Mitchelton Hotel and Day Spa hotel - Melbourne, Australia

After 48 years, Melbourne entrepreneur Ross Shelmerdine’s vision to transform Mitchelton Estate into an international tourist destination, is finally complete thanks to the winery’s new owners, businessman Gerry Ryan and his son Andrew, who have opened a 58-room hotel on the grounds. 

In the hands of local firm Hecker Guthrie, the low-slung architecture is an understated addition to the property’s distinct Robyn Boyd-designed buildings – realised by his successor Ted Ashton – including the iconic 55-metre viewing tower. Wielding a palette of warm timber, copper, leather, natural wool rugs, marble and linen in soothing earthy tones of mushroom brown and charcoal grey, the architects have created a modern atmosphere that slots right into the hotel’s bucolic setting- further boosted by and floor-to-ceiling windows that pull in countryside views. 

After a day ambling around the vineyards, cool off in the 20-metre infinity pool or indulge at the spa before heading to Muse, where chef Jess Hayes doles out modern fare such as the juicy lamb neck served with burnt eggplant and potato croquettes, alongside, of course, a menu of world class wine.