A wine cellar is a room or space in a house or other building for the storage of wine. Traditionally, European cellars provided cool temperatures, constant humidity, and protection from rodents and insects. Nowadays, there are many different types of wine cellars such as:
“Permanent” – an underground brick vault with thick stone walls that are insulated by earth or concrete.
“Semi-permanent” – a room constructed especially for storing wine; this type of cellar can be built under an unused portion of the house or garage.
Get a sense of what you’re looking for.
– Figure out how much space you have available.
– Know what your budget is.
– Decide what kind of wine you want to store, and how many bottles’ worth of it you’d like in your cellar.
A team of experts at the ready.
Have a team of experts at the ready, and you can save yourself the headache of learning how to build a wine cellar on your own.
Have an expert contractor, who understands the ins and outs of construction projects like this one, guide you through the process. He or she will be able to tell you which materials are most appropriate for building your custom wine cellar, as well as help determine whether it would be better to have a custom-designed room built from scratch or simply add on to an existing structure.
Select the right kind of wine racks.
Once you’ve decided what kind of wine cellar you want, the next step is to select the right kind of wine racks. You can choose from stainless steel racks, wooden racks, and glass racks. Wood or glass are good choices if you want something that looks more elegant. Stainless steel or custom-designed wine racks are better options if space is an issue in your cellar.
Understand Your Cellar’s Role.
Before you begin, it is important to understand the role your cellar will play in your life. Will it be used for business or pleasure?
If you plan on using your cellar for entertaining guests, then a larger space is needed. On the other hand, a smaller space may suffice if you are planning to use the cellar for personal use only.
Temperature and Humidity.
Just as important as the quality of your wine is the proper storage environment. If the temperature fluctuates too much, your wine could be damaged.
The ideal range for temperature is between 55 degrees Fahrenheit and 65 degrees Fahrenheit, while humidity should remain between 50% and 70%. To ensure that you keep this balance, we recommend locating your cellar in a cool area with good airflow (think: basement or garage).
If you’re thinking about building your own cellar, take note that it must be well-ventilated to prevent mold growth — and always keep it at least six feet away from any heat source like a stove or heater!
Choose the Right Location.
Your first question should be “Where should I put my wine cellar?” The answer is simple: away from heat sources and light.
The second thing to consider is where not to put your wine cellar: anywhere with lots of vibration, dust, or moisture. This means no garages or attics for obvious reasons, but also basements that have concrete floors and foundations (which can create vibrations) as well as basements with dirt floors (which are likely exposed).
If a basement has a dirt floor, try covering it with plywood first before laying down any type of flooring; this will ensure there’s no dampness creeping into the room below.
Finally — and this may seem obvious — it should be easy for you to access!
Just because there’s an ideal location doesn’t mean it works for everyone’s lifestyle or schedule; if installing a custom cellar isn’t possible due to space constraints then maybe something smaller like a dorm fridge would suffice.
Know Your Needs for Bottle Storage.
It is important to know your needs for bottle storage. This will help you determine the best way to build a wine cellar and pick the right experts for your project.
– Bottle Storage Requirements.
– Bottle Storage Space Requirements.
– Bottle Storage Shelving Requirements.
– Bottle Storage Temperature Requirements.
– Bottle Storage Humidity Requirements.
– Bottle Storage Lighting Requirements.
– Bottle Storage Security Requirements.
Bottom Line.
Whether you’re a wine enthusiast or just want to get started on the hobby, building your own cellar is a great way to begin. With these tips in mind and the right team of experts at your disposal, you can create a custom wine cellar that meets all of your needs — and tastes!
Contact Green Refrigeration LLC based in Palm Beach Gardens (serving the entire South Florida). For instant support from wine cellar specialists, call (561) 303-7303.