Luxury Resorts with one-of-a-kind cellars offering unique wine tourism experience

GRAND UNIVERSE LUCCA

Grand Universe Lucca is located in the charming city of Lucca and brings the region’s best wines front and center. A part of Tuscany’s Serchio Valley, this former palazzo turned luxury hotel features four immersive Tuscan Wine tasting experiences: the Montalcino, Montecarlo, Super Tuscan, and Chianti Classico. The ancient Eterno Wine Cellar, which dates back to 200 BC, allows guests to explore the grapes of these regions, their distinctive flavor profiles, and best pairings. The 100-bottle cellar is located at the base of the property, where the remnants of an ancient fountain are on display. | photo courtesy of Grand Universe Lucca, Autograph Collection

QUINTESSENCE HOTEL

Quintessence Hotel offers a luxury escape on the secluded island of Anguilla. Nicknamed ‘The Tropical Grand Mansion,’ the ninesuite hotel with a spa, beautiful beach, and sprawling infinity pool houses one of the Caribbean’s most exclusive wine collections. Its 2,000-bottle state-of-the-art cellar is built out of stone, brick, and red cedar and offers an elegant dining experience. The intimate atmosphere presents a perfect setting for guests to dine, snack, and explore some of the finest wines from around the world. For the ultimate splurge, book the hotel’s Bruts, Blancs & Beaches package ($119,000 for five nights) and you’ll be whisked away on a private jet to enjoy world-class wines with stunning ocean views. The package comes with round-trip flights from the U.S. via Tradewind Aviation, penthouse accommodations, and special vintages (ask the resident sommelier for access to the Fieger Private Wine Collection) to savor for a truly unforgettable escape. | photos courtesy of Quintessence Hotel

BAOASE LUXURY RESORT

As Curaçao’s only five-star hotel, Baoase Luxury Resort is a serene ultra-exclusive vacation destination. Just minutes from the lively downtown area, the resort includes 23 luxe rooms, suites, and villas (12 of which feature private plunge pools), a beachfront restaurant, and an infinity pool overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Secluded from everything and everyone on a private beach, it also is steps from a coral reef on the outskirts of the private lagoon and the beach butlers who cater to guests’ every need. Their 150-bottle wine cellar is the impetus for their “Wine and Dine” as well as “Taste of Baoase” programs. Guests can enjoy a sunset and saxophone cocktail hour and tasting experience, followed by a 4-course dinner with selected wines from local island suppliers, or choose the five-course tasting menu which represents Executive Chef René Klop’s distinguished cooking style, which can be best characterized as French-International with an Asian twist. Chef Klop and the restaurant’s sommelier taste every dish in order to make the perfect wine pairing, with the wine’s acidity, smokiness, creaminess, and spices influencing the best combinations. | photo by Baoase Luxury Resort

THE INK HOUSE Speakeasy Cellar Package

With a history dating back to 1885, the former Helios Ranch underwent a five-year restoration and opened as The Ink House in 2018. Located on St Helena Highway in the Napa Valley, the four-room inn combines Italian elegance, wine country style, and gracious hospitality. As part of a guest’s two-night stay, they are invited to take part in the inn’s new Speakeasy Cellar Package experience in the property’s historic wine cellar. Guests will enjoy a completely private and customized wine tasting experience (from the Boisset and Gallo collections of wines, many not available to the public) in true luxury speakeasy-style surrounded by an exclusive library of bottles and high-end designer lounge furniture. Two nights, plus tasting begins at $1,550 per couple.

VILLA CORDEVIGO

In the Valpolicella wine region of northern Italy, husband and wife team Sarah Sturges and Stefano Zanoncello have been offering their Sensi e Diletti wine and yoga tour since 2016. Sensi e Diletti which is Italian for “senses and delights” is exactly what guests will experience on this seven-day tour. With the home base being Villa Cordevigo, a 17th-century luxury, wine relais, guests’ senses become surrounded on every step of the trip. From on-site dining at “Ristorante Oseleta,” one Michelin star to in-depth education and tastings at well-known wineries in the region, the experiences are mixed with daily yoga in breathtaking settings - the perfect complement to the wines and culinary experiences. Throughout the journey, guests are led through five to six, very diverse cellars boasting everything from shockingly tasty, €20 bottles never to be found stateside, all the way to collector-coveted, triple-digit finds. Prices start at $6215/person and 2022 tour dates will be released soon. | photo courtesy of Alexander Rubin

HÔTEL DE PARIS MONTE-CARLO

The iconic Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo which originally opened its doors in 1864, provides a stay in Monaco like no other. From Michelin-starred restaurants to the Jewelers’ Courtyard, Casino de Monte-Carlo, and more, their wine cellar, which was built in 1864 offers a one-of-a-kind experience. Featuring 350,000 bottles, many rare and valuable vintages, stored in optimal conditions in a mile of wine racks, the cellar is located underneath the flower gardens of the hotel. The private tour starts at €2,500 in which guests can gain exclusive access to the cellar and explore its history - including during WWII, a secret room stored 20,000 wine bottles. The wine tasting starts at €180 which guests can taste vintages from Champagne, Provence, Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Rhone valley. | photo courtesy of MONTE-CARLO Société des Bains de Mer

10 MOST EXPENSIVE WINES IN THE WORLD

| BY NIKITA VIVEK PAWAR

When being classified as the “drink of the Gods”, Wine making has become an art form along with catching the fancy of the wealthiest collectors. Hence, because of its complex ingredients and making process, collectors are fighting for the rarest ones with prices reaching astronomical highs. Here, we count down the 10 most expensive wines in the world

Screaming Eagle Cabernet 1992 - $500,000

This vintage was sold at the Nappa Valley auction at an incredible price of $500,000. Therefore, it has fetched the highest price ever for a Nappa Valley wine. However, since it was sold for charity purposes, the sale was kept off the official lists but unofficially this is still a benchmark that is unrivalled.

Jeroboam of Chateau Mouton-Rothschild 1945 - $310,000

This 1945 vintage has a label showing a 'V' sign indicating victory in relation to the end of World War II. It is considered one of the greatest of its kind and was sold in 2006. This wine came from the vinyeards of one of the richest families too and its historical relevance along with its unique place in wine history enabled it to get such a high price.

Cheval Blanc 1947 -$305,000

One of the finest Cheval Blanc wines and also a wine which was a radical in its approach. The port-like character added to its unique appeal too while also being hailed as one of the greatest Bordeaux ever made. It was sold to an Residence 63. Photo courtesy of Steelblueanonymous buyer for $303,375.

Shipwrecked 1907 Heidsieck - $275,000

Touted as the most expensive champagne, this rare and hundred year old bottle fetched high prices for its history. It was sold at an auction held at the Ritz Carlton in Moscow and that's where one bottle of champagne ultimately fetched $275,000- highest for champagne.