Our comprehensive How To Build A Wine Cellar in 3 Simplified Steps will explore the options, tools, and equipment needed to create your ideal climate-controlled wine storage room. If you’re looking to build a wine cellar at home or you manage a collection commercially, our building guide will get you started on the right path.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to build a wine cellar and maximize space efficiently, as well as optimize temperature control, humidity levels, storage racks, and lighting. All with the goal that your wine collection can be preserved with optimal taste, quality, and value for years to come!
Benefits of Building a Wine Cellar
A wine cellar can pay dividends in terms of value to your space, and help prevent unnecessary fluctuations or damage caused by temperature changes and humidity levels throughout the year. This space will serve as an investment in your future enjoyment and appreciation of great wines, and peace of mind when it comes to properly storing delicate vintages.
Planning
Building a personalized wine cellar requires thoughtful planning to ensure your collection is properly stored. Start by assessing the size, location, and type of wines you’d like to store. Consideration must be given to accessibility, temperature, and humidity levels when selecting a space, as these elements play an essential role in preserving the quality of your wine collection over time.
Building a Wine Cellar on a Budget
Building a wine cellar is an exciting process, but it’s important to plan ahead and factor in the associated costs. Creating a budget can help you stay on track with finances, ensuring that building your dream cellar doesn’t put too much of a drain on your wallet.
Assessing the Size
Assess your current wine collection if you have an existing cellar, or research what kind of collection you’d like if this is your first time starting a cellar. Calculate the number of bottles needed for the desired size and bottle sizes of your collection, then assess the volume that needs to be filled in cubic feet or other units.
Choosing a Location
Before deciding on a location for your cellar, take into account temperature control, insulation, air flow, sunlight exposure, security features, and accessibility.
While historically wine cellars have been located below ground level in basements, modern temperature, and humidity control technology have allowed for the convenient construction of wine cellars on main floors. More and more wine enthusiasts are choosing to build a wine cellar near a main gathering or living space.
If you have limited space available, you may also want to learn how to build a small wine cellar. Many people are interested in learning how to build a wine cellar in a closet or even how to build a wine cellar under the stairs.
Tip: Knowing the types of wine you’d like to store in your cellar is a great way to start, as it will help you determine the types of shelves and racks you need. Consider if you want to store larger bottles, such as magnums, (1.5Ls), or if you only want standard 750mL bottles in the space. You’ll also want to think about the types of wine – reds, whites, sparkling, rosé, and fortified wine – and how much space each variety requires. Navigate through our guide on How To Build A Wine Cellar in 3 Simplified Steps and find the answers to all of your questions!
Design
Designing a wine cellar requires careful consideration of the right layout and materials. The next step after planning your space is designing it based on functionality, aesthetics, and optimal storage conditions. You’ll need to choose between materials for walls, flooring, or racking – as well as cooling units, ventilation systems, and lighting fixtures.
Consider the placement of wine racks and cooling units; ideally, they should be placed in the wine cellar where the temperature is most consistent throughout all times of the year, while still granting easy access. You may also want to consider other elements to complement your wine cellar design, such as spaces for wine tastings and storage cabinetry or drawers for holding accessories like corkscrews, wine glasses, and ice buckets.
Wall & Floor Coverings
Choosing the right wall covering can bring a luxurious look and feel when building a wine cellar, while also providing practical benefits like humidity control. Consider these options for designing an optimal space:
For a classic and durable look, consider stone or brick walls for your wine cellar. Not only can these materials provide timeless charm, but they offer excellent insulation to help maintain an optimal temperature. Although costs may be higher than other options, the proper installation of such building material is essential – expert assistance from professionals might be required!
Wood paneling adds a cozy touch to any wine cellar, and its insulation capabilities help maintain consistent temperatures. However, this option may be costly in both up-front installation expenses as well as ongoing maintenance needs for warping or cracking prevention over time.
Create a timeless aesthetic in your wine cellar with stucco or plaster. This modern material is easy to apply, but frequent touch-ups may be necessary to maintain its sleek look. Using this method, however, won’t offer you the same insulation value as other wall-covering materials.
Ceramic tile can be an ideal choice for wine cellars because it is a long-lasting, easy-to-maintain material. Not only does ceramic tile offer waterproof protection from damp conditions but also requires extra insulation underlayment to reduce the chance of cracking.
When planning for building a wine cellar, it’s essential to choose the right flooring material. Consider practicality and aesthetics when making this decision – here are some options that may fit your needs:
Cork flooring is a great choice for wine cellars as it offers excellent insulation, superior moisture resistance, and comfortable cushion underfoot. However, cork may not withstand prolonged wear-and-tear like other hard surfaces so regular maintenance should be carried out to keep the floors looking their best.
For a strong, low-maintenance option in an area with varying humidity levels, stone or tile is ideal as it resists moisture and helps keep temperatures consistent. Insulation may be lacking compared to other options though the hard texture provides extra durability over time!
Incorporating warm, welcoming wood flooring into a wine cellar can add ambiance to the space. Not only does it create an inviting atmosphere, but acts as insulation which helps preserve consistent temperatures and protect wines from fluctuations in climate. While beneficial for many reasons, special care must be taken when using this material due to its tendency towards moisture damage; regular maintenance is suggested to avoid the warping or cracking of wood floors over time.
Investing in concrete flooring for your wine cellar comes with several benefits, such as durability and low-maintenance upkeep. It’s a great option if you’re looking to maintain optimal temperature control while also benefitting from its moisture resistance properties. Just keep in mind that the surface can be hard underfoot and may not provide as much insulation compared to other materials available on the market.
Wine Racks & Storage
Wine racks are an important part of any wine cellar, helping to keep the bottles secure while allowing airflow around them. Each style has its own unique benefits, making it important to pick the best wine racks for your individual needs. You may also want to include a wine fridge for storage of white wines that require a lower serving temperature than your cellar temp. With careful consideration, you can create an ideal environment in your wine cellar to store and preserve your beloved wines.
Wood is an ideal material for traditional wine cellars, as it is both hard-wearing and naturally resilient to changes in temperature and humidity; ensuring that your bottles of wine remain safe for years to come. Not only do wooden wine racks look great and bring a sense of style and sophistication, but they are also incredibly versatile.
Installing metal wine racks in a wine cellar build is an effective way to ensure that bottles of wine are stored securely and offer convenient access. Metal wine racks also provide an efficient use of space as they can be adjusted for increasing collections.
Metal wine racks come in various styles and decorative designs to match interior finishes for an appealing addition to any design-conscious wine cellar. As metal is a robust material that does not contract or expand with fluctuating temperatures, metal wine racks are a good choice for anyone wanting to protect their bottles from shifts in the environment.
Modular units are easily pieced together, offering fully customizable storage options to meet most any need. Additionally, modular wine racks provide adjustable shelving for the efficient management of each bottle size and label detail which ensures the most secure positioning within the cellar’s walls.
Compared to traditional rectangular racks, diamond bins offer a space-saving design that maximizes bottle storage and visibility. The diamond shape is also aesthetically pleasing, as it enhances the appearance of your wine cellar build, resulting in increased style and usability. When building with diamond bin wine racks, you’ll need to plan for accurate installation with appropriate spacing between pockets.
Tip: If you’re planning to do most of the cellar build yourself we encourage you to use a computer design software like Sweet Home 3D
Construction
Before Getting Started
Building a wine cellar requires a great deal of expertise and often time, building permits and inspections. Before beginning the construction of a wine cellar, the first step is to obtain the necessary building permits from your local municipality. Many cooling units must be installed by a licensed HVAC technician and depending on the scope of your build, you may need to hire an architect, contractor, plumber, or electrician. By taking these steps, you’ll ensure that your investment will be built safely and your new wine cellar will last for years.
Prepping & Framing
The first step in creating your wine cellar is framing the space. This may require the demoing or construction of walls, removing the old ceiling, wall, or flooring materials, and, depending on the size of your wine cellar, might include new construction as well. Framing should be done by a professional who is certified and has experience with this kind of project.
Electrical & Plumbing
Once your wine cellar is framed, you can begin the installation of any electrical or plumbing needs. This means providing outlets for wine refrigerators and chillers, electrical and plumbing requirements for cooling units, allowing for access to water lines when needed, and installing sinks with drainage systems depending on your design. Making sure all of these components are up to code is essential not just for functionality but also safety.
Insulation & Vapor Barrier
Installing insulation correctly in a wine cellar is essential for keeping wine at an optimal temperature and humidity. It is important to consider the walls, ceiling, and floor when planning an insulation project. For all three areas, closed-cell foam insulation will provide the most effective results. This can be applied by spraying directly onto the wine cellar space or cutting into pre-made boards.
Once installed, it is necessary to add a vapor barrier to prevent moisture from entering the wine cellar space; this might include attaching plastic sheeting or using paint or sealant approved for such use. Finally, all of the insulation must be properly sealed to guarantee maximum efficiency and performance. By completing these key steps, you can rest easy knowing that your wine cellar is properly insulated and can function at its full potential.
Flooring
For a successful flooring installation, the subfloor must be meticulously prepared. This will involve cleaning and leveling it before selecting the ideal type of flooring based on the desired aesthetic, functionality, and durability preferences. It’s also important to install a moisture barrier over the subfloor such as a vapor barrier or waterproof membrane – these safeguards protect against water penetration of the flooring material.
An extra layer of cushion is added with an underlayment like cork or foam for noise reduction before finally adding you’re selected finished surface on top according to instructions from manufacturer guidelines. If you’ve opted for a concrete or masonry floor it is imperative to use a sealer such as Drylok to waterproof and seal the floor. Last but not least when all that hard work pays off don’t forget those stylish finishing touches such as baseboards and trim!
Cooling System
Installing a wine cellar cooling system is not as daunting as it may seem, however, many units will require installation by a certified HVAC technician. Choose a location for the cooling unit that has easy access to an electrical source and is free of debris or dust. Be sure to check on local codes regarding ventilation and wiring needed for your system. Once locating an appropriate space, run any necessary ducting or venting from the wine cellar to the outdoors or adjacent space. The wine cellar cooling unit can then be attached via fasteners according to manufacturer instructions and guidelines.
Humidity Control
Understanding humidity control is a must when it comes to building any wine cellar. An ideal humidity range in a wine cellar must remain between 55-75% since humidity levels that are too high or too low can be detrimental to the overall health of the wines. The humidity in a wine cellar must remain consistent to prevent premature oxidation and bacterial growth.
To maintain proper humidity in your wine cellar, you can opt for either an electronic humidifier connected with a built-in sensor, or choose from one of the many mechanical systems available such as dehumidifiers, air handling systems, and humidity buffering units. Each option will provide its own benefits, so it’s best to consult your local expert when selecting the perfect humidity system for your particular setup.
Wine Racks
One of the most satisfying steps in our How To Build A Wine Cellar in 3 Simplified Steps guide is installing the wine racks. The process of installation can seem daunting, but with the right tools, knowledge, and materials, it can be fairly simple. To begin the installation process, plan for the wine racks to be even and level according to your wine cellar’s size.
When deciding on the wine rack material, you have a few options, such as wood or metal; though no matter what material you choose, make sure it is designed to provide the insulation needed for wine storage. When setting the wine racks in place, it’s important to use appropriate fastening techniques like dowels, anchor screws, glue, or finishing nails for extra durability. Following these installation guidelines of our “How To Build A Wine Cellar” tutorial will ensure your finished racks come out perfectly!
Door
When it comes to wine cellars, the door you install is just as important as any other part of the build. Consequently, you need to carefully select a door that will provide an airtight seal and create the ideal environment for storing wine. The materials you should look for are wood and metal or a variation of both, although glass can also be a good choice if it is appropriately sealed.
Many wine cellar owners also opt for a door with a locking feature to ensure the safety of their collection and investment. The installation of a wine cellar door requires basic knowledge of carpentry and construction. You should ensure all gaps are adequately sealed with insulation before installing both frames and hinges, as this will help maintain an uninterrupted airtight seal in the wine cellar.
Lighting
Lighting can make all the difference in creating an inviting and functional wine cellar, so it’s important to choose and install it properly. Ideally, wine cellars should be lit using recessed LED lights, which provide ambient lighting without getting too hot or impacting wine storage temperatures.
Keep lighting placement in mind as you design and install your wine racks.
It’s best to spread out the lights evenly throughout the room and stagger them on different levels for interest and visual appeal. With the right combination of planning and installation techniques, you’ll end up with beautiful lighting that complements the space while helping you find what you need quickly and safely when browsing or tending to your bottles of wine.
Finish Work
Finishing work on wine cellars involves more than just putting up wine racks and storage. The trim work and decor should fit seamlessly with the wine racks, shelves, and door. Trim materials such as molding, wainscoting, or custom trim can be a great finishing touch around wine racks and doors to give the cellar a more polished look.
When selecting decorations for the wine cellar, choose items that are wine-related such as corkscrews, artwork, or maps of wine regions that can give your wine cellar an added personal touch.
After completing the trim work and final touches, the last step of how to build a wine cellar is to get the room to the appropriate temperature and humidity before beginning to stock the wine racks.
Maintenance
Cleaning and maintaining a wine cellar is an essential part of preserving its condition and the quality of the wine it holds. First and foremost, cleaning should be done regularly to prevent dust buildup, mold or mildew growth, and insects.
Wine cellars should be vacuumed with a special cleaning attachment and mopped with plain water a few times each week. Lastly, when cleaning out old bottles, use proper ventilation so that gases from the cork do not linger for too long inside the room. With these steps and precautions, your wine cellar can remain in pristine condition for many years to come.
Monitoring a wine cellar’s temperature and humidity levels is essential for properly aging fine wines. The temperature should be monitored with a thermometer placed in the center of the cellar, and typically falls within 54 to 57°F with no greater than 5°F fluctuations.
An effective way to monitor humidity is to install a hygrometer on the wall or ceiling of the wine cellar and aim for a 55-75% relative humidity level to prevent corks from cracking or drying out. Wine stewards should monitor these readings at least monthly, and make adjustments to keep these conditions consistent.
Conclusion
Building a wine cellar can be an overwhelming but rewarding experience. Have a clear idea of the type and quantity of wine you’re looking to store before beginning the building process.
Our How To Build A Wine Cellar guide will allow you to properly plan and design the space so that you can factor in cooling needs, air flow concerns, lighting needs, and proper storage configurations of the wine racks.
Finally, take encouragement from fellow wine enthusiasts or professional builders if you’re feeling low on motivation. Building a wine cellar should be an exciting journey that will result in many years of enjoyment.
If you’re still feeling a bit overwhelmed be sure to watch the video below from the cooling unit professionals at WhisperKOOL. This will help keep you focused and give you additional insight into building a wine cellar.
