Wine Cellars

Wine cellars are a specialized storage solution for wine lovers and collectors, providing the ideal environment for preserving the quality and value of wine. Whether you have a small collection of favorite bottles or a large, valuable wine collection, a wine cellar is an essential component of any serious wine enthusiast's home.

But with so many different types of wine cellars on the market, it can be challenging to choose the right one for your needs. In this article, we will explore the various types of wine cellars available and help you determine the best wine storage solution for your collection.

We will also provide tips on how to properly store and care for your wine in a wine cellar, as well as how to maintain and organize your collection to ensure it stays in top condition.

The 4 Stages to Planning Your Wine Cellar 

1. Consultation With The Experts 

If you are in need of expert guidance for your wine storage needs, the team at Expert Wine Storage is here to help. From the very beginning, we can assist you in evaluating and creating a plan for your wine cellar, utilizing the most suitable wine storage solutions available on the market.

We are happy to arrange for one of our engineers to visit your location for a face-to-face consultation as we find this to be the best way possible for you to receive qualified and experienced advice.

A UK site visit and consultation is a chargeable service of £250 + VAT however this fee is deducted from the final invoice for any works agreed to with us

Get in touch with us today via live chat, email or phone to discuss arranging a site visit.

2. Wine Cellar Design To Suit Your Needs

Expert Wine Storage Team's comprehensive knowledge and experience in building, cooling systems, and wine storage solutions enables us to develop cellars that both enrich the space and provide an ideal environment for excellent wine storage.

Our expert team go above and beyond to ensure that your ideas receive the care and attention they deserve. We ensure that every detail is considered from the design phase through the actual construction process.

We understand that construction can be disruptive, so we do everything we can to minimise any inconvenience to your business or home.

3. Managing The Project To Completion

Our experts take care of everything when it comes to building or renovating your wine cellar. From start to finish, we make sure that everything stays on track and within budget. We'll oversee the entire process to ensure that all specifications and deadlines are met, all the way down to the smallest details.

You can trust us to handle everything with professionalism and attention to detail.

4. High Quality Wine Cellar Construction

We understand that the quality of the construction work is critical to the overall success of your cellar at Expert Wine Storage. This is why we provide specialised services to ensure that your wine is properly maintained and stored for years to come.

We lay a strong focus on ethics and take pride in our work, so you can have peace of mind knowing that your wine is in good hands. You can rely on us to offer the finest possible security for your priceless collection.

Before & After Wine Cellar Construction

What is a Wine Cellar?

A wine cellar is a dedicated space for storing and aging wine. It is designed to provide the optimal conditions for preserving the quality and flavor of wine, including the right temperature, humidity, and lighting.

Wine cellars can be found in homes, restaurants, and wine stores, and range in size from small, personal collections to large, commercial operations.

Why is a Wine Cellar Beneficial?

Wine is a sensitive product that needs to be stored properly to preserve its quality and worth. Wine's flavour and ability to age can both suffer from exposure to heat, light, and vibration.

Wine may mature and grow in the optimum conditions by being stored in a wine cellar, which offers a regulated atmosphere that shields it from these outside influences.

Types of Wine Cellars

There are many different types of wine cellars available, each with its own set of features and benefits. Here are some of the most common types of wine cellars:

Every Wine Cellar is Temperature & Humidity Controlled 

These wine cellars are designed to maintain a consistent temperature to protect wine from heat damage. They typically range in temperature from 10-18°C and are equipped with a cooling system to keep the temperature within this range.

In addition to temperature control, these wine cellars also regulate humidity levels to prevent the corks from drying out and allowing air to enter the bottle. The optimal humidity range for wine storage is between 50-70%.

Underground Basement Wine Cellars

These basement wine cellars are built underground and offer natural insulation and temperature control. They are often found in older homes or commercial buildings and can range in size from small, personal collections to large, commercial operations.

Portable Wine Cellars

These wine cellar pods or walk in wine cellars are smaller, standalone units that can be placed in any room of the house. They are a good option for those with limited space or for those who want the convenience of being able to move the wine cellar to different locations.

Spiral Wine Cellars

A spiral wine cellar might be the ideal option if you're a wine enthusiast looking for a distinctive and effective way to store and display your collection. These wine cellars are made to make the most of the available space while enabling you to display and store your wines in an attractive manner.

Spiral wine cellars are frequently incorporated into spiral staircases under the floor to make use of the frequently underused space below ground level. The size and capacity of these cellars can vary based on the size of your collection and the available space.

One advantage of a spiral wine cellar is that it makes it simple and effective to store and display your wines. Utilizing the entire height of the cellar, the spiral design enables you to stack your bottles vertically to maximise storage space. If your home is small or you have a large collection, this is especially helpful.

A spiral wine cellar can not only be useful but also a beautiful aesthetic addition to your house. Your space can gain a touch of elegance and sophistication thanks to the curved design and the use of materials like wood and glass. In addition to being a talking point for visitors, a spiral wine cellar can serve as a showcase for your collection.

In Floor Wine Cellars 

An in-floor wine cellar is yet another original and effective method of wine storage. These wine cellars are incorporated into the structure's flooring, making use of the frequently under utilised space there.

Underfloor wine cellars can be built from a variety of materials, such as wood, metal, and glass, and can be specially designed to fit the dimensions and layout of your space. They can be constructed as separate cellars or incorporated into the layout of a space, like a kitchen or dining room.

One advantage of an in-floor wine cellar is that it makes it possible to efficiently and compactly store and present your wines. The bottles can be stored vertically to maximise storage space, and the in-floor location helps to insulate and safeguard the wines from outside influences like light and vibration.

An in-floor wine cellar can be a useful addition to your home as well as a stunning aesthetic feature. The use of materials like wood and glass can give your room a touch of elegance and sophistication, and the wine cellar's unusual location may spark conversation among visitors.

Building an in floor wine cellar requires careful consideration of the climate and humidity control requirements of your wines, just like with any other wine storage solution. Making sure your in-floor wine cellar has the necessary cooling and humidity control systems is important because the right temperature and humidity are essential for maintaining the quality and flavour of wine.

Under Stairs Wine Cellars

Similar to spiral wine cellars, under stairs wine cellars offer a distinctive and effective wine storage solution by utilising the frequently underused space under the stairs. Depending on the size of your collection and the available space, these wine cellars can range in size and capacity. They can also be custom-designed to match the design and layout of your house.

Wine cellars under stairs can be a useful and beautiful way to store and display your wine collection. The location under the stairs helps to protect the wines from outside elements like light and vibration, and the vertical orientation of the bottles allows you to maximise storage capacity.

Wine cellars built under stairs can be a stunning addition to any house and can be constructed from a variety of materials, such as wood, metal, and glass.

When building an under-stairs wine cellar, as with any wine storage solution, it's crucial to take the climate and humidity control requirements of your wines into account and make sure it has the appropriate cooling and humidity control systems.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Wine Cellar

When choosing a wine cellar, there are several factors to consider to ensure you get the right solution for your needs. Here are some key considerations:

The size and capacity

The size and capacity of the wine cellar will depend on the size of your wine collection and how much you plan to grow it in the future. Consider how many bottles you currently have and how much space you will need to store them, as well as any additional room you may need for future acquisitions.

Location of your wine cellar

The location of the wine cellar will depend on the space and layout of your home or business. If you have an underground or basement space that is suitable for a wine cellar, that may be the most convenient and cost-effective option. If you do not have a suitable space in your home or business, you may need to consider a portable wine cellar or a built-in wine cellar.

Climate control capabilities

As mentioned earlier, temperature and humidity control are crucial for preserving the quality of wine. Consider the climate in your area and whether you need a wine cellar with cooling and humidity control features.

Security options available

If you have a valuable wine collection, security may be a concern. Look for a wine cellar with features such as lockable doors, alarms, and surveillance cameras to protect your investment.

The look and feel of the wine cellar

While function is the most important factor when choosing a wine cellar, aesthetics can also be a consideration. If you want the wine cellar to be a prominent feature of your home or business, look for a design that fits the overall style and look of the space.

How to Properly Store Wine in a Wine Cellar

Once you have chosen the right wine cellar for your collection, it is important to follow proper storage techniques to ensure the wine is protected and ages properly. Here are some tips for storing wine in a wine cellar:

Optimal temperature and humidity levels

As mentioned earlier, the ideal temperature for wine storage is between 50-60°F, with a humidity range of 50-70%. Maintaining these levels will help prevent the corks from drying out and allow the wine to age properly.

Positioning of your wine bottles

Wine bottles should be stored on their side to keep the cork moist and prevent it from drying out. This will help prevent air from entering the bottle and affecting the quality of the wine.

Light and vibration considerations

Wine should be stored in a dark, low-light environment to prevent light damage. It is also important to minimize vibration, as this can affect the sediment in the wine and alter its flavor. We can also provide information on glass wine cellars which offer UV protection to keep your wines away from the harms which natural light can cause over time.

Maintaining and Organizing a Wine Cellar

Proper storage is only one aspect of caring for your wine collection. Here are some additional tips for maintaining and organizing your wine cellar:

Rotating your wine collection

As your wine collection grows, it is important to rotate your wines so that older bottles are consumed before they reach their peak and begin to decline in quality. This will help ensure that you are always enjoying your wines at their best.

Using a wine cellar inventory system

A wine cellar inventory system can help you keep track of your collection and ensure that you are rotating your wines properly. There are many different inventory systems available, including software programs, mobile apps, and physical inventory sheets.

Cleaning and maintenance of the wine cellar

Regular cleaning and maintenance of your wine cellar is important to ensure that it is functioning properly and providing the optimal environment for your wine. This may include cleaning the walls and floors, checking and maintaining the cooling and humidity systems, and checking for any signs of damage or wear.

Get In Touch With Our UK Wine Cellar Experts Today

A wine cellar is an essential component of any serious wine enthusiast's home or business. It provides the optimal conditions for storing and aging wine, protecting it from external factors that can damage its quality and value.

By choosing the right wine cellar for your needs, storing your wine properly, and maintaining and organizing your collection, you can ensure that your wines are always at their best.

At Expert Wine Storage, we are dedicated to providing high-quality wine storage solutions to help you preserve and enjoy your wine collection. Our wine cellars are designed to provide the optimal conditions for storing and aging wine, and our team of experts is here to help you choose the right solution for your needs. 

If you have any questions about our bespoke wine cellar services, please get in touch via our email info@expertwinestorage.co.uk or call us on 0330 133 2327 and one of expert UK sales team will be very happy to help.

Find everything you need to enjoy and preserve your wine collection to its fullest with our extensive range of wine fridges online.