
Tips for visiting
- Book treatments at least four weeks ahead during September and October harvest season — demand peaks significantly
- Hotel guests receive pool access as standard; day visitors should confirm thermal facilities when booking
- Arrive 30 minutes before treatment to use the sauna and hammam at no additional cost
- The Barrel Bath is the ideal introduction to Vinothérapie for first-time visitors
- Tipping is not expected but a 5–10% gratuity for exceptional treatments is appreciated
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be a hotel guest to use the spa?
Day visitors are welcome to book treatments and may access changing rooms and thermal facilities during their appointment. Full residential spa packages are reserved for guests of Les Sources de Caudalie hotel.
What is Vinothérapie and what are its claimed benefits?
Vinothérapie is a wellness method developed by Caudalie that uses polyphenols, resveratrol, and other antioxidants derived from grape seeds and vine sap. Treatments are said to improve skin tone, hydration, and circulation.
Are treatments suitable for pregnant guests?
Several treatments are adapted for pregnancy; however, certain body wraps and high-temperature facilities are not recommended. The spa team advises guests to mention pregnancy at the time of booking so suitable alternatives can be arranged.
What is the minimum treatment booking?
Individual treatments start from around 45 minutes. Multi-treatment day packages and multi-day Cure Beauté residential programmes are available for longer visits.