The Caves de l’Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo have been awarded the “Best of Award of Excellence” by Wine Spectator’s 2026 awards, one of the most prestigious accolades in the wine world. The recognises the exceptional quality and depth of the cellar’s collection.
Wine Spectator, founded in 1976, is among the most respected and widely read publications in the global wine industry. Its decision to spotlight the Caves de l’Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo this year places a fresh focus on what is recognised as the largest hotel wine cellar in the world.
Housing an extraordinary 300,000 bottles across more than 11,000 references, the cellar spans 1,500 square metres and has stood for over 150 years as one of the great heritage and gastronomic treasures of the Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer group. Carved into the rock 12 metres below ground on the initiative of Marie Blanc in 1874, and given a full renovation in 2025, the cellars supply around thirty restaurants and bars across the Resort. Beyond its practical role, the space also plays host to exclusive tours and exceptional private dinners.
Last year saw the creation of the Cercle des Caves de l’Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, a members’ circle bringing together serious wine enthusiasts for ultra-private evenings dedicated to rare wines and prestigious vintages.
It is this combination of scale, history and curation that secured the cellar its 2026 accolade. The award particularly recognises the strength of its Burgundy, Champagne and Bordeaux selections, which form the backbone of its extensive list.
The honour adds to a growing list of Wine Spectator recognitions for Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer. Le Grill, the Michelin-starred restaurant at the Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, received the same distinction in 2025, as did the three-starred Le Louis XV-Alain Ducasse, both honoured for their wine selections.