When a wine cellar is built properly, it creates the ideal conditions for storing and enjoying wine. The cellar should be insulated and have a moisture or vapour barrier.
Basements and garages are good locations to build a wine cellar, but be careful as high humidity can cause mould. A cellar conditioner can help. Here are the insulation tips by The Brisbane Club wine experts.
Insulation
Whether you’re building a cellar for your home or just converting an existing space, proper wine cellar insulation is critical to the success of your project. It prevents temperature fluctuations, which can damage your wine, and it also helps your cooling unit work more efficiently. A good insulation will also keep out unwanted odours, such as garlic and onions, that can make their way into the cork and affect your wines over time.
Rigid foam board made of polystyrene is one common type of insulation used in wine cellars. It’s an affordable option, and it comes with a plastic vapor barrier that keeps moisture from reaching the cool surface of your walls and ceilings. It’s important to note, however, that rigid foam insulation isn’t as effective when there are cracks or holes in your walls or ceiling. These gaps will allow moisture to get through and dampen the insulation, potentially causing mold or mildew problems.
A good wine cellar professional can help you determine the best location, size and configuration for your cellar based on your home’s layout, the number of bottles you plan to store and the type of wines you want to age. They can also recommend a suitable cooling unit to ensure that your wine is stored at the right temperature and humidity. This will allow the wine to mature as the wine maker intended, and will enhance the flavor of your favourite bottle.
Doors
The door to your wine cellar is an important component, as it helps ensure that the wine is kept at the right temperature and protects it from prying eyes or underage hands. The cellar door should also be insulated, so it is not affected by temperature changes in the surrounding environment. In addition, it should be secure against burglars and insects. A wine cellar professional can help you choose the best door for your cellar.
Many cellar doors in Australia offer a “try before you buy” policy. This allows visitors to sample wines at the cellar, and then purchase them in bottle shops afterward. This is a good way to encourage visitors to return to the winery, and it also allows them to try different wines that they might not otherwise seek out.
Another popular type of wine cellar door is a glass door. These can be plain, or etched with custom designs. They are also available in a variety of colors and finishes, and can be made to match the rest of the cellar’s interior design. Steel wine cellar doors are another option, and they are a great choice for people who want to keep their wines safe from light and moisture. These doors are durable and sturdy, and they can be customized with weather stripping and commercial-grade hinges.
Racking
Many wine cellar builders provide a wide range of storage options to fit the size and style of your wine collection. They can design a cellar from scratch or work in conjunction with your home remodeler to create a space that’s ideal for long-term wine storage. They can even build a cellar in the basement or wine room of your home.
In addition to protecting your wine investments, a well-designed cellar can add value to your home and provide a place for entertaining. It’s a great feature to have for wine lovers who enjoy hosting a gathering with friends and loved ones.
A wine cellar should be built in a cool area of your house with no sunlight and a temperature between 50 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. It should also be located away from heat sources like stoves, furnaces, and dryers. It should be properly insulated to prevent large fluctuations in temperature.
Racks are an important part of a wine cellar, and they can be made from metal or wood. Wood is a better choice than metal, as it is more durable and less prone to rust. It can also be lacquered to protect against moisture and fungus. When choosing racks, make sure they are well-made and designed to accommodate your wine bottles. They should also be properly positioned to prevent light and vibrations from damaging the wine.
Lighting
While wine cellars are a great way to showcase your collection, it is important to balance aesthetics with function. To keep your wine in the best condition possible, you need to ensure that it is properly insulated and well-lit. The lighting in your cellar is an essential aspect of this, as it will determine how much heat your wine can absorb. If your wine cellar is too warm, it can affect the chemical composition of the wine and cause it to spoil. This is why it is important to regularly check the temperature and humidity of your cellar.
The ideal lighting for your wine cellar should be low and soft. In addition to being energy efficient, it should also be dimmable and free from UV radiation. The best option for this is LED lighting, which provides bright light without emitting harmful rays. For a more dramatic look, you can use LED linear strip lighting or remote-controlled puck (cabinet) lights to highlight your cellar’s features.
Another option for lighting your wine cellar is chandeliers, which add a classic and romantic vibe to the space. Just be sure to choose a chandelier that won’t interfere with your storage space, or bump your head when you walk underneath it. For a more subtle look, you can also use wall sconces to illuminate your wine racks.
