Things To Consider When Building A Wine Cellar
1. What is the purpose of the wine room?
Are you interested in maximum wine storage, entertaining, or a mix
of both? The following article will give you some thought provoking tips on building a wine cellar.
Many people just want to store and cool the maximum number of bottles in a room, but others would like a showpiece room where they can pour and entertain people.
2. Which wood species?
Redwood, pine, mahogany, stained mahogany? Redwood has been
the standard wood species over the years due to its ability to resist
mold and mildew. Redwood looks beautiful without any stain, but
Mahogany is a beautiful hardwood that accepts stain very well. Pine
is a softer wood that is more economical but does not accept stain
very well.
3. What are you planning to store?
How do you purchase your wine – by the case, or individually? 750 ml bottles, magnums, splits (half bottles), bottle cases?
The bottle sizes will affect what type of racking you will need, and you may want to
think about how you will purchase in the future as well. Also, what
type of wine; reds, whites, champagnes? Whites and champagnes
can be store in a cellar but should be moved to a cooler temperature
before serving.
4. How do you want to store your wine?
In the winemaker’s case? Individually in its own bottle
cubicle, or on top of one another (diamond wine bin)?
The wine bins will allow for more quantity to be stored in the cellar while the individual bottle cubicles allow for better airflow. Would you like a
display row to showcase your favorite labels?
5. Would you like a counter space for pouring?
It’s a must-have for those wishing to hang out in the wine cellar and
entertain. Tops can be made of wood, granite or concrete and are
great to store snacks, cheeses, chocolates and other accoutrements
of wine.
6. Would you like a wine arch?
Great for showcasing artwork or large bottles. Also a great area for
pouring, the arch is a focal point of a wine cellar and is usually placed
in plain view of the door (which usually has glass) and can be seen
from outside the cellar.
7. Do you need a wine cellar cooling unit?
Consistent temperature is the key to preserving and aging your wine.
Average temperature should be between 55-65 degrees Fahrenheit
and between 50-70% humidity.
8. Would you like a wine cellar door?
Exterior grade doors are a must to keep the cool air and humidity
inside the cellar. The wine cellar door also sets the stage for the wine
cellar before visitors enter. Security should also be an issue for those
with expensive collections and/or children in the home.
9. How about accessories?
Lighting, flooring, wall artwork and even wine dispensing units are
optional additions to make a wine cellar truly personal.
10. What is your budget?
By using different wood species and wine racking techniques, a wine
cellar can be created from quite modest to very generous budgets.
Hopefully these tips on building a wine cellar will get you thinking. See the articles links that follow for more in depth information.