Adding a wine cellar to your home offers a way to upgrade your wine tasting hobby in grand fashion. Whether you want to store wine for short-term enjoyment or as a long-term investment, a wine cellar provides the ideal environment for keeping your wine at its peak.
The most important part of the process is your plan. This process takes into account how you want to use your cellar as well as your budget and space considerations. Harkraft can guide you through the process from concept to finished product.
The apparent reason for adding a wine cellar to your home to keep your favorite wines close at hand. But it’s more than just that. A wine cellar adds value to your home, not unlike a home theater system. It also allows you to create a wine experience.
In addition to storing wine properly, a wine cellar can add a decorative element to your home. It can act as a focal point for your serious collection or even as a place to hold your private tastings. A wine cellar can fit your needs and indulge your taste in wine.
There are no set rules about the size or character of a wine cellar. Your primary considerations are space, budget, and of course, the wine. The goal is to create the optimal environment of about 55 degrees Fahrenheit and 60 to 70 percent humidity.
Space and wine go hand-in-hand when considering a wine cellar. When planning, think about how much wine you want to store. You should also consider what wine you buy. Will you store single bottles? Or different sized bottles like champagne? Will there be whole cases in your cellar?
These things all matter when it comes to the design because each situation calls for different space requirements. Racks and shelf-spacing will vary with the kind of wine you store and by the type of case if you purchase entire lots at a time.
A wine cellar is a more involved endeavor compared to buying a wine cooler. You will have to decide on options for an airtight seal of the cellar, insulation, and a vapor barrier as part of the construction costs. You’ll also need to consider other elements, such as wine racks, space for glasses, and other add-ons, such as flooring and other personalized touches.
You can use an existing space in your home for a wine cellar to cut down costs, with some caveats. While you may think a concrete-walled basement is an ideal place for a wine cellar, the blocks are too porous for the precise humidity and temperature conditions you need for a cellar. Likewise, glass lacks the proper insulation.
A better option might be to opt for an unused pantry or even a spare room to convert into your customized wine cellar. And you can always start from scratch in an existing room. Again, think back to your plans for the cellar, including the amount of storage space you want.
Your wine cellar may contain several elements which will give you some room on your overall budget. Your cooling unit will likely be your greatest expense, depending upon the amount of customization you want. Some units are noisy while others may run quietly. Where you install your wine cellar will likely influence some of your choices.
Construction will include installing an insulated cellar door and perhaps new flooring. You’ll also need to consider how you want to display your wine and any additional accessories you may want. And think about how you will use this space in addition to cellaring your wine. Will you store wine glasses and other accessories here too?
A wine cellar provides an efficient means to store your wine in optimal conditions for both the short term and long term. Professional installation is essential to make your investment in both the cellar and your wine worthwhile. And Harkraft can work with you to customize your wine cellar to fit your needs.
