What Is a Wine Bath? The Spa Experience Everyone’s Talking About

When you hear about wine baths for the first time, it’s natural to have questions. Is it literally a bathtub full of wine? Will you smell like alcohol afterward? And what’s the point of a wine bath, anyway?

It’s not an actual tub of drinkable wine, and you won’t leave the spa smelling like a Pinot Noir. It’s actually a warm, vinotherapy-inspired soak that uses grape-derived botanicals. The result is a relaxing, sensory experience that’s a modern twist on an old European spa tradition.

As vinotherapy grows in popularity, it's finally making its way to Oakwell Beer Spa. Whether you're curious about trying a wine bath for the first time or just wondering what all the buzz is about, here’s what you can expect from a vinotherapy-inspired experience at Oakwell.

What Is a Wine Bath?

*Oakwell’s private suite set up with a “happy anniversary” banner and rose petals*

Wine baths are inspired by vinotherapy, a spa tradition that originated in France's famous wine regions before spreading to luxury spas worldwide. Instead of using actual wine, vinotherapy incorporates grape-derived ingredients into spa rituals inspired by winemaking.

Today, Oakwell brings that tradition to Denver with a modern twist: a private spa experience that combines a warm wine bath with an infrared sauna, rain shower, and your favorite craft beverages.

The bath is prepared around body temperature (about 37–38°C/99–100°F) with gentle bubbles that create a soothing hydrotherapy experience. When you add Oakwell’s soft lighting, calming music, and the privacy of your own spa suite, it's easy to forget about the outside world for a while.

Some people claim that wine baths are “anti-aging” or have miraculous properties. The science doesn’t support that, but many guests enjoy wine baths because they offer:

A chance to unplug and slow down
Warm hydrotherapy that encourages relaxation
Skin that feels soft and refreshed after the soak
A unique alternative to a traditional spa day

If you're interested in trying a wine bath at Oakwell, you don’t need to book it as a separate treatment. Instead, you'll choose your preferred bath infusion upon arrival as part of your spa package.

Is There Wine In a Wine Bath? (Short Answer: No)

*An Oakwell Beer Therapist checks in guests*

Despite the name, you won't be soaking in Cabernet. Modern vinotherapy uses grape-derived botanicals, not drinkable wine. At Oakwell, the warm bath is infused with wine-inspired ingredients, not fermented wine or alcohol. That means you get the relaxing atmosphere and wine-inspired experience without turning your spa day into a giant glass of Merlot.

Instead, your bath includes aromatic botanicals like:

Grape skin powder: Naturally rich in compounds like polyphenols and resveratrol, grape skins give your soak the aromatic character of wine.
Rose petals: Rose petals add a subtle floral aroma and a touch of elegance to your soak.
Tulsi: Also known as holy basil, tulsi is an aromatic herb that's been used in wellness traditions for centuries. In a wine bath, it contributes an earthy, herbal scent.
Flaked oats: Oats give the wine bath a silky feel that many guests say makes their skin feel soft and refreshed.

With that said, if sipping a glass of wine while you soak sounds like your idea of a good time, you can absolutely do that. Oakwell's taproom serves wine, local craft beer, and non-alcoholic beverages that you can bring into your private spa suite. If you're planning a romantic getaway, the Couple's Retreat package makes it easy to pair a vinotherapy-inspired soak with candles, rose petals, and uninterrupted time together.

How Is A Wine Bath Different From a Beer Bath?

*Oakwell’s sample botanicals for an herbal beer-infused soak*

Regardless of which spa package you book at Oakwell, you can decide between a beer- or wine-inspired herbal soak. Both experiences at Oakwell follow the same relaxing process: you'll enjoy your own private spa suite complete with an infrared sauna, a warm hydrotherapy bath, a rain shower, and 90 minutes to unwind.

The biggest difference comes down to the botanical infusion. A wine bath is inspired by vinotherapy and features grape-derived botanicals, which give the soak a floral and herbal aroma. A beer bath, on the other hand, uses beer-inspired botanicals like hops and barley for a more earthy, malty scent.

So, which type of bath should you choose? It comes down to the aroma and botanical infusion you prefer. Your Beer Therapist can help you choose, too. After checking in, you’ll be able to sample each herbal infusion and pick your favorite.

Try a Wine Bath in Denver

A wine bath might sound a little unexpected, but that's part of the fun. It's not a tub full of Pinot Noir or a miracle wellness treatment: it's simply a fresh take on an age-old spa tradition that combines warm water, grape-inspired botanicals, and a peaceful setting into one memorable experience.

If you're looking for a different kind of self-care, a wine bath at Oakwell lets you unplug and experience vinotherapy in a way that's equal parts relaxing and unique. Experience Denver’s first vinotherapy-inspired wine bath: Book your Oakwell visit now.