What could make a trip to a world-famous global city more memorable than a curated wine tasting experience in the cellar of one of its grandest hotels? From a rare 1922 Chateau Lafite Rothschild in Rome to a local house wine from Tuscany, below is a list of some of the world’s grandest wine cellars found within the walls of today’s leading hotels.
La Pergola at Rome Cavalieri, Italy
Nestled atop Monte Mario – Rome’s highest point offering sweeping views of the city and The Vatican – the palatial Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel is fit for a king and queen, with a cellar to match.
Eat + Drink: La Pergola, Rome’s first and only 3 Michelin star restaurant, is one of the world’s most coveted restaurants, thanks to the brilliantly innovative take on traditional Mediterranean and Italian cuisine. Also, it houses an award-winning collection of over 70,000 wines. Curated by Chef Sommelier, Marco Reitano, the cellar has a selection of rarities including a 1922 Chateau Lafite Rothschild and a 1945 Pétrus.
The Veltliner at Grand Hotel Kronenhof, Switzerland
One of the most breathtaking locations in the Swiss Alps, the Grand Hotel Kronenhof is in the heart of the enchanting Engadine village of Pontresina. A modest village known for its lakes hiking, cable cars, horse-drawn carriage rides, and quaint shops.
Eat + Drink: Established in 1867 with a rustic wine barrel collection, The Veltliner wine cellar covers three levels and includes many decor pieces, like the original wine barrels that have remained part of the space for over 150 years. The second room, a lounge area is lit up by over 20 vintage chandeliers.
La Cave at Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Puerto Rico
Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is nestled on Puerto Rico’s lush and luxurious coastline with both ocean and mountain views. Just 30 minutes from vibrant Old Town San Juan, Dorado Beach is a secluded paradise all it’s own.
Eat + Drink: COA is the island’s stand out restaurant for its custom-made “Mi Brasa” wood-burning oven, and for boasting the most extensive wine lists in the Caribbean. Stocked with over 690 labels and 3,200 bottles of international and local, old and new world wines, the cellar at La Cave. COA offers five unique wine tasting experiences, including The Cabernet Sauvignon Lover Experience, where you’ll learn all about the diversity of the Cabernet Sauvignon grape and how the final result is influenced by the conditions of its growing regions, Napa Valley, Bordeaux, and South Australia. Schedule this exclusive, guests only experience through COA 24 hours in advance.
Chianti at COMO Castello Del Nero, Italy
It doesn’t get grander than COMO Castello Del Nero, a twelfth-century castle impeccable designed by Italian designer Paola Navone, adorned with Renaissance frescoes and set on 740 acres of lush grounds in the rolling hills and famed wine region of Tuscany.
Eat + Drink: For an unforgettable wine tasting experience under the Tuscan sun, Chianti, part of the original 12th-century castle, has two atmospheric stone cellars. Guided by the estate’s resident sommelier, small groups of guests will be taken through Tuscany’s wine production history and sample their signature blends of Chianti Classico. Elevating the culinary adventure is a tasting of COMO Castello Del Nero’s estate-made fine extra virgin Italian oil, which is perfect for dipping in bread and washing down with a crisp glass of Brunello di Montalcino.
