Beer Bath vs Wine Bath: Which Oakwell Soak Should You Choose?

When you come to Oakwell Beer Spa, you have the choice between a beer or wine-infused herbal soak. But you can only pick one herbal infusion for a one- or two-person reservation, so which option should you choose?

Both infusions give you the same warm, relaxing Oakwell ritual in a private suite, so it comes down to your personal preference. Are you in the mood for something earthy, herbal, and hoppy? Or does a softer, fruitier, more romantic soak sound more like your speed? 

Here’s how the two herbal infusions differ, plus a quick guide to help you choose between a beer bath vs. a wine bath.

What’s a Beer Bath Like? 

Oakwell’s beer bath hydrotherapy experience is a warm, bubbly soak designed to help you unwind in a uniquely relaxing atmosphere. The soak doesn’t contain actual beer or brewer’s yeast, but a beer-inspired herbal infusion that includes:

• Hops
• Barley
• Herbal blends

Hops and barley contain naturally occurring antioxidants and nutrients, while the botanical blend adds another layer of depth to the aroma. You can choose from two Herbalist-curated infusions:

1. Calming Amber: This infusion includes rosemary, peppermint, and sage. 
2. Muscle Relaxing Lager: Soothe sore muscles with this infusion made with Epsom salt, eucalyptus, and arnica flower.

Whichever blend you pick, the beer infusion scent profile leans earthy, herbal, and slightly hoppy, with the familiar maltiness you’d associate with beer. Thousands of tiny bubbles surround you as you soak in the comfortable, body-temperature water of about 37–38°C (99–100°F). 

All of our spa packages give you the option to choose between a beer or wine bath. But you might prefer the beer-inspired soak if you:

• Love earthy or herbal aromas
• Want the signature Oakwell experience
• Love craft beer
• Prefer a cozy, laid-back mood 

What’s a Wine Bath?

Oakwell’s wine baths are a warm botanical soak inspired by vinotherapy, a European spa tradition that uses grape-derived ingredients in wellness and beauty rituals. We put our own spin on this tradition with an infusion, featuring ingredients like: 

• Grape skin powder: Grape skins contain polyphenols that are rich in antioxidants. This ingredient also gives the wine bath its characteristic wine-inspired aroma.
• Rose petals: Along with making the bath look pretty dreamy, rose petals add a delicate floral fragrance.
• Tulsi: Also known as holy basil, this antioxidant-rich botanical adds an earthy, herbal note that balances the bath’s floral aromas.
• Flaked oats: Oats make the water feel soft and silky, helping skin feel moisturized. 

Together, those ingredients create a softer sensory experience than the earthy, hoppy profile of a beer bath. Our wine baths are more floral and have a gentle, fruity scent that gives them a more romantic feel. 

If you’re torn between a beer bath vs wine bath, you might enjoy the wine bath more if you:

• Prefer softer, more floral scents
• Want a more romantic experience
• Love wine culture or just want to try a new take on vinotherapy
• Have already tried Oakwell’s beer bath and want to try something new

How to Choose Between a Beer Bath vs Wine Bath

Choosing a wine bath or beer bath won’t change the essential Oakwell experience. You’ll still get the same relaxing experience in your own private suite. You’re simply choosing the scent and mood that sound best to you. 

Still, you’ll soak in this bath for around 70 minutes before the tub starts to drain, so you want to choose an infusion you’ll love! Here are some quick tips to help you decide between our different soaks. 

Follow Your Nose

If you aren’t sure what you want before you arrive, that’s okay! Simply follow your nose to pick the herbal infusion that suits your mood. 

You don’t have to commit to a beer or wine bath before your reservation. At check-in, your Beer Therapist will present the available herbal bath infusions so you can smell them and choose your favorite. Each has its own scent profile, and there’s no difference in price based on the infusion you pick. 

First Visit? Go With the Classic Option

If it’s your first time and you want the quintessential Oakwell experience, start with a beer bath. The earthy, hoppy infusion is the experience that put us on the map as one of the most unique spa experiences in Denver. 

Of course, there’s no rule saying you have to choose beer. If the softer, fruitier scent of the wine bath appeals to you more, go for it. You’ll still get the full Oakwell experience. 

Match It To Your Mood

Both beer and wine baths are relaxing, but their aromatherapy benefits suit different moods. 

A beer bath is earthy and cozy, so it’s a fun choice for a laid-back spa treatment for just you or even for a group of friends with the Garage Party package. A wine bath has a softer, more romantic feel to it, so it’s a great match for romantic getaways like our Couple’s Retreat package.

Try Both During Separate Visits

You can’t try both soaks in a single reservation, unfortunately. We prepare one tub per two-person reservation, so if you want to experience both a wine and beer bath (and we recommend it!), you’ll need to plan two visits. Consider your first soak research for your next one. 

Larger groups have more flexibility, though. Oakwell’s Garage Party package combines two private suites for 3-6 guests, depending on the location. Since you’ll have access to multiple tubs, you can request different infusions for each tub. 

So, if you’re wondering which soak to choose, there’s no need to choose just one. Pick the scent that calls to you today, and come back to sample Oakwell’s other options.

Pick Your Soak and Settle In

Choosing between a beer bath vs wine bath will affect the mood of your visit, although both infusions are part of the same indulgent Oakwell experience. There’s no “better” option here: just the soak that you think smells best or fits the occasion. Go earthy and hoppy for the classic Oakwell experience, or choose soft and fruity for a wine-inspired twist. Either way, you’ll have a uniquely relaxing experience and plenty of private time to unwind. 

We could tell you about our herbal infusions, but ultimately, it’s best to experience them firsthand. Book an Oakwell spa package to choose your favorite infusion and relax like never before.