Putting in a personal wine cellar can help keep your special collection of wine in peak condition. In order to age properly and to mature the intricate layers of taste as intended, wine needs to be stored in a cellar away from the low humidity, temperature variations and inadequate storage the majority of the average home experiences.
Small-scale or on a big scale, a wine cellar should incorporate the following elements:
• proper insulation
• racks to protect and display the bottles
• adequate temperature controls
• proper lighting levels
Your wine cellar can be an example of your taste – perhaps you have a preference for practicality, and as much storage in a small space as you can manage. Or, you may want a show piece where you can entertain friends and sample wines in elegant comfort. Have your needs in mind when designing your cellar.
Also note that a wine cellar doesn’t have to be reserved for a country estate, as people from all walks of life who enjoy a fine bottle of wine build or have wine cellars in their homes.
You will want to come to the design process with an understanding of how you think of your wine collection. Some bottles resemble art pieces, so you can display them prominently. Sometimes you may wish to showcase a rare vintage, or perhaps decorate your space with wine-related arts or crafts that bring ambience to the area.
A variety of storage modules correctly combined will give your wine cellar the most versatility. You can buy modular storage systems that assemble in a customized fashion, or you can have a carpenter create the storage (this can be the more expensive option).
Basic storage racks (in wood or metal) will make sure that the wine remains effectively ventilated and separated. You may also want an area reserved for wine accessories, like glasses, corkscrews, bottle openers and wine chillers or buckets. Your wine cellar can also have purely decorative elements such as handcrafted doors or mood lighting.
Red wines benefit most from cellar storage, particularly varieties that acquire body from long-term storage. Many people imagine that cellars must be located in the basement or otherwise beneath the house, though they can actually be set up in any part of the house as long as the temperature and humidity levels can be effectively controlled. Make your wine cellar a genuine expression of your passion for wine.
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