Many people (myself included) keep wine bottles stacked on the counter or a couple of whites chilling in the fridge. A real wine enthusiast balks at this idea — wine requires appropriate storage, and a regular kitchen cupboard does not quite cut it. If you have been contemplating building a suitable house for your own wine collection, consider having a peek at your cellar — it is probably the right spot for a wine cellar. Here, interior designer Mark Cravotta of all Cravotta Studios shares tips on creating the right space for your vino.
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1. Control the climate. If you have the budget for this, Cravotta suggests investing in a wine room–specific HVAC system. “They keep consistent and suitable balance between humidity and temperature in a way traditional systems can’t,” he states.
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2. Insulate properly. If an HVAC system does not fit your financial plan, make sure the temperature is correctly controlled through insulation. This has a great deal to do with your geographic location, so consult with a professional to evaluate your situation. If you’re in the southern United States, as an example, Cravotta implies treating the shell by making a moisture barrier to the outside of every wall plus the floor and the ceiling, as well as adding closed-cell foam insulation to prevent condensation buildup and mold.
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3. Make use of the space you have. You do not require an whole room for your own wine cellar. If you’re tight on cellar space, look at repurposing a cupboard or a small storage area.
4. Choose stainless steel for a modern look. “preventing airborne contamination is definitely important,” states Cravotta. “The wine racks should be a substance that will not off-gas.” Stainless steel is a quality choice that provides wine cellars a modern aesthetic.
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5. Pick wood with a natural finish for a traditional look. Cravotta recommends choosing a wood that requires only a mineral oil finish, such as mahogany, walnut or cypress.
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6. Utilize zero-VOC paints. In case you choose to paint the wine racks or other surfaces in the basement, be sure they are treated using zero-VOC paints and finishes to prevent corrupting the wine.
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7. Pay attention. Cravotta suggests using Cree LEDLRP-38 bulbs on conventional line-voltage tracks. “They’re economical, dimmable using standard dimmers, and also the quality of lighting is very much like the very best halogen offers,” he states.
8. Think about a tracking system. “For larger collections, you might want to consider a systematic means to mark the racks with a few of the many available wine room management software applications available now,” states Cravotta. “We are currently working a wine cellar where we’re utilizing French enameled alphanumeric tags that will be attached at every jar place. They’re as beautiful as they are functional.”