One of Monaco’s most historic wine houses is turning a new page, without forgetting where it came from.
After more than a century at the heart of the Principality, Les Grands Chais Monégasques is evolving into GCM, a reimagined concept that blends heritage with a more modern, experience-driven approach to wine. At the centre of this transformation is the launch of Salon GCM, a refined tasting space designed to offer something far more immersive than a traditional cellar visit.
The story begins in the early 1900s, when a local merchant, Mr Ginocchio, established a wine business near what would later become Port Hercule. Over the decades, the house grew into a respected name in the trade, earning recognition as early as 1909 at the Paris International Exhibition and playing a role in the development of French wine distribution. Through various evolutions, including a major modernisation push in the 1980s and a renewed local identity in 2014, the cellar has remained a quiet but important part of Monaco’s cultural and gastronomic landscape.
Today, under the direction of third-generation leader Sébastien Dameno, the venue is stepping into a new era. The ambition is clear: move beyond simply selling fine wines and create an experience around them.
Salon GCM, set to open on Friday, April 3, reflects that shift. The space has been completely redesigned, but not stripped of its character. Instead, it leans into it. Stone walls, aged wood and original cellar elements create an atmosphere that feels both timeless and intimate, while subtle modern touches elevate the experience without overpowering it.
Visitors are invited to slow down and engage with wine differently. With the guidance of a sommelier, guests can explore a collection of more than 3,000 references, ranging from rare vintages to exceptional spirits. Each bottle comes with its own story, one that is shared, explained and brought to life as part of the tasting.
The experience doesn’t stop at the glass. Carefully curated food pairings, ranging from aged charcuterie and cheeses to foie gras and caviar, are designed to complement and enhance each selection, turning a simple tasting into something far more complete.
For Dameno, the project is also deeply personal. Having grown up around the cellar, he speaks of wine not as a product, but as something lived and felt. That philosophy runs through the entire concept: a place where heritage is not just preserved, but actively experienced.
In a market where luxury is increasingly defined by moments rather than material goods, GCM is positioning itself as something slightly different, a destination where history, craftsmanship and atmosphere come together to offer something genuinely memorable.
With its transformation, this long-standing Monaco institution isn’t just adapting to changing tastes, it’s helping shape them.
Discover more on the GCM website here.
