Wine Cellar Considerations

Homeowners should position their wine cellars in a safe spot, far from heating units, and easy to access. Ideally,

Many wine lovers dream of adding a custom wine cellar to their properties. And, while it may seem like quite a big job, it’s not as difficult or expensive as many homeowners imagine. Here are a few key factors to consider when planning a wine cellar installation:

Location

The first thing homeowners tend to consider with a wine cellar is where they want to put it. In some homes, the location might be obvious. Perhaps there’s already a basement or utility space that can be converted. In other homes, the choice of location can be much trickier.

Homeowners should position their wine cellars in a safe spot, far from heating units, and easy to access. Ideally, this would be beneath the dining room or kitchen, letting users stroll quickly into the cellar whenever they want to grab another bottle.

Size

Size is also a major consideration when planning a wine cellar, and it’s always best to think big with these spaces. Many people make the mistake of designing their cellars to be quite small and later find that there isn’t enough room for all the bottles they want to store inside.

Ideally, homeowners should aim for the biggest space possible to fit their budget and living space. Remember, wine cellars aren’t only for wine. It’s also possible to store other drinks or dry foods inside, so having some extra room can be quite handy.

Above or below-ground

It’s possible to build wine cellars both above ground and below. In general, the below-ground option tends to be best. This is the traditional way that people stored wine for centuries. These underground spaces provide natural insulation, which can drastically reduce utility bills to keep the wine cool.

However, above-ground cellars have their benefits, too. They’re usually easier to access, and if the home doesn’t already have some underground space, fitting an above-ground cellar will be cheaper and easier. Plus, above-ground spaces have less chance of flooding than below-ground ones.

Features

Wine cellars can also come equipped with various decorative and functional features. For instance, the underground cellar can have dumbwaiters to help lift and load heavy crates and barrels.

It’s also customary to install shelving and racks in the cellar to display and store wine appropriately, as well as lighting to illuminate the space. Homeowners might like strong glass doors or vast glass fronts for above-ground storage to show off their collections. These features can enhance the space and add to the final cost.

Work with the pros to build the best wine cellar

There’s quite a lot to think about when planning a wine cellar. And it’s important to make the right call to avoid wasting time and money on a space that isn’t quite right. That’s why it’s always best to contact trusted specialists who can help you bring your dream wine cellar to life.