Your ultimate guide to the best wine cellars in the Maldives

“Wine makes daily living easier, less hurried, with fewer tensions and more tolerance.” – Benjamin Franklin

If we go by what Benjamin Franklin said about wine, the much-loved spirit of the world and Maldives have plenty in common. After all, the island nation, just like wine, is known for providing guests with the opportunity to slow down, go casual, and enjoy the pleasures of life.

Surprisingly, as with the circle of life, the moment we talk about life’s simple pleasures, having a glass or two of wine often comes to mind. And when combined with the natural and lavish surroundings of the private islands, it is simply a match made in heaven.

Unlike most other spirits, wine is synonymous with sophistication. Best enjoyed slowly, it impresses its connoisseurs with distinct flavors and subtle notes. Consequently, wine is amongst the most complex-to-understand spirits. Often associated with luxury and wealth, it has understandably become an integral part of the culinary world, especially gourmet dining.

Where and how can you get wine in the Maldives?

Universally loved, both old and new-age wines are nowadays available in different parts of the world. The Maldives, a conservative Muslim country, does not allow alcohol on its public islands. Furthermore, tourists cannot bring alcohol, including wine, into the country.

As a result, the only place for travelers to enjoy wine is at private island retreats. Typically, resorts serve alcohol at their restaurants and bars and can also arrange it in your villa.

Wine at Maldivian resorts

Wine dates back to 6000 BCE to what is now Georgia. Over centuries the cultivation of wine has taken a more methodological approach, yet it remains grounded in heritage. Even now, creating that perfect bottle of vino requires hard manual labor, which adds a sense of authenticity and appreciation to every sip you take.

So, it’s no real surprise that purveyors of luxury, the private island resorts in the Maldives, have an inherent fondness for wine. Almost all resorts carry an impressive collection of labels, sharing their love for wine with their guests. Some of these bottles are among the most expensive and treasured in the world.

However, there are resorts that go a step forward, having fashioned the best wine cellars in the Maldives as part of their culinary repertoire. These unique rooms create a particularly exclusive ambiance, cozy and ripe for a memorable wine session.

Additionally, resorts employ the best sommeliers in the business. These professionals are not just responsible for curating the collection but also help accentuate the wine-tasting experience for enthusiastic guests.

Wine Cellar – Conrad Maldives Rangali Island

The wow factor of what is the most extensive wine cellar in the Maldives is beyond belief. Seating only 12 people at a time, Conrad Maldives’ wine library is home to 18000 bottles spread across 800 labels.

Two meters below the ground, its location is ideal for preserving the wine. At the same time, it presents guests with a private nook to indulge in a spectacular gastronomic affair.

With the resort’s Chef de Cuisine and Head Sommelier playing host, diners at the cellar taste a seasonal six-course degustation menu with wine pairing.

Adding a hint of excitement to the event is a two-wine blind test, a chance to learn or show off your wine knowledge. And if that wasn’t enough, the dining table has pop-out screens that give you more details about the wines.

The bottles surrounding the main table consist of wine from various regions, both new and old. Furthermore, the resort changes roughly 30% of the bottles annually, keeping the collection fresh with latest additions.

While the Wine Cellar at the Conrad Maldives Rangali has several limited-edition bottles. The rare Krug Clos d’Ambonnay 1995 and the Methuselah of Cristal 1990, retailing at US$ 52,000, are two that stand out.

Wine Museum & Cigar Lounge – Chevel Blanc Randheli Maldives

A stay at Cheval Blanc Randheli is an unforgettable experience in elegant living. For oenophiles, their Wine Museum is a gorgeous space with an array of bottles displayed behind glass cases.

Although a part of the resort’s Le 1947 restaurant, the Wine Museum creates its own identity. Here, guests can relish a sommelier-led adventure that includes wine tastings, detailed information about wine growers, production processes, blends, and individual wine notes.

The team at the Wine Museum can also curate special tasting menus, featuring the best wine pairings from their expansive collection, on request.

Vinum Bar – Huvafen Fushi

Starting in 2004, the “first underground wine cellar” in the Maldives, Vinum, is a dramatic space eight meters below the island’s surface. Reached via a candle-lit concrete staircase, its interiors comprise a stunning art installation on the ceiling that further elevates the charm of the ambiance.

The wine collection at Vinum includes over 6000 bottles and 600 plus labels. Among these are old classics, new-age finds, and rareties that go for above US$ 40,000 per bottle.

Guests staying at Huvafen Fushi can enjoy a truly affluent gastronomic escapade by attending daily wine and cheese tastings here. Or else, the chefs organize degustation menus and six-course dinners that satisfy the most ardent of epicure.

Wine Cellar – Soneva Jani

The beauty of Soneva Jani is that it encourages its guests to partake in numerous activities centered around food, art, sport, and the like.

The Wine Cellar at the resort is somewhat humble, located inside a “wine tower” that is a part of The Gathering, Soneva’s all-day, over-water hangout spot. Here you’ll find an impressive international collection of bottles, primarily focusing on biodynamic and organic wines. Guests can enjoy wine here by the glass, allowing them to experiment with a wider variety. 

Where Soneva Jani truly succeeds in enticing wine enthusiasts is through its Soneva Star program. The program invites industry leaders for residencies at the resort, who then hold lectures, tastings, demonstrations, and workshops.

In February 2022, for instance, the resort was the venue of a “virtual wine journey” led by Franco and Claudia Massolino from the century-old winery Massolino in Italy.

So, when planning a stay at Soneva Jani, ask if any wine event is taking place, and book a seat in advance.

Wine Loft – Coco Bodu Hithi

Situated close to the resort’s infinity pool, Wine Loft is a romantic spot on the island to have a private dinner with friends and loved ones. Featuring over 200 wines, the distinct collection is especially known for carrying biodynamic and organic wines.

Guests staying at Coco Bodu Hithi can enjoy wines from the far corners of the planet at the Wine Loft. There are sommeliers on hand to recommend. You can otherwise browse and pick your own bottle. It is also possible to purchase wine bottles from here for consumption in your villa.

Furthermore, Wine Loft hosts tasting dinners once a week. The meal is an excellent opportunity to enjoy chef specialties along with perfectly paired wines that accentuate the flavors of the food.

Wine House – Raffles Maldives Meradhoo

The latest addition to the wine cellars of the Maldives list, Wine House opened its doors to the public in 2021. Managing this collection of 400 labels is Head Sommelier Manuel Llamas.

The room consists of a communal table with sliding doors overlooking the water. The wines cover a wide range, featuring old-world regions of France and Italy while giving a chance to the recent discoveries.

Guests staying at the Raffles Maldives can indulge in tastings or light pairing dinners that celebrate the world’s wines and cuisines.

Cheese & Wine Cellar – Kudadoo Maldives Private Island

The Wine Cellar at Kudadoo Maldives is home to over 80 specially curated labels, each with an 88 and above Wine Spectator rating. It also features cheese and charcuterie that boasts 50-plus kinds of cheese, chorizo, salami, and hams.

Guests can visit the cellar for tastings or have the sommeliers suggest wines and champagnes for consumption anywhere on the island, at any time. 

Guests looking to celebrate a special occasion or go all out for an exclusive experience can opt for a tasting from the “owner’s private wine selection.”

Although chargeable, the selection features exceptional bottles like Dom Perignon Rose Champagne, Armand De Brignac, and Domaine de la Romanée-Conti.

The Cellar – JA Manafaru Maldives

There are only a few visually striking wine cellars in the Maldives, and The Cellar is one of them. It is also the country’s first and “deepest subterranean wine cave.”

Located 2.5 meters below sea level, it has a hugely seductive atmospheric décor.

Consisting of three rooms, The Cellar holds over 3000 bottles of wine. It offers a dreamy space for guests to enjoy wine tastings and pairing menus.

While you can book the room for a private event, the resort regularly hosts special wine-centered dinners here.

Vakkaru Reserve – Vakkaru Maldives

Cozy with high ceilings, a rustic wooden interior, rows upon rows of wine bottles, ladders, a bar, and an alluring oaky aroma, that’s Vakkuru Reserve in a nutshell.

On a high, having received an “Award of Excellence” from Wine Spectator magazine, Vakkaru Reserve is one of the few wine cellars in the Maldives that believes in investing generously towards its collection.

Moreover, with a new Head Sommelier in Lucas Girod from Argentina, the resort hopes to further expand its domination as one of the best resorts in the Maldives for wine lovers.

During a stay at Vakkaru Maldives, do plan for a dining experience at the wine house. Vakkaru Reserve offers a 10-seater communal table where guests relish a delicious tasting menu paired with exceptional old and new wines. They also have a terrace area with garden views, ideal for couples.

Sangu Wine Cellar – Kuredu Island Resort & Spa

The Sangu Wine Cellar, part of the eponymous restaurant, boasts 1100 bottles from leading wine producers worldwide.

Inaugurated in 2014, the collection here is diverse, with carefully curated labels that offer a range of reds, whites, vintages, and new-world wines.

The resort’s resident sommelier is always available at Sangu, ready to recommend wine pairings depending on your meal choice. There are wines available by the glass, while others require you to purchase the bottle. Moreover, guests can have the wine at the restaurant, at a beach dinner, or take it to their villa.

Among the wine list at Sangu Wine Cellar, you will find 2002 Salon Cuvée ‘S’, ‘Blanc de Blanc’, Ca’ del Bosco Cuvee ‘Prestige Rose’ Brut, 2007 Montrachet Grand Cru, and 1998 Château Lafite Rothschild.

The Wine Cellar also has sustainable Sea Change wines, wherein a donation goes to charity for every bottle sold. Sea Change wines are vegan and environmentally friendly.

Wine Room – JW Marriott Maldives Resort & Spa

Being one of only ten resorts in the country to receive the prestigious “Award of Excellence” from Wine Spectator magazine is quite a feat. This international recognition further solidifies Wine Room’s status as one of the best wine cellars in the Maldives.

As part of JW Marriott Maldives’ all-day dining restaurant Aailaa, the Wine Room stocks over 1600 bottles and 320 labels. Meticulously curated, the collection is a true gem featuring the best international labels. Guests can taste wines like the 2017 Dog Point Sauvignon Blanc from New Zealand, 2013 Robert Mondavi Opus One, 2007 Château Petrus, and more.

However, the award is as much a validation of the Wine Room’s collection as it is about the staff’s continuous efforts to promote wine. Head Sommelier Amit Choudhary and Chef Pawan Chennam are behind some of the most entertaining tastings held here.

Guest can also book private wine dinners and tastings. While open from noon till late evening, residents need an appointment to visit the Wine Room.

Underground Wine Cellar – Gili Lankanfushi

Although Gili Lankanfushi is famous for its variety of overwater villas, the resort further amazes guests with its common facilities. Among them, the underground wine room is one of the most quirky and impressive wine cellars in the Maldives.

Down a glass staircase, the cave-like Wine Cellar instantly amazes through its center table. Made using a large tree trunk found on the island shore after the 2004 Tsunami, it accentuates the ambiance with its tropical rustic-ness. Moreover, the wood you see on the walls is from old villas on the island.

All the bottles of Gili’s collection are not on display in the room, but they are in excess of 10,000 available. These include over 500 labels from classic and up-and-coming wine-producing regions.

The wine sommeliers at Gilli Lankanfushi complete the picture by being extremely knowledgeable about their collection. Furthermore, they are an entertaining bunch who charm their guests with interesting stories and wine pairings.

Cellar Door – Amilla Maldives Resort & Residences

Cellar Door gets to be among the best wine cellars in the Maldives for having bright, welcoming interiors, friendly staff, and one of the biggest wine collections in the country.

The restaurant area, in particular, is broad, with ample space to move around. A wall of wine barrels, a large window overlooking the sea, and different seating arrangements give it a casual look.

In its arsenal, the Cellar Door has over 8000 bottles, which guests can purchase by the case or per bottle. The wines are diverse, ranging from bubblies and reds to premium whites from the New and Old Worlds. The 2017 cabernet sauvignon from Quella Bond Estate, 2008 Château Margaux, and 2011 Respekt Riesling from Austria are some wines worth tasting. 

Furthermore, there are options to partake in tastings with cheese and honeycomb. A wine session during your stay at the Amilla Maldives is a memory to cherish for a long time.

Wine Cellar – Baglioni Resort Maldives

Being an Italian resort, wine gets all the importance it rightly deserves at the Baglioni Maldives. Situated above their restaurant, Gusto, the cellar is an open space that is both inviting and relaxing.

Featuring wines from across Italy, the cellar, under the tutelage of Head Sommelier Alessandro De Angelis, aims to provide guests with an incredible gastronomic experience. This includes tasting and carefully planned wine pairing dinners.

Offering lovely views of the sea, the Wine Cellar houses over 350 labels, including several much-revered international classics.

Wine Cellar – Sun Siyam Iru Fushi

Taking a scenic spot over the water, the Wine Cellar at Sun Siyam Iru Fushi is an idyllic space for an intimate gathering. The somewhat circular building, lined on the inside with close to 2000 bottles, can accommodate 12 guests on its center table.

The bottles here cover the majority of wine-producing regions of the world and feature vintages going as far back as 1982. Guests staying at the resort can book the space for private tastings with cheese, caviar, and snacks.

The resort’s resident sommeliers are forever present at the Wine Cellar. They have all the information about each bottle, its history, and the region from where it comes.

Decanter – St Regis Maldives Vommuli Island Resort

Although St Regis Maldives promotes Decanter as a restaurant, the space leans towards being one of the more contemporary wine cellars in the Maldives.

The underground library has a flawless glass look that is the epitome of tasteful sophistication. The wine-bottle-lined walls and marble table, seating 14, further add to the cellar’s refined look. 

On the menu at Decanter is a five-course tasting menu consisting of freshly caught fish and seasonal produce. Paired with the food are exclusive wines.

Decanter holds over 2000 bottles and 615 labels, many of which are hard to find, including a 1755 vintage.

The Rock – Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

The Rock is a thematic wine cellar at the Waldorf Astoria Maldives with nothing to do with the world-famous Hollywood star.

Inside, the cellar has a contemporary look, with a “200-year-old Jarrah wood table” taking center stage. The use of Jordanian limestone, white in color, gives the space a cave-like appeal and keeps the interiors bright.

The Rock can seat 12 diners and opens only on request. They have over 1000 different labels and a sommelier to help with recommendations and pairings.

Guests can also go for a tasting menu with delicacies like seared Hokkaido scallops, beluga caviar, Westholme wagyu tomahawk, and Maldivian lobster.

N.B.: All the information in the article is correct as of the publication date. The prices mentioned, if any, are subject to change.