Raise a Glass to The Leading Hotels of the World Wine Cellars

• 
  SAVE
• 
  SHARE
• 
  TEXT SIZE
• 
  PRINT
• 
  COMMENT
• 
  PDF

. August 19, 2011

NEW YORK, NY - August 18, 2011 - Leading Hotels are known for fine accommodations, as well as outstanding dining. Just as there are hundreds of stories attached to Leading Hotels themselves, there are stories to tell about some of the stellar wine cellars associated with each hotel. The following is a sampling of an oenophile's dream collection:

At Italy's Grand Hotel et de Milan the Don Carlos wine cellar features an old Roman wall which dates to 250 A.D. Composed of a conglomerate of shingles and brick fragments bound together by a very strong grout, the ruins are at the center of the room, surrounded by prestigious Italian and international wines. The wine list represents all of Italy with an emphasis on whites from Friuli and Alto Adige, and reds from Piemonte and Toscana. Available for private events for up to ten people, the cellar is also open so guests may come in and enjoy a pre-dinner glass of wine. On weekends from September to December 31, 2011, the hotel's Gourmet Package, priced from EUR 891 double occupancy, includes two nights' accommodation, buffet breakfast, a welcome bottle of Champagne, welcome gourmet gift, aperitif in the wine cellar, and a candlelight tasting dinner one evening, excluding beverages. Booking code is PX. www.LHW.com/ghmilan

Wine cellars can be put to more uses than simply preserving fine vintages. And the cellars at Monaco's Hotel de Paris and Hotel Hermitage stand as testament. Established in 1874, the cellars were the venue for the 20th wedding anniversary celebration of Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier in 1976. During World War II, to protect the rarest vintages from the hands of looters, the rear section of the cellar was screened off with a mass of empty bottles piled up by the head cellar man. No one would guess that behind this dusty pile - which also concealed the hotel's silverware and the belongings of a Russian prince - there lay prestigious bottles such as Château Bel Air Marquis d'Aligre 1850, Château Gruaud Larose 1865, Château Gruaud Larose 1874, Château d'Yquem 1890, Château Leonville Poyferre 1895. Covering 1500 square meters, the cellar houses 450,000 bottles, the oldest of which is an 1829 Margaux. Tours and tastings start at EUR 50 per person, while private dinners for up to 50 people can be organized starting at EUR 250 per person. www.LHW.com/hermitage or www.LHW.com/deparis

It's easy to see the hand of Philippe Starck in the design of the wine cellar at Faena Hotel + Universe in Buenos Aires, Argentina - with its brick walls and massive crystal chandelier. Set in the basement of El Porteño Building it houses the largest collection of wines in Argentina, and is one of the few cellars in the country to stock international wines, including selections from France, Italy, Spain, Australia, Chile, South Africa and California. The hotel even produced its own wine label: a Malbec - in 2009 that was awarded the 5th best Malbec in the world. This stylish venue is well-suited for wine tastings and private dinners for up to 16 guests. Special menus can be designed with wine pairings from the list, and pashminas can be provided for ladies to wear during the event and to take home afterward. Private affairs hosted here have included a wine tasting and dinner for Mick Jagger. www.LHW.com/faenahotel

At Badrutt's Palace Hotel in St. Moritz, Switzerland, guests will find a natural wine cellar that has its origins in 1896, comprising part of the foundation of the hotel. The recipient of the Award of Excellence by Wine Spectator magazine for nine consecutive years, it boasts over 30,000 bottles. Among those bottles are approximately 900 different labels, focused primarily on reds from Bordeaux, whites from Burgundy, and of course, Champagne. Dating back to 1900, a bottle of Château Lafite-Rothschild is the oldest in the collection. For guests who are marking an extraordinary occasion, the hotel can offer a magnum of Grand Cru Romanee-Conti 1996 for CHF 20,350, or perhaps for a smaller group, a bottle of Grand Cru Romanee-Conti 1990 priced at CHF 15,000. The cellar is an ideal setting for a wine tasting and dinner event for up to 20 people, or a cocktail reception for up to 30. www.LHW.com/badrutts

The wine cellar of Grand Hotel Continental in Siena, Italy, is located at the base of a medieval tower dating to around 1200. Today these thick stone walls protect hundreds of fine vintages cradled in gleaming floor-to-ceiling steel racks. The wine list which primarily features local Tuscan wines also includes wines from other regions in Italy. The oldest bottle is a 1960 Castello di Uzzano. The most expensive bottle is a Masseto Ornellaia 2005 at EUR 600. From now until December 31, 2011, the hotel is offering its Discover Wine in Siena package, which includes a three-course dinner with wines chosen by the sommelier, and a two-hour wine tasting class, as well as daily buffet breakfast. A two-night stay is required and rates start at EUR 395 per night, single or double. Booking code is S11.
www.LHW.com/ghcontinental

The intimate and charming Widder Hotel in Zurich, Switzerland, is known for its eclectic blend of ancient and modern design. Incorporating nine townhouses, some dating back to the Middle Ages, the hotel carries the melding of old and new right through to its wine cellar. Set in the historic Haus zum Pferch, the cellar features a ceiling beam dating to the 13th century, in contrast to the braided brass door at the entry next to the Widder Restaurant. With its sleek hooded cheese buffet, the cellar is also perfect for a private wine and cheese tasting for up to eight people. The mostly European list includes a Château Latour 1er Cru Classe 1966 CHF 1300, as well as a Chateau Petrus 1986 CHF 2600. www.LHW.com/widder

Please note: All programs/packages listed above are subject to availability. Discounts and special offers cannot be combined. Not applicable to previous bookings. Not applicable to group bookings. Local taxes and service charges are additional.

About The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd.
The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. is the largest luxury hospitality organization in the world, representing over 430 of the finest hotels, resorts and spas in over 80 countries. Its mission is to curate and champion an exclusive collection of independent properties, including grand palaces and intimate city hideaways, luxury tent enclaves and expansive self-contained resorts. Established in 1928 by several influential and forward-thinking European hoteliers, it started with 38 initial members. Its loyal customers demand levels of quality they have come to expect of the brand, while seeking authentic and enriching travel experiences. Leading Hotel members are utterly unique and boldly independent. To be considered for inclusion, a hotel must adhere to strict quality standards and master the art of extraordinary hospitality. For reservations, visit www.LHW.com. In the USA & Canada please call 1-800-223-6800 or contact a travel professional.