Most Beautiful Wine Cellars in the World

Oenophiles rejoice You'll be delighted and probably find everything you've ever dreamed of in this beautifully photographed volume. Granted, precious few of us can afford the incredible wine cellars featured, but thanks to THE MOST BEAUTIFUL WINE CELLARS IN THE WORLD we can visit. I hasten to add they're not only beautiful but their selections are impeccable.

Our visits, which include 60 wine cellars in Europe, North America, Lebanon and China, are arranged chronologically beginning with the older cellars and moving forward in history until we are amazed by a virtual wine cellar.

Opening with an Introduction that holds a description of the ideal cellar and focuses on temperature, humidity, lighting, vibration, etc. we are eager for our first stop which is Marques de Riscal, Elciego, Spain. Surrounded by gorgeous mountains and founded in 1858 it is the oldest cellar featured. Many may be surprised to see the eye-popping architecture designed by the one and only Frank Gehry Using the former Marques de Riscal cellar as the basis for his design he created a phenomenal structure over it. With a titanium exterior he incorporated the Marques de Riscal's colors - pink for the wine, gold for the mesh that covers the bottles, and silver for the bottleneck capsules. This complex includes a hotel, a restaurant, a business center and a health spa, which offers vinotherapy treatments.

A bit of heaven I'd be willing to stay for a long while but it is on to Thiessen Wijnkoopers, where the oldest parts of the subterranean cellars date to the 14th century and once formed part of the city's defenses. Next? France's Chateau Margaux where one of the best wines in the world is produced. And our travels have only begun.

Every one of the 240 pages is a feast for both mind and eye. There are 300 stunning color photographs, the majority of which are full page. Visions to dream on

Each of the cellars stands alone in its history, beauty, and originality. To have them all presented in this lush volume is a treasure.

Highly recommended.

- Gail Cooke