BUYER’S GUIDE

Building Your Dream Wine Cellar
Dreaming of a wine cellar in your home? You’re not alone. A wine cellar not only enhances your home’s value but also becomes a cherished space to enjoy and share your wine collection. Planning and following some key guidelines will ensure you achieve the wine cellar of your dreams.

DEFINE YOUR VISION

  • PURPOSE & STYLE
  • Determine the primary function: storage, entertainment, or both.
  • Choose between traditional wood, contemporary metal, or acrylic racking based on the intended use.
  • Consider design elements like islands, fluted columns, or arches for a touch of elegance.

OPTIMAL STORAGE CONDITIONS

  • TEMPERATURE & HUMIDITY
  • Aim for 55 to 60°F and 60 to 70% relative humidity.
  • Invest in a reliable cooling system to maintain these conditions, ensuring your wine ages perfectly.

CONSTRUCTION ESSENTIALS

  • INSULATION, MOISTURE BARRIER, AIRTIGHT SEAL
  • Insulate well, ideally beyond R12, to protect against external temperatures.
  • Install a vapor barrier to prevent moisture issues.
  • Ensure the cellar is airtight, with proper sealing around the door.

GLASS
CONSIDERATIONS

  • INSULATION & AESTHETICS
  • Understand the thermal implications of glass and compensate with appropriate cooling strategies.
  • Use double-pane glass for better insulation if including glass elements.

CONCRETE WALL INSULATION

  • CHALLENGES & SOLUTIONS
  • Address the poor insulation of concrete by adding a moisture barrier and additional insulation layers.

COOLING UNIT INVESTMENT

  • EFFICIENCY & LONGEVITY
  • Select a cooling unit that suits your cellar’s size and conditions, considering long-term benefits over initial costs.
  • Explore through-the-wall, split, and ducted systems based on your cellar’s requirements.

RACKING CHOICES

  • FUNCTIONALITY & DESIGN
  • Decide on racking that accommodates your collection’s variety and size, including large-format bottles.
  • Include features like countertops for practical use and aesthetic appeal.

LARGE-FORMAT BOTTLE STORAGE

  • ACCOMMODATING DIVERSITY
  • Ensure your racking system can hold different bottle sizes, from Bordeaux and Burgundy to Magnums and beyond.

COMPREHENSIVE BUDGETING

  • COST CONSIDERATIONS
  • Account for all aspects of cellar construction, from insulation and cooling to racking and aesthetic touches.

READY TO START YOUR WINE CELLAR PROJECT?

Building a wine cellar is an exciting endeavor that requires careful planning and consideration. If you have questions or need further guidance, our team is here to assist. Contact us for personalized advice and turn your dream wine cellar into a reality.
CONTACT US
SHOWROOM

155 1st St E, North Vancouver,
BC V7L 1B2
(604) 770-3317
info@timelesswinecellars.com