Whoever said there can be too much of a good thing surely needed to consider one exception: the wine cellar.
Some of the world’s newest and most historic properties boast impressive cellars that are outdone only by the wines themselves, like 2000 Pétrus and 1845 Château Gruaud Larose.
The only thing as good as being able to choose from these immense inventories, of course, is the chance to see them firsthand. Luckily, these venues showcase their best. From a $10 million spectacle in Wyoming to a subterranean city in Moldova, here are some of the globe’s most groundbreaking wine collections worthy of a visit.
Milestii Mici: 2,000,000 bottles
Founded in 1969, this Moldovan producer celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, further heightened by its epic wine collection, recognized in 2005 by the Guinness Book of World Records as the world’s largest cellar by number of bottles. A cellar this size needs room to breathe. Visitors explore the 34-mile gallery via car, organized by “streets” named for each wine.
Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo: 350,000 bottles
Inspired by the grand cellars of Bordeaux, this space was built in 1874 behind Monte Carlo’s famed Hôtel de Paris. Once completed, the cellar’s combined surface area reached more than 16,000 square feet. Guests can taste through the selection at either the onsite, Michelin-starred restaurants, or a private dining experience in the cellars. Monaco’s Prince Rainier and Princess Grace celebrated their 20th anniversary there.
Bern’s Steakhouse: 750,000 bottles
Bern’s Steakhouse opened in 1956 and has a loyal following for its lauded wine collection. The focus at the Tampa restaurant is on France and California, and the cellar includes rarities like an 1845 Château Gruaud Larose. Diners can check out more than 200 options by the glass to pair with the restaurant’s prized plates, from Chateaubriand carpaccio and duck confit to Osetra caviar and foie gras a la plancha.
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