How To Create Your Own Custom Wine Cellar

For The Serious Wine Collector and Their Growing Wine Collection

You know you have been converted from a casual wine drinker to a serious wine enthusiast when you are starting to think of ways on how to create your own custom wine cellar. Indeed, building your own wine cellar is one of the first steps to becoming a bona fide wine connoisseur.

However, it is perfectly fine for even small collectors to have their own wine cellar these days. In fact, some people have wine cellars that are barely more than a cupboard in terms of size but still functions in the same way as the larger wine cellars.

Controlling the Temperature and Humidity

The main purpose of a custom wine cellar is to enable you to have complete control over the temperature and humidity in the area. Generally, all wines need to be kept in a cool environment but the actual temperature of your custom wine cellar would depend on the kind of temperature and humidity in your location.

Choosing a Style For Your Wine Cellar

When building your own custom wine cellar, there are many different styles and designs that you can choose from. Traditionally, wine cellars are found in the basement of the house, with several shelves containing dozens of wine bottles. While this style is still quite popular nowadays, there are also many modern styles that are not only functional but also very aesthetically appealing.

One of the most significant deciding factors to consider in building a custom wine cellar is the size of your available area. Obviously, you can’t begin a large wine collection or cellar, if the only space you have is as big as a closet. But even small spaces will do just fine for your wine bottle storage.

When Your Creating Your Cellar

The overall look of your home should also be taken into consideration when creating a custom wine cellar. Naturally, you want to create something that will blend nicely with the interior design of your house instead of sticking out like a sore thumb.

The structure of most custom wine cellars is simple enough that any handy homeowner will be able to make it on their own. However, if you are not that confident about your carpentry skills, it would be better to hire a professional designer. You will have to spend extra on professional fees but you can rest assured that your wines will be properly protected at all times.

Aging Wine and Storing In Your Wine Cellar

If you have graduated from casual drinker to wine aficionado then there are definitely wines out there that you would like to try that need cellaring. These are wines that will not reach full potential when tasted now; they need to be stored for a few years, sometimes even decades before you can enjoy the full flavor of a bottle. A custom wine cellar in your home is the way to keep your collection in good condition, however knowing some basics on storing wine will help you to choose the best method of cellaring.

Aging Wine Gracefully

Besides a suitable wine cellar that allows you to control humidity and temperature, the cork of a wine bottle plays an important role in keeping wine fresh. If air is allowed to oxidize the wine you will lose that amazing vintage and instead will be left with vinegar.

Always store wine bottles horizontally in your wine cellar. This will prevent the cork from cracking, a cork that cracks or shrinks will allow excess air into the bottle. The right level of humidity in your wine cellar is also important. Low levels of humidity and the cork will dry out, too much humidity and you will create an environment for bacteria and mold to grow.

The temperature in your wine cellar is very important. Old cellars were built underground but modern wine cellars look very similar to refrigerators. You can control the temperature but be careful not to make the inside of your wine cellar too cold. The ideal temperature to store wine is somewhere between 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Another thing to remember about temperature is that wine ages well when conditions are constant. Frequent changes in temperature can damage wine. Even if the temperature changes are within the recommended range you could still be damaging the wine by frequently making changes to the temperature.

The type of lights in your wine cellar is very important as light exposure can lead to a disagreeable smell in the wine. Choose incandescent bulbs over fluorescent bulbs where possible as they produce less UV light. Most modern bottles have good UV filters but it’s always better to be safe with the issue of light exposure.

Try not to move the bottles in your wine cellar around too much as even vibration can affect the aging process of wine. Keep movement to a minimum until you are ready to serve. A bigger bottle is also preferable for wines that you would like to cellar.