Hand Picked Hotels, a distinguished collection of 21 luxury country houses and coastal retreats across the UK and Channel Islands, is celebrating a significant milestone in its wine journey with two prestigious AA Wine List Awards for Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa and Rhinefield House Hotel.
First launched in 1998, the AA Notable Wine List Award recognises exceptional contributions to wine appreciation, rewarding lists that inspire guests to explore a wider, more adventurous selection of wines. Both hotels have received the coveted AA Notable Wine List commendation, reflecting the quality, depth and creativity of the wine list, dedicated events and experiences at both properties including key partnerships with Dom Perignon and Bollinger. In addition, Hand Picked Hotels has wine dinner collaborations with Château Angélus, Quinta de la Rosa, La Croix de Brully and Bird in Hand, as well as exclusive vintages from its private cellars and Tuscan vineyard, Villa Saletta.
Nestled in the heart of the New Forest, Rhinefield House – often described as the ‘Jewel in the Forest’ – is renowned for its enchanting setting and fine dining experiences, including the spectacular Alhambra Room. Rookery Hall Hotel & Spa in Cheshire, a 4 AA Red Star property, continues to blend timeless elegance with award-winning wine, cuisine and hospitality. The
Restaurant at Rookery Hall was also awarded three AA Rosettes for its simple yet elegant menu of modern British cuisine, complemented by an extensive wine and cocktail list.
Over the past year, Hand Picked Hotels launched an ambitious new wine programme, introducing more than 180 new wines to its wine list. The carefully selected collection features both unique global vintages and timeless classics, each chosen to complement the brand’s fine dining menus.
A true highlight of the collection is exclusive access to Julia and Guy Hands’ private cellar, with rare and exceptional vintage wines released solely for Hand Picked Hotels. This includes prestigious wines, sourced directly from estates to ensure provenance and perfect condition.
Guests can also enjoy the award-winning wines from Villa Saletta, the Hands family’s historic Tuscan vineyard dating back to 980 AD. The estate’s wines have garnered international acclaim, including Decanter’s prestigious Best in Show 2023, and are available exclusively within Hand Picked Hotels.
Sustainability is a core pillar of the new wine list, which highlights producers committed to environmentally responsible viticulture, sustainable production methods and biodiversity.
To cement its leadership in wine service and knowledge, the group launched its first-ever Hand Picked Hotels Wine School last year, enabling team members to achieve the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 3 qualification. The immersive programme provides advanced training in viticulture, winemaking and food pairing, fostering a culture of genuine wine appreciation across the collection.
Julia Hands, Chair of Hand Picked Hotels commented, “The AA Notable Wine List Awards are a wonderful recognition of the dedication of our teams and our commitment to excellence in every aspect of hospitality. Wine has long been a signature of our brand and a personal passion for my husband and me. It represents craftsmanship, heritage, and the joy of shared experiences – values that lie at the heart of Hand Picked Hotels.
This new wine chapter is about far more than a list; it is about creating meaningful connections between our guests and the stories behind every bottle. From the vineyards of Tuscany to the cellars of Champagne, our carefully selected collection celebrates discovery, provenance and the simple pleasure of exceptional wine
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