The World's Most Haunted Wineries

Château de Brissac: Loire Valley, France

Regarded as one of the most haunted locations in Europe, Château de Brissac is nestled amidst lush vineyards and the breathtaking French countryside. With origins tracing back to the 11th century, this grand estate and its bountiful vineyards offer stunning views. However, the captivating scenery, rich heritage, and exquisite cabernets and rosé wines are not the only attractions at this Loire Valley winery. Legend has it that a ghost named Charlotte resides here. Known as the Green Lady, Charlotte is believed to be the spirit of Charlotte de Brézé, one of King Charles VII's illegitimate daughters.

In 1462, Charlotte married a nobleman but found herself unhappy in her loveless union. Consequently, she engaged in an affair that ultimately led to her tragic demise. It is said that her jealous husband murdered her in the 15th century, condemning her to wander the castle and its surrounding gardens and vineyards for eternity. As a ghostly figure, the Green Lady haunted her former spouse until he abandoned the castle. Today, numerous visitors to the castle and winery report sightings of a spectral figure dressed in an elegant green gown, enjoying her afterlife, which is marked by disembodied footsteps, chilling moans, and phantom laughter. Considered one of France's most renowned ghosts, the Green Lady, while unsettling to encounter, has seemingly made this estate her everlasting home.

For more information, visit: https://brissac.net/

Contact: +33 02 41 91 22 21

Address: 1 Rue Jeanne Say, 49320 Brissac-Loire-Aubance, France

Murder Ridge Winery: Yorkville, California

Murder Ridge Winery was not always known by its current name. Long before the chilling murder that led to the rebranding, this Mendocino grape farm was called Perli Vineyards. In the early 1900s, the site was merely fertile land dotted with a few cabins. However, in 1911, Joseph Cooper was violently killed here, and his remains were set on fire. Peter Gianoli, a local cabin owner, was found wearing Cooper's coat at the time of his arrest and was reportedly sipping from a jug of wine when the police arrived. Gianoli was ultimately charged with Cooper's murder and sent to a state asylum.

After his release, Gianoli largely vanished from public view, but his presence still lingers at Murder Ridge today. While there are no specific tales of ghosts, a murder of crows has been a constant presence at the winery ever since. These ominous birds, along with the unsettling atmosphere and the desolate land where a man was once dismembered and burned, create the perfect backdrop for a ghost story. The winery is renowned for its buttery chardonnay, pinot, syrah, and zinfandel, and the bottle labels serve as a reminder of this hauntingly dark history.

For more information, visit: https://murderridge.com/ or call (707) 799-6149, Yorkville, CA 95494.

Beringer Winery: Napa Valley, California

In California, the Beringer Winery in Napa Valley is reputed to be quite haunted. Many locals are well aware of the estate's eerie reputation, with rumors suggesting that several former employees have left due to the overwhelming paranormal activity in the main house and surrounding grounds. The central residence of this vineyard, known as the Rhine House, was built in 1884 and served as the home of one of its founders, Fredrick Beringer.

After Mr. Beringer's passing in 1901, it seems he didn't quite leave. Today, this historic site is a popular stop along the Napa Valley Wine Train, primarily used for wine tastings and events, yet the spirit of Mr. Beringer remains. Since his death, a ghost resembling him has been spotted wandering through his expansive 17-room estate and lush vineyards. While most of his activities occur in what was once his bedroom in the Rhine House, Mr. Beringer's ghost is known to rearrange items to his preference. In addition to the founder's spirit lingering in the afterlife, other unidentified apparitions have also been reported near the Rhine House, at the other Victorian homes on the property, and meandering through the vineyards.

For more information, visit: https://www.beringer.com/

Phone: (707) 257-5771

Address: 2000 Main St, St Helena, CA 94574

Ricasoli Winery & Brolio Castle: Tuscany, Italy

Founded in 1141, Barone Ricasoli Wines ranks among the oldest wineries in the world. It remains operational today, still under the ownership of the same family that established it. For centuries, this winery conducted its business in the Chianti region, nestled in the heart of Tuscany—until the year 1880. The Iron Baron, a spectral figure associated with the castle and winery, chose to linger on.

Baron Bettino Ricasoli, credited with creating the Chianti Classico wine varietal, was infamous for his harsh demeanor, earning him the moniker "Iron Baron." After suffering a heart attack in the family castle in 1880, he did not depart quietly; reports of unusual occurrences emerged even during his funeral, along with claims of his coffin reappearing from its burial site. It is said that his spirit still roams the castle and its grounds, and while he may not be a benevolent ghost, he did leave behind a remarkable dry red wine that will forever be cherished by wine lovers around the globe.

For more information, visit: https://visit.ricasoli.com/en/

Contact: +39 0577 730280

Location: Località Madonna a Brolio, 53013 Gaiole In Chianti SI, Italy

Biltmore House & Winery: Asheville, North Carolina

Nestled in Asheville, North Carolina, the Biltmore House and Winery is a visual and culinary delight. Constructed in 1895, this grand residence, complete with its beautifully landscaped grounds and intricate vineyards, is owned by the Vanderbilts — yes, those Vanderbilts. Interestingly, the original proprietors, George and Edith Vanderbilt, are said to still roam this opulent estate. Visitors have reported hearing Edith calling for George, often near the beloved library that he cherished.

The couple is also rumored to enjoy playful moments in their indoor pool, even in the afterlife. Despite the estate, property, and winery spanning over 8,000 acres, these elegant spirits appear to make their presence known throughout. For those who are not ghosts, a shuttle bus conveniently transports guests across the expansive grounds to the winery. Renowned for its exceptional wines, including chardonnay, cabernet franc, merlot, and cabernet sauvignon, Biltmore Winery was established after George and Edith's era. It was their grandson, William Amherst Vanderbilt Cecil, who began cultivating grapes in 1971. Nevertheless, George and Edith seem to take pleasure in the achievements of their grandson and other family members, enjoying the presence of visitors while haunting the estate at their own pace.

For more information, visit: https://www.biltmore.com/visit/winery

Contact: (800) 411-3812

Address: 1 Lodge St, Asheville, NC 28803

Groot Constantia: Cape Town, South Africa

Groot Constantia, the oldest winery in South Africa, boasts a rich collection of ghost stories. Established in 1685 by Simon Van der Stel, an early settler in the Cape, the winery was founded on fertile land near the famously haunted Table Mountain, igniting his passion for winemaking. Van der Stel is said to have planted numerous vines and oak trees, forming a deep connection to the estate. By the early 1700s, Groot Constantia had over 60,000 vines and produced nearly 17,000 liters of wine.

Today, Van der Stel and his wife are recognized as the pioneers of South Africa's first wine farm. Still thriving nearly 300 years later, Groot Constantia serves as both a historical landmark and a premier winery. Although Van der Stel passed away in 1712, the winery has changed ownership multiple times over the centuries. Nevertheless, tales persist of his spirit wandering the estate—inspecting the vines, relaxing by the manor's pool, and even taking the occasional swim.

For more information, visit: https://grootconstantia.co.za/ or call +27 21 794-5128. The winery is located at Groot Constantia Rd, Constantia, Cape Town, 7806, South Africa.

Belhurst Castle & Winery: Seneca Lake, New York

Nestled in the picturesque Finger Lakes region, Belhurst is a charming manor and vineyard that seems to host a few spectral visitors who appreciate a fine vintage. Located by Seneca Lake, this site of paranormal intrigue was originally established for residential use in the early 1800s. The first recorded death on the property, and likely one of its lingering spirits, was Bucke Hall, who resided in the Hermitage house—the only dwelling on the land at that time. Hall, an embezzler evading capture, sustained an injury in 1836 and chose to forgo medical attention, ultimately leading to his death and subsequent haunting of the Hermitage.

Despite its eerie past, the property changed ownership multiple times until the late 1800s, when a wealthy woman acquired it and began constructing what would become Belhurst Castle. The building process was fraught with tragedy, as workers frequently met with fatal accidents or succumbed to madness. Ownership shifted again shortly after, and over the years, this opulent estate transformed into a speakeasy, a casino, a boarding house, and eventually three hotels, complete with a restaurant and winery. Each new chapter brought with it an influx of spirits, including Isabella, an opera singer who perished in the castle's secret tunnels, and a former caretaker named Dick O'Brien. From ethereal operatic performances to mysterious occurrences, both staff and guests at the castle and winery have undoubtedly encountered some spine-chilling experiences.

For more information, visit: [Belhurst Winery](https://www.belhurst.com/winery-craft-beer/) or call (315) 781-0201. The address is 4069 W Lake Rd, Geneva, NY 14456.

Belvoir Winery & Inn: Liberty, Missouri

Nestled in the Midwest, Belvoir Winery has boldly defied some fundamental rules of the horror genre. By establishing itself on former burial grounds and embracing locations where secret rituals were once conducted, this vineyard seems to invite paranormal activity. Situated in the quaint town of Liberty, Belvoir Winery occupies over 200 acres that were once part of a fraternal organization known as the Order of Odd Fellows. Renowned for their peculiar practices and clandestine ceremonies, the buildings associated with the Order harbor some literal skeletons in their closets and walls. Additionally, this land was previously home to an orphanage and a somewhat crowded cemetery, complete with a number of unmarked graves.

Given this history, it’s no wonder that guests and staff at this Missouri winery and hotel frequently report ghostly encounters. If you’re open to including a few spectral guests in your wedding seating arrangements or don’t mind some unseen company while savoring chardonnay, then this haunted winery might just be the perfect destination for you.

For more information, visit: http://www.belvoirwinery.com/

Phone: (816) 200-1811

Address: 1325 Odd Fellows Rd, Liberty, MO 64068

Seppeltsfield Winery & Estate: Barossa Valley, South Australia

Australia boasts numerous wineries, but Seppeltsfield Winery & Estates in Barossa Valley stands out as one of the most haunted. Established in the mid-1800s, this family-owned winery is renowned for its ghostly reputation, making it one of the most eerie locations in South Australia. Visitors have reported unsettling experiences, including disembodied footsteps, eerie moans, faint whispers, and chilling screams echoing through the vineyards. There have even been accounts of phantom gunfire and blood appearing on the walls at this famous grape estate.

Paranormal occurrences seem to intensify during the anniversaries of the Seppelt family members' deaths at the winery. On these occasions, lights flicker inexplicably, and the staff often find themselves haunted by unseen forces. Many believe that these disturbances are simply the spirits of past generations of Seppelts making their presence known. Despite the ongoing hauntings, crowds continue to flock to Seppeltsfield for its award-winning cuisine and celebrated sparkling, white, and rosé wines.

For more information, visit: https://seppeltsfield.com.au/

Phone: +61 8 8568 6200

Address: 730 Seppeltsfield Rd, Seppeltsfield SA 5355, Australia

South Bridge Vaults: Edinburgh, Scotland

The notorious South Bridge Vaults have been devoid of fine spirits for quite a while, yet these ancient vaults are undoubtedly haunted. Before exploring that aspect, it's important to mention that whisky (not whiskey) wasn't recognized as Scotland's national drink until well into the 18th century. Long before whisky gained popularity, the Scots had a fondness for wine—specifically, wine imported from France. With a strong demand for quality red, they required a suitable storage solution, leading to the creation of the South Bridge Vaults in the 18th century. Although their initial use as a vast wine cellar was short-lived, the vaults eventually served various other purposes.

By the mid-19th century, these subterranean chambers became makeshift housing for immigrants and those in dire need of shelter. Unfortunately, the combination of rampant crime, illegal whisky distillation, and disease during this period created a dire situation. After the housing initiative failed, the vaults found new life as the city's red-light district. At one point, the local medical school even used the space to store cadavers. Consequently, the South Bridge Vaults have gained a reputation for being haunted. Designated as a historical landmark some time ago, the vaults are now accessible to the public for ghost and history tours, allowing visitors to experience firsthand the spectral residents that have chosen to linger.

+44 131 557 4700

30 South Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1LL, United Kingdom

Château du Taillan: Haut Médoc, France

Last but certainly not least, Château du Taillan is rumored to be haunted by La Dame Blanche, or The White Lady. This ghostly tale traces back to the 7th century, and for those familiar with French wines, you might recognize La Dame Blanche as a refreshing white wine named in her honor. According to legend, La Dame Blanche is the spirit of a Moorish princess named Blanca, who fell in love with a man her father disapproved of. As punishment, he confined her in a fortress, which was later named Blanquefort after her.

Tragically, with her true love gone, Blanca passed away alone in her prison. Shortly after her demise, a spirit began to roam the woods and vineyards that would eventually become Château du Taillan, searching for something lost, and she has continued to wander ever since.

In the end, Château du Taillan, along with the other estates mentioned, represents just a handful of haunted wineries around the globe. If you are a wine enthusiast with a taste for captivating stories filled with murder, mystery, and ghosts, why not indulge your interests and explore some of these intriguing haunted locations for yourself?

For more information, visit: https://www.chateaudutaillan.com/en/

Phone: +33 5 56 57 47 00

Address: 56 Av. de la Croix, 33320 Le Taillan-Médoc, France