Create your own wine sanctuary, complete with a personalized wine cellar.
The custom wine cellar: combining design and functionality
The custom wine cellar is no longer just a storage space; it’s an increasingly popular addition to our interior design projects. We’re seeing a steady trend among our clients who want to incorporate this space for its aesthetic appeal and great functionality. A custom wine cellar is an elegant choice that fits perfectly into your home and showcases your collection. It’s a successful marriage of design and a passion for wine.
The following conditions are created:
Optimal conditions for your wine
For proper storage of your wine, you must follow four golden rules.
Temperature and humidity
The temperature must remain constant, ideally between 11 and 14 degrees Celsius.
The humidity level should be between 50% and 75%. A level above 80% could cause mold, while a level below 50% would dry out the cork.
Absence of vibrations
We always look for the right location to install the wine cellar. We wouldn’t recommend placing it under the stairs, for example, as the vibrations could affect the quality of the wine.
Darkness
Wine doesn’t like light. Therefore, choose a location that isn’t too exposed to natural or artificial light.
Absence of odors
The cork in the cork is porous and easily absorbs odors. Therefore, avoid placing the cellar near sources of strong odors, such as the furnace oil tank, onions or tires.
Create a custom wine cellar
The Custom Wine Cellar: Optimal Storage Conditions
For a perfect wine cellar, we ensure all the necessary conditions are met for the proper storage of bottles.
Insulation and Construction
Create 2×6 walls to insert effective insulation, ideally with a minimum R20 value, but aim for R30 or higher. Urethane is the best choice because it makes the walls and ceiling completely airtight. If using mineral wool or Styrofoam, add a vapor barrier to control humidity.
Then add 1x3s horizontally to create an insulating air gap and provide a solid base for attaching the bottle racks. Cover everything with waterproof drywall, like the kind used in bathrooms, and apply a mold-resistant latex paint.
Choosing the Finish
You can have fun with the finishes! Choose materials that are resistant to humidity, such as natural stone, ceramic, or marble, for floors. However, avoid carpet, wood, and odorous varnishes that could alter the wine’s aromas.
Air Conditioning
Install an air conditioner that maintains the temperature between 11 and 14 degrees Celsius. A good unit won’t dry out the air, allowing the humidity level to naturally remain at the right level.
Storage and Access
We recommend storing bottles horizontally so that the cork remains moist when in contact with the wine. Sloping storage units are therefore essential. Only bottles with twist-off caps can be stored vertically.
For the door, we recommend an insulated R16 model with a weather strip for optimal sealing. If you opt for a glass door, make sure it is made of UV-treated thermal glass and tempered glass for added security.
Finally, add a lock to the door. Whether it’s a key, combination or fingerprint, it allows you to control access and keep an eye on the collection, especially as the children grow up!
Tell us about your project
Every project is a story. A meeting between your vision and our expertise. In Montreal and the surrounding area, we bring to life renovations that combine aesthetics, functionality, and durability.