Wine Cellar FAQs

Design & Location

Where is the best place in my home to locate a wine cellar?
The ideal location is one with minimal light and temperature fluctuations, often a basement or dedicated room. However, with the right insulation and cooling system, nearly any space in your home can be transformed into a climate-controlled wine cellar.

How do you build a wine cellar in a home?
We start by preparing the environment: installing insulation and the proper cooling system. Then we design custom racking, choose finishes, and integrate lighting to create a cellar that reflects your personal style while protecting your collection. We carefully take in consideration the features of each wine, red, white, rose or sparkling in order to ensure the perfect preservation.

Can a wine cellar be added to any home?
Yes. With professional planning and technical expertise, most homes can accommodate a wine cellar. We assess your space and design a solution that balances functionality with aesthetics.

Can you customize the style?

Absolutely! We design wine cellars in any style, from modern showcases to traditional retreats.

Can I include a tasting area in my wine cellar?
Absolutely. Many of our clients enhance their cellar with tasting tables, seating, and display lighting, creating an immersive space for entertaining and enjoying wine.

Materials & Craftsmanship

What materials do you use?

We carefully curate high-quality materials, finishes, and custom features that reflect your personal taste and enhance your home’s character.
Mahogany, redwood, and oak are excellent wood choices due to their durability, resistance to mold, and ability to withstand humidity. For modern designs, we also incorporate metal, glass, or stone to achieve a sleek, contemporary aesthetic.

Do you design wine cellar doors?
Yes. We design custom, insulated doors. Beyond climate control, your cellar door serves as a statement piece and is tailored to reflect the overall design of your home.

How do you ensure my cellar is unique to me?
Every cellar we design is fully bespoke. From finishes and materials to racking layouts and personalized touches, your cellar is crafted as a reflection of your taste, collection, and lifestyle.

Cooling & Preservation

What is the best temperature to store wine?

• General Storage Rule: Most wines age best around 12–14°C (54–57°F), kept consistently. Fluctuations harm wine more than slight deviations.

• Red Wines: Store at 12–18°C (54–64°F). Lighter reds (like Pinot Noir) prefer the lower end; fuller-bodied reds (like Cabernet Sauvignon) tolerate slightly warmer storage.

• White Wines: Best at 8–12°C (46–54°F). Crisp whites (Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio) are happier cooler; richer whites (Chardonnay) closer to the higher end.

• Rosé Wines: Generally kept like lighter whites, around 8–12°C (46–54°F) to preserve freshness.

• Sparkling Wines: More delicate, ideally at 6–8°C (43–50°F). This helps maintain effervescence and prevents premature aging.

• Dessert Wines: Store between 10–12°C (50–54°F), slightly cooler than reds but warmer than sparkling, to balance sugar preservation and complexity.

  
  The optimal humidity range is between 60–70%. This ensures wine matures gracefully, corks stay intact, and labels remain pristine. The temperatures must always be consistent.

Do I need a wine cooling system?
Yes, a dedicated cooling system ensures stable temperature and humidity—essential for long-term preservation.

What types of wine cooling systems are available?

• Through-the-Wall Units – Compact, self-contained systems ideal for small to medium cellars (100–2,000 cubic ft.).
  

• Ducted Systems – Quiet and discreet, with the cooling unit located outside the cellar and connected via ductwork. Perfect for larger cellars or luxury designs.
  

• Ductless Split Systems – A two-part system with the evaporator inside the cellar and the condenser outside. Flexible and powerful, but requires professional installation.

Are cooling systems noisy?
Not at all. We select systems designed for quiet performance so your cellar remains serene and elegant.

What are the effects of vibration, odors, and light on wine?
All three can harm wine. Vibration disrupts sediment and aging, odors can seep through corks and affect flavor, and UV light causes premature spoilage. Our cellars are built with stability, odor-resistant finishes, and UV-safe LED lighting to protect your collection.

What lighting options are best for wine cellars?
LED lighting is ideal because it produces no UV rays and minimal heat. It also offers beautiful accent and display options to showcase your collection in a dramatic yet safe way.

Storage & Flexibility

How many bottles can a custom cellar hold?
That depends entirely on your needs and space. We design intimate cellars for 200 bottles as well as expansive collections for thousands, always ensuring efficiency and elegance.

Can your wine racks accommodate different bottle sizes?
Yes. We design for standard bottles as well as magnums, splits, Turleys, and larger formats. Custom racking ensures your collection is both properly stored and beautifully displayed.

Can smart technology be integrated into my wine cellar?
Absolutely. Options include climate monitoring, automated lighting, humidity sensors, and even inventory systems that let you track your collection from anywhere in the world.

Installation, Value & Maintenance

Do you provide installation of your wine cellars?
Yes. We manage the full process from design to installation, ensuring precision at every step. Our team oversees cooling systems, racking, finishes, and lighting to guarantee a flawless result.

How long does it take to build a custom wine cellar?
The timeline varies based on complexity, but we strive for efficient and timely project completion.

How much maintenance does a wine cellar require?
Very little. Aside from annual servicing of the cooling system, your cellar requires minimal upkeep and is built for long-term enjoyment.

Do wine cellars increase home value?
Yes. A professionally designed wine cellar is a sought-after luxury feature that enhances a property’s value and distinguishes your home on the market.