GCM: Where Monaco’s wine heritage meets a new art of living

EDITORIAL TEAM
June 19, 2026
Lifestyle

In a Principality renowned for its luxury experiences, few places can claim more than a century of history. Yet behind its discreet façade on Rue Baron de Sainte-Suzanne, GCM has been shaping Monaco’s wine culture for generations.

Formerly known as Les Grands Chais Monégasques, the iconic wine house has recently unveiled a new identity and a new concept: Salon GCM. More than a wine cellar, it is a destination dedicated to discovery, conviviality and the art of living. Founded in the early 1900s and awarded a Gold Medal at the Paris International Exhibition in 1909, the house has evolved while preserving the essence of its heritage. Today, under the leadership of Sébastien Dameno, the third generation continues to write the story of one of Monaco’s most treasured institutions.

GCM: Where Monaco’s wine heritage meets a new art of living

A confidential salon for wine lovers

The ambition behind Salon GCM is simple: transform wine tasting into a genuine experience. Set beneath century-old wooden vats, surrounded by stone walls, warm lighting and carefully curated décor, the venue invites guests to slow down and reconnect with the pleasure of discovery. Here, wine is not simply ordered – it is explored, explained and shared. Accompanied by a sommelier, visitors can choose from more than 3,000 references of fine wines and exceptional spirits. Whether selecting a rare vintage or discovering a new producer, every tasting is guided by expertise and storytelling.

As Sébastien Dameno explains: “Today, clients are looking for moments to live, emotions to feel. With Salon GCM, we offer exactly that: discovering a vintage, understanding its story, being guided by a sommelier… and experiencing wine in a more immersive way.”

More than a tasting

One of the venue’s most distinctive features is the opportunity to enjoy exceptional bottles on-site. Guests can select a bottle directly from the cellar and savour it in the salon. If not finished, it is carefully sealed with wax and can be taken home, extending the experience beyond the evening. The culinary offering has been designed with the same attention to detail. Exceptional charcuterie, aged cheeses, foie gras, Mediterranean delicacies and caviar create pairings that enhance the aromas and character of each wine.

Discovering wine differently

Beyond its permanent offering, GCM has also become a gathering place for wine enthusiasts through a series of exclusive events organised throughout the year. Themed evenings allow guests to meet renowned winemakers, discover exceptional estates and explore rare vintages in an intimate and educational setting. These encounters provide direct access to the people behind the bottles and offer a deeper understanding of the world of wine. Among the most original concepts is the “Casino du Vin”, a playful tasting experience where guests are invited to test their senses, challenge their palate and learn more about wine through a fun and interactive format.

Heritage meets modernity

What makes GCM unique is its ability to combine heritage with contemporary expectations. While many luxury venues focus on spectacle, GCM focuses on authenticity, expertise and meaningful experiences. As Sébastien Dameno describes it, guests are invited to experience “a moment out of time, within a historic cellar, in a place filled with history.” For collectors, connoisseurs and curious newcomers alike, GCM represents something increasingly rare in today’s luxury landscape: a place where stories are shared, discoveries are made and every bottle has something to tell.