Journey underground to discover the world’s most impressive wine cellars and caves—spaces where architecture, heritage, and viniculture merge into unforgettable tasting experiences.

1. Cricova – Moldova

Boasting over 120 km of tunnels carved into limestone, Cricova is known as a “wine city” deep underground, housing 1.25 million bottles stored at a constant 12 °C. Dating from 15th‑century quarries, it even once welcomed Yuri Gagarin underground.

2. Palmaz Vineyards – Napa Valley, USA

Carved 18 stories into Mount George, Palmaz features a 100 000 ft² cave—using gravity-flow winemaking and perfect natural conditions (60 °F, 75 % humidity)

3. Champagne Crayères – Champagne, France

Romantic Roman-era chalk caves beneath Reims and Épernay serve as aging cellars for prestigious houses—ideal for secondary fermentation and full of history.

4. Château Les Carmes Haut‑Brion – Bordeaux, France

Recent designs balance maritime heritage with modern architecture, creating striking cellar spaces hidden beneath the vineyards.

5. Schloss Johannisberg – Rheingau, Germany

This historic estate (over 900 years old) combines baroque legacy with Riesling innovation, and offers beautifully preserved cellars.

6. SpéléOenologie – Burgundy, France

Expert-led cave tastings allow exploration of Burgundy’s underground limestone galleries—immersive wine tourism at its finest..

7. Vena Cava Winery – Baja California, Mexico

Unique hand-crafted cave cellars carved into cliffs, blending winemaking with local geology in a hands-on tasting setting..

8. Palmaz & Schramsberg – California, USA

Schramsberg’s 1867 caves (built by Chinese laborers) and Palmaz’s vast network both offer tours highlighting history and aging craftsmanship..

9. Historic Port Wine Caves – Porto, Portugal

Centuries-old cellars beneath Vila Nova de Gaia host the world’s oldest port wine houses, with vintage bottles dating back to the 18th century..

10. Wine Cellars at Michelin Properties

From glacier-carved caves in Iceland to bespoke wood-clad vaults in Canada and California, Michelin-starred destinations now include dramatic subterranean wine spaces.

Why These Stand Out

• Architectural Wonder: From Roman chalk crayères to vertical gravity caves.
• Historical Depth: Some date back centuries—into quarries and medieval estates.
• Perfect Conditions: Naturally consistent temperature and humidity.”
• Unique Experiences: Tours, tastings, even waterfalls deep within the earth.

Planning Your Visit

• Reserve cellar tours in advance—many are by appointment only.
• Visit during cooler months for the best underground experience.
• Combine tastings with local wine travel—Champagne day trips, Napa valley road trips.

These ten wine cellars offer more than a glass—they offer a dive into the heart of winemaking craft, heritage, and design. Cheers to the journey below!