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How to Start a Custom Wine Cellar Project

5/23/2019 11:15 AM

Have you outgrown your current wine storage solution?

Is it on your bucket list to have your very own wine cellar? Perhaps you’ve graduated into purchasing more complex wines that would benefit from aging. If you’re ready to make the leap into cellaring, beginning a custom wine storage project can be a daunting task with much to consider. To make things simple, we have compiled a list of the basics to keep in mind before you commit and invest in your own project.

Industrial Veneer Wine Cooler

Budget

Before you pick up the phone or send an email to one of our helpful Vinotemp consultants, consider your budget. What can you afford? Do you need to get a loan from a financial institution or family member? How much are you willing to invest? While it is good to remain flexible, it is also wise to set a limit on your spending. Expenses to keep in mind include racks, proper lighting, insulation, a cooling system, decoration, and of course, wine! No matter the size of your budget, Vinotemp has plenty of options to meet your wine storage needs.

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Comments | Posted By Desiree David

Wine Cellar Specifications

5/23/2019 10:07 AM

Today we outline some cellar construction basics to consider prior to beginning your cellar project.

Please remember that each wine cellar is unique and some of these elements may or may not apply.

Custom wine cellar CAD drawing by Vinotemp

Room Construction

Locate your wine cellar in a room with no direct exposure to sunlight/heat, at least one external wall, and ventilation.

Wine cellars should be built using standard 2x4 or 2x6 construction methods and ceiling joists following the guidelines of local and state codes. As a general rule, thicker cellar walls provide a higher insulation factor and will help to ensure that your collection stays at a consistent temperature.

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Comments | Posted By Desiree David

Cellar or Wine Room Design Trends for Your Home

5/15/2019 10:23 AM

An in-house wine cellar used to be basic wine racking installed in a basement.

An in-house wine cellar used to be basic wine racking installed in a basement. Over the past few decades, wine cellars have evolved into a luxurious addition that will add value to your home while making a distinct statement about one’s personal style. When it comes to design, anything goes. Some may prefer a traditional style wine cellar, while others want a more modern look. Today we are rounding up some of our favorite design trends to provide you with some inspiration.

Luxe Modern

Modern wine cellars break from traditional wood wine racking to incorporate acrylic cubicles, glass, suspended cable racking, and metal pegs. Bottles appear to be floating, giving the cellar some airy appeal. The overall look is luxurious, like each wine is a jewel on display.

Custom Wine Cellar by Vinotemp

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Comments | Posted By Desiree David

Wine Merchandising Basics

5/15/2019 9:11 AM

Custom Wine Storage by Vinotemp at Gunter Seeger NY Restaurant, New York (photo by: Oleg March)

Whether opening a new wine shop, setting up bottles in the tasting room of a winery, restaurant, or thinking about how to arrange bottles in your personal cellar, learning how to properly merchandise wine can help you stay organized, add to the aesthetics of your space, and drive sales. Vinotemp has gathered the basics to help you get started.

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Comments | Posted By Desiree David

Protecting Your Wine from Freezing Temperatures

5/14/2019 12:14 PM

Having the correct balance of temperature and humidity is vital in the proper storage and aging of wine.

This means that, during the winter months, wine should be protected from sub-freezing temperatures. Due to its alcohol content, wine has a lower freezing temperature than most other fluids, but it can still happen in extreme conditions. Have you ever placed a bottle of wine in the freezer only to forget that it was in there? You may have returned to find that your beautiful bottle of chardonnay had transformed into a bit of a “Winecicle”. The same thing can happen when the ambient temperature of a cellar drops too low.

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Comments | Posted By Desiree David

Maximize Your Space with Stylish and Functional Wine Cellar Racking

5/14/2019 10:43 AM

Make the most out of your wine cellar and create your wine racking system for maximum storage, functionality, and visual appeal.

Whether you have a large basement cellar or a small space within your home transformed for your wine collection, no cellar is complete or functional without wine racks. From all-wood wine racking built for bulk storage to wall-mounted racks that display your finest labels, the right racking design can help you maximize your storage space and cellar functionality while adding to the ambiance and visual appeal of your space.

Custom Cable Wine Racking by Vinotemp

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Comments | Posted By Desiree David

The Five Biggest Cellar Mistakes

5/14/2019 10:02 AM

If you’ve made the leap into becoming a wine cellar owner, then you know that it is a long-term commitment that, when executed properly, is worthy of your time.

We’ve compiled a list of 5 mistakes made when cellaring (and their solutions) so that you can maximize your investment and experience the joy of tasting a well-aged wine.

1. The Wrong Location

Some cellar owners make the mistake of locating their cellar in the wrong place where their collection is susceptible to movement from a neighboring railroad track, in a room with windows, or right next to a kitchen. To ensure your collection has the proper location, here are some factors to consider:

Dangerous Movement. Vibration can disturb a wine’s sediment. It may agitate it and accelerate the aging process. Make sure your bottles are in a safe place with very little movement.

Lights Out! In addition to vibration, bright light should be avoided at all costs, particularly harmful UV rays or fluorescent lights. Wine packaged in clear or blue bottles is especially susceptible to light damage. Even wine housed in darker bottles is vulnerable.

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Is Drinking Wine Healthy?

5/8/2019 9:43 AM

Wine consumption has a long and rich history that precedes the time of the Greeks.

Wine consumption has a long and rich history that precedes the time of the Greeks. The wine consumed during ancient times would hardly be considered palatable by today’s standards. Transported in earthen or wood vessels, it was known to have a vinegar-like quality. Wine was consumed not out of pleasure, but necessity as water and milk were often filled with disease. People believed the alcohol in wine was a natural antiseptic. During the 18th century wine experienced a revolution as it was produced in a more sophisticated manner. The supply of water also became safer to drink, so wine evolved into a drink for occasions, rather than something that was consumed daily.

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Comments | Posted By Desiree David

Stocking Your Wine Cellar

5/8/2019 9:07 AM

The final paperwork has been signed, the construction crew has left and you finally have the wine cellar that you have always dreamed of having.

Now what? How do you go about filling all of those brand new wine racks? Here are some helpful tips for stocking your wine cellar with wine that you can enjoy for years to come.

Residential Wine Room by Vinotemp

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Comments | Posted By Desiree David

Wood Wine Cabinet Placement

5/7/2019 12:43 PM

Wood wine cabinets are beautiful custom creations and it is important to install your new cellar in the proper location to ensure it continues to deliver excellent service to you and your collection.

Wood wine cabinets are beautiful custom creations and it is important to install your new cellar in the proper location to ensure it continues to deliver excellent service to you and your collection. There are several considerations which need to be made in order to receive the best performance results from your unit; weight factor, ambient temperature, humidity control, proper ventilation, noise factor, and electrical requirements.

Custom Vinotemp Wine Cabinets at The Hilton in Tucson, Arizona

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Comments | Posted By Desiree David