For some, a cellar is simply a marker of luxury living, but for purist wine lovers it’s a must-have. If you’ve bought a home that does not provide storage for wine, you’ll need to create an area to store your bottles. The good news is that you don’t have to reach out to builders to start building one; you just have to learn how to maximise and utilise the space you already have. The basement, a spare room or even a spacious walk-in closet can be reworked into a cellar with minimal effort and expense.
Regardless of the room you choose, you have to carefully regulate the temperature and humidity levels of the room--the ideal being around 12 degrees Celsius, with humidity levels at approximately 57 percent. Keep in mind that, if you’re in a room without airflow or a draught, you may need to install a wine cooling unit and a humidifier/dehumidifier to create a sufficiently ventilated area.
Another vital aspect to take into consideration is the available lighting. It’s advisable to keep the area as dimly lit as possible, as you will know, as a collector, that light and storing wine don’t mix at all. This is due to the fact that light can react with phenolic compounds in the wine, and could in turn lead to wine faults. Pay particular attention to your lighter wines when it comes to light, as they’re likely the first that will spoil. It is also recommended that you install LED lighting which is non heat-emitting to keep the room temperature under control. Installing lights that are capable of dimming is a good way to give yourself as much control as possible over the light levels in your cellar.
Depending on the design of the cellar, your option for racking can be either wood surfaces, for an earthy feel, or stainless steel for a sleek finish. Corked wines should be stored in a sideways position while screw-capped bottles can be kept in any position.
If you prefer to store your collection in the kitchen, fitting a few standalone wine racks or a designated shelf will organise your wines. However, if you’re looking to make a statement, then you may want to opt for a large wine fridge. These provide balanced temperatures and the right environment for storage; an added bonus is that their glass-door designs also create a tasteful display in your kitchen. You also need to keep your wine glasses secure and accessible. A tried and true storage method for stemware is a wall-mounted hanging slot, which you can create yourself, or buy at a retailer.
Quick tip: if your weeknights are all about relaxing in the bathtub, bubbles up to your chin and sipping on a glass of wine, a bamboo bathtub caddy will let you enjoy every sip without having to fear shards of broken glass.
If you entertain guests at your home often, but popping the cork around the kitchen table just doesn’t do it for you, an indoor or patio bar is a fantastic way to add some excitement to your social evenings.
Nowadays, with the right tools, it’s easy to build a bar yourself and incorporate all the essentials including a counter, bar stools, bartending equipment, wall-shelves that display different bottles, and an under-the-counter beverage centre. You can convert almost any unused room or garage into a bar; alternatively you could simply set one up in your home’s entertainment area.
These are just a few of the many ways you can make it easier and more enjoyable to collect and serve wine. While these additions serve your passion now, it’s worth noting that remodelling your home can increase its market value. So, when you’re thinking of selling one day and doing a property valuation, you may fetch a higher price than the one you bought your home for.