(Architecturaldigest) - Around 80 B.C. the Romans dug into the ground below Reims, France, in the Champagne region to mine salt and chalk. Hundreds of years later, in the 1600s, local winemakers found a new use for these caves: Champagne storage. Since these were the days before artificial refrigeration, the caves provided the chilly temperature, humidity control, and protection from sunlight and vibrations needed for the perfect maturation of this delicate beverage. Wine cellars and caves have a similar subterranean history, whenwine was buried in ceramic jugs during fermentation. Later, catacombs were used as wine storage, until the French began digging dedicated wine caves.

While present-day co of wine and Champagne incorporate more modern cooling and storage methods, many historic—and awe-inspiring—French Champagne caves and wine cellars are still in existence and can be toured by the public. If this sounds like your cup of tea, or wine, consider visiting one of these caves or cellars during your next European vacation.

Château de Meursault, Meursault, France

The cellars of this French winery—some of the region’s most visited—date from the 14th and 16th centuries. The cellars were originally dug by the monks of Cîteaux and can hold up to 700,000 bottles and more than 2,000 wine barrels.

Taittinger, Reims, France