Wine and travel have always been closely intertwined. Over the past decade, the hospitality industry has begun banking on that connection, creating a cache of hotels and resorts that are at minimum wine-themed, if not directly tied to vineyards and wineries. "Part of wine's allure is that it is linked to the place and culture that produces it," says Maureen Costura, an anthropologist and assistant professor of liberal arts at the Culinary Institute of America.--Forbes

Here are a couple of our favorite wine-focused hotels and resorts around the world:

Cavas Wine Lodge, Mendoza, Argentina: Located at the foot of the Andes Mountains and nestled in a 35 acre vineyard, this 14-room lodge offers peace and tranquility in nature. Guests can enjoy private pools, terraces to watch the sunset on, and an expansive wine cellar featuring 250 of the best wines Mendoza has to offer. Wine tastings and private dinners in the cellar are musts for wine enthusiasts, as is indulging in a Signature Wine therapy treatment at the hotel's spa.

L'Andana, Tuscany: A retreat founded by Alain Ducasse (in partnership with the Moretti family) on the 1,235-acre La Badiola Estate, it is difficult not to binge on Mediterranean-inspired indulgences, like homegrown olive oil, horseback riding, scenic boat trips to the Tuscan coast and cooking classes with Ducasse-approved chefs. But first take a look at the surrounding La Badiola vineyards, which harvest grapes like Alicante, Syrah and Merlot. The property puts together a harvest package each year that includes not only a visit to the vineyard and the olive groves, but also spa access, a three-course dinner and cooking lessons.

The Carneros Inn, Napa, California: Located in the famous Napa Valley, the property is nestled among 27 acres of grape vines and apple trees that seem to stretch on forever. The inn is a combination of country-style and resort-luxury, including barns, silos, and cottages with modern and comfortable interiors and amenities.

Ellerman House, Cape Town, South Africa: Built in 1906, Ellerman House was once the stately home of shipping magnates Sir John and Lady Ellerman. Now an eco-friendly boutique hotel with 11 rooms, two suites and a private villa, the property houses an impressive collection of African art and more than 7,500 South African wines sourced from vineyards on the Western Cape. Best time to visit: Late September through November.

Capella Pedregal, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico: This resort sits on the Pacific Ocean at the southernmost tip of Baja California. To reach it, visitors must drive through a torch-lit tunnel that cuts through a mountain, the only private tunnel in Mexico. Open since July 2009, the 96 rooms and suites include beachfront units with infinity edge plunge pools and warming fire pits. The property also has a private beach, swimming pools, a fitness center and world-class spa. Capella Pedregal's wine director is Juan Carlos Flores Mazon, who twice represented Mexico in The World's Best Sommelier Competition. For over two years, he has been combing the best vineyards in Mexico to curate the Capella Pedregal wine program, which includes a collection of wines available only at the resort, as well as varietals from other regions, including Napa, Sonoma, Loire, Champagne, Burgundy, Rioja, Rias Baixas, Piedmont, Veneto and Tuscany. Los Cabos has more than 300 days of sunshine each year, but it is usually best enjoyed between December and April.

The Four Seasons Hotel, Firenze, Italy: Built into the 15th-century Palazzo Scala della Gherardesca and a 16th-century former convent, the Four Seasons feels like an opulent resort, with glorious frescoes inside and a pool and adjacent 11-acre private park outside. The on-site Winery restaurant counts nearly 400 bottles, and the concierge can arrange for tastings further afleld in the Chianti region-celebrated for its Super Tuscan and Chianti Classico wines-about 40 minutes away.

Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa, Bordeaux, France: The majestic hall of the Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa designed by Jacques Garcia is impressive. Marble, Bordeaux stone, warm-tone fabrics (plum, mauve, deep red), 18th century-inspired furnishings, original floral creations: an invitation to peace and tranquillity. The "Clefs d'or" Wine Concierge team offer more than a wine tour, it will be a real oenological discovery in the heart of Bordeaux and of its vineyard.