How to Start a Custom Wine Cellar Project

Custom cellar with peg racks

Is it on your bucket list to have your very own wine cellar? Perhaps you’ve graduated into purchasing more complex wines that would benefit from aging. If you’re ready to make the leap into cellaring, beginning a custom wine storage project can be a daunting task with much to consider. To make things simple, we have compiled a list of the basics to keep in mind before you commit and invest in your own project.

Industrial Veneer Wine Cooler

Before you pick up the phone or send an email to one of our helpful Vinotemp consultants, consider your budget. What can you afford? Do you need to get a loan from a financial institution or family member? How much are you willing to invest? While it is good to remain flexible, it is also wise to set a limit on your spending. Expenses to keep in mind include racks, proper lighting, insulation, a cooling system, decoration, and of course, wine! No matter the size of your budget, Vinotemp has plenty of options to meet your wine storage needs.

Now that you have a budget in mind for your project, evaluate your space. A cellar can be incorporated into many unused or underutilized spaces such as:

Basement
Unused closet/pantry
Guest bedroom
Under the staircase
Dining room
Guest house

Custom wine cabinet by Vinotemp installed in a closet

Consider the climate of your location as well as the amount of light that penetrates that space. Your wine will benefit from steady temperatures, maintained humidity to prevent corks from drying out, and minimal exposure to harmful UV rays. More than likely, you will need to invest in a cellar cooling unit to help you create the perfect environment within your chosen space.

The location of your new cellar dictates how much space you will be able to dedicate to your growing collection. Try to consider your wine purchasing habits. General rule of thumb when attempting to estimate future bottle count, take that number and multiply it by 3. Luckily, you can make the most of your storage space with a combination of Vinotemp racks, which are designed to maximize storage and accommodate a variety of bottle sizes. In addition to racks, many cellar owners like to incorporate a tasting area; somewhere they can decant, serve, and savor their favorite vintage.

With a clear plan for the basics of a custom cellar project it’s time to customize! Think about some of the dream cellars you’ve encountered whether they be in person, in a book, magazine or online. What did you like about them? Do you lean towards a more modern aesthetic or do you prefer a classic/traditional look? Where would you like to add decorative elements? Since the walls will primary be filled with racks, shelving, and drawers; accenting your collection with a beautiful ceiling, floor, and soft lighting are practical ways to add personal style to a cellar.

Custom wine room by Vinotemp at 432 Park Ave, New York

Now that you have a game plan; it is time to call a Vinotemp consultant. Our consultants are ready to help and can provide you with a custom quote. You can also have a gander at our Wine Room Planner and create your own virtual mockup of your future cellar. Additionally, Vinotemp offers Computer Aided Design Services that will help you visualize your cellar before it is built. Vinotemp is here to guide you on your journey towards building the cellar of your dreams.