1. Planning: The Blueprint of Your Cellar Every wine cellar starts with a vision. Some key considerations in this stage include:
Purpose: Is this a showcase for entertaining guests, a working storage for a vast collection, or a combination of both?
Size: Depending on your collection's size and growth prospects, choose a space that allows for expansion. Consider what percentage (if any) you might choose to keep in bond (a bonded warehouse facility is advisable if you plan to sell your wine, to maintain optimal value).
Location: Reflect on ideal purpose & functionality, as well as lifestyle preferences when selecting the ideal location. Basements are ideal due to their naturally cooler temperatures, however virtually any space can be transformed with the right expertise. Harmful UV light can be mitigated with UV film applied to glass, however, avoid direct sunlight and other heat sources.
2. Technology: Ensuring Optimal Conditions Most modern wine cellars are climate controlled environments. Here is what you need to consider:
Temperature: Maintain a consistent temperature between 12-15C.
Humidity: Aim for a humidity level of 55-75%. Too low can dry out the corks, while too high can lead to mould.
Cooling Systems: Invest in a reliable wine cellar cooling system. This isn't your standard air-conditioning unit; it's specially designed to regulate both temperature and humidity and will need to run 365 days a year. Beware of cheaper/lower quality mechanical cooling options, for example, many condenser coils do not have a special anti-corrosion coating, meaning the longevity may be significantly reduced.
Lighting: The correct lighting can really transform the aesthetic of a cellar. Because UV rays from halogen lighting can harm wine, opt for LED or fibre optic lights that do not emit UV rays or generate significant heat. In addition, consider two separate switches for your cellar lighting, task and ambient.
Future-proof: Ensure all cabling is in place early on, even if you do not plan to add all available technology straight away, for example, we advise to install a data connection in case you choose to have remote monitoring, inventory tracking and other home automation solutions in the future.
3. Process: Creating the Ideal Space Creating the perfect wine cellar is a journey, one that requires expertise and patience...
Insulation and Vapor Barriers: These are crucial to maintain a climate-controlled environment. Ensure walls, ceilings, and floors are properly insulated, with the correct vapour barrier in place.
Cellar Conditioning: This should be designed and installed by specialists to ensure the system is efficient, reliable, and quiet.
Wine storage Installation: Depending on your style, need and budget, this could be off-the-shelf racking, a modular system or custom-built to fit your space. Discover some pro-tips in point 4 (below).
Door: The entrance to your sanctuary should be both beautiful and functional. Ensure it is well-insulated, with seals all round to maintain the hermetically sealed environment.
4. Design: Marrying Aesthetics and Functionality Your wine cellar should be a blend of functionality and aesthetic appeal...
Depending on your collection, lifestyle preferences and priorities, what might be labelled as the ultimate in functionality, will vary from person to person, however our experience has been that it is always best to develop the design around your collection, your must-haves and your nice-to-have's. Things to consider might include whether to allow for larger format bottles, wine cases, storage for other drinks and stemware, accessory drawer, cigar drawer, sink, tasting counter or table. If you would like to receive our comprehensive wine storage planning checklist free of charge, please get in touch with the team at Cellar Maison.
Wine Storage & Display (racking): Let's narrow down the options.....
A) Off-the-shelf wine racks:
While off-the-shelf traditional wooden racks can serve a purpose if you're after lower cost utilitarian storage, there are limitations both in terms of how they fit within your space, as well as style and finish options. Be wary of the quality and rigidity of anything you are looking to purchase online. Ideally order a sample first and ensure that your racking is firmly secured together and to the wall, as several hundred bottles of wine can add up to a significant weight.
B) Mid-range modular solutions:
Ask the team at Cellar Maison about their new range PAPRIKA. A configurable solution, that is designed as standard modular sizes and configured in different ways to give the bespoke feel at an affordable price. They also have the option to customise some of the joinery to fit within a unique space. This could be an ideal option for the budget conscious wine collector, who still wants quality and a degree of customization.
C) Going bespoke:
Although generally the more expensive option, having a fully custom designed and crafted wine cellar can open a world of inspiring designs and styles utilising sustainable hardwoods, metal, stone, and other materials, finishes and textures. Whatever your style and budget, seeking advice from a wine cellar design specialist such as Cellar Maison, or an experienced interior designer or architect can ultimately mean the difference between something that serves a purpose, and a superb centrepiece that is the envy of friends and family.
5. Implementation - The Final Touches As your vision comes to life, pay attention to:
Security: Consider installing security systems or lockable doors, especially for valuable collections, and insurance purposes.
Curating your cellar: Documenting and loading your wine, is often the thing that wine enthusiasts love to do the most (aside from tasting their wine of course), however for those with larger collections and limited time, we work with several wine experts in the UK and Australasia, who would be delighted to assist you in curating your cellar and buying recommendations.
Wine Inventory Software: There are plenty of options out there for wine inventory software, (some better than others). We are happy to share our top recommendations with you and can even load your current stock and set up the software for you.
Maintenance: Regularly service your cooling system, monitor humidity, and temperature, and aim to keep the cellar clean to ensure optimal conditions.
Backup Systems: If you are a serious collector, you may wish to consider a backup generator to ensure your wine is safe in the event of a power outage.
In conclusion, the creation of a wine cellar is an art as much as it is a science. It's about understanding the nuances of wine, your collection and lifestyle preferences, as well as the technical aspects of storage, and recognising the design potential. At Cellar Maison, we pride ourselves on striking that perfect balance, offering our clients the pinnacle of curated wine storage solutions. Whether you're starting your journey into wine collecting or looking to elevate your existing cellar, we're here to guide you every step of the way.
Note: This blog post is a general guide. For more detailed assistance and advice specific to Cellar Maison's unique offerings and expertise, it would be beneficial contact us early to discuss planning, technology, design, process, and implementation.
