A wine collection radiates elegance, and building one of your own gives you something to appreciate for years to come. Of course, having a dedicated space for your collection is just as important. Wine storage or cellar is essential, whether you are storing just a few bottles or hundreds of them.
Here are a few tips for designing the perfect custom wine cellar for your space.
Wines must be stored at an optimal temperature, especially until you decide to open a bottle in order to maintain its quality. Make sure that your wine cellar has temperature controls because the ideal environment for storing wine is 55-58 degrees Fahrenheit. It should also be kept away from light and surrounded by enough humidity so that the corks do not dry out.
From the onset, you should think about how you want your collection to look. This will help inform you of how much space to invest in, especially if you plan on growing your collection. Instead of utilizing every nook and cranny immediately, leave about 30% of space free for future use. Use a universal racking system to accommodate different sizes of wine bottles as well.
If you know that your wine cellar is a space you will be using for years to come, why not go all out? Invest in bespoke features such as custom made wine cellar doors, if you have the budget for them. You can even make do with what you have, and have storage units built into existing cabinetry, or go for pieces that double as furniture.
Also, consider using materials that matter to you, like repurposed wood from an old family barn or even iron doors. When it comes to the finished look, you are only limited by your desires and imagination and you can do whatever you want to set your cellar apart.
If you are renting out a house, building a portable wine cellar may be best suited for you to bring with you to your next location. However, if you own the house, then a built-in wine cellar is a great talking piece which you will surely enjoy as you grow your collection. If you see yourself selling the property in the future, a built-in wine cellar is also good choice. It can also give you a healthy return on investment, and will subsequently boost the house’s selling price when placed on the market.
Wine cellars may seem superfluous to some, but if you are serious about your collection then these are a wise investment. After making sure that you have ironed out the technical and practical aspects, such as the size of space and temperature controls, you can have fun making the cellar yours with your own custom design.
