A custom cellar is a temple for wine connoisseurs. It provides a stable environment that’s optimized to the needs of fine vintages, giving their owner leisure to enjoy them. Nevertheless, adding such a space requires careful consideration of your needs and preferences. You must also incorporate certain features—ample storage space, a proper display, and an appropriate climate—to ensure your cellar’s efficacy. Turn to wine cellar design professionals to hammer out these details and more.
Amateur sommeliers in Chantilly, VA, can rely on Monarch Design & Remodeling to deliver the wine cellar of their dreams. Led by chief designer Gina Simpson, Monarch specializes in renovations and remodels of kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and more residential spaces. Our team designs and builds each project to clients’ specifications, delivering functional yet beautiful results. Reach out to learn more about our project process by visiting our website or calling (703) 789-3288.
Here, we discuss some must-have wine cellar elements to store and display your passion:
Storage Space
The primary purpose of wine cellars is to store their contents for long periods in a stable environment. Doing so entails sufficient space to hold all the bottles in a collection. As you plot your cellar, consider your current assortment and how much you plan to expand it.
Also, determine whether a wine cooler or cellar suits your collection and available space. A cooler or wine refrigerator would befit those storing only a few dozen bottles of wine. Yet a cellar makes more sense for serious wine lovers, as it can effectively maintain the right temperature and humidity of significant collections.
Moreover, a wine cellar offers a proper showcase for collectors proud of their selections. Such a display might involve adapting unused space under your stairs, finishing a basement, or even building an addition to your home.
Wine Cellar Display Options
When designing a custom wine cellar, give special attention to the bottle display arrangement. Consider traditional wine cellar racks or curved corner racks to maximize your use of space. Alternatively, a glass case can help create the unique aesthetic that you seek. This facet of design is critical to your wine collection—it should not only facilitate your ability to store and locate particular vintages and bottles but also present your assemblage in a way that fits your home’s interior design.
Cellar Climate Control
Temperature, humidity, and environment have a significant influence on bottle storage. Wines require a consistent 55 – 59℉, controlled humidity, low vibration, adequate insulation, and proper ventilation to prevent spoilage. Too warm, and it ages too quickly. Too cool, and its flavor will evolve improperly.
Inconsistent temperature levels can cause wine bottle corks to expand, permitting air to enter the bottle. Air exposure can cause the wine to sour quickly.
Maintaining Proper Light in Your Cellar
Undue sunlight exposure presents another threat to your wine collection. Your wine cellar must prevent natural light penetration, as ultra-violet rays can get through even the darkest wine bottles. That can cause chemical changes in the unopened wine, transforming it into something far less impressive and pleasant than intended.
Yet lighting can also serve as a dramatic addition to a cellar, so ensure that you consider attractive options for your lighting to help your collection stand out as the showcase you have always wanted. After all, you’re not just trying to impress people with the bottles of wine; your wine cellar should make a statement about your outstanding taste.
Unique Personal Touches
Since your wine cellar should testify to your passion, make it a unique space that reflects your personality and sense of style. Consider a rolling ladder, specially designed doors, and ceiling accents. Personalized accessories help your cellar stand out.
Wine Cellar Design Services Available Now in Chantilly, VA
With professional support and expertise, your wine cellar design can stand among your best home features. Turn to Monarch Design & Remodeling for all such needs as well as kitchen, bathroom, and basement remodeling and renovation services. Our team provides standout service to homeowners in Chantilly, VA, allowing them to enjoy their space to the utmost potential. For more information and a free project consultation, call (703) 789-3288 or visit our website!