Having made the decision to collect and store wine, it is important to understand that where the wine will be stored is just as important as which wines will be stored. Choosing the best location for a wine cellar should not just be about aesthetics, but also about functionality and optimal wine storage conditions. Preserving the integrity of the wine should be paramount, and choosing a good location is the first step in the right direction.
The Best Place to Locate a Wine Cellar
The location chosen for wine cellaring activities must meet certain basic criteria. The location must first of all be one where the temperatures can be easily monitored and controlled. Wines stored in a cellar that is volatile to fluctuations in temperature will be ruined over time. The optimal temperature for storing wine is between 50 and 590F.
Likewise, humidity levels must be kept moderate, 70% being ideal; and lighting at the location should be of such that it does not cause damage to the wine. Protecting the wine from agitation and unnecessary vibrations from within the cellar and externally is also something crucial when identifying and selecting a location for wine cellaring.
The wine cellar location should be one that is accessible, has adequate space for storing wines, is clean and odour free and perfectly insulated.
Ideally, wine cellars are best located below the ground such as basements and underground. The temperature in such areas is generally cooler and the humidity is more consistent and manageable than above ground. Ideally, it would be best to situate the wine cellar against two exterior walls away from windows.
Basements may not always be available. In the event a basement is not available, an alternate room above ground will suffice. In this situation, special attention must be given to the materials chosen to construct, insulate, seal and monitor the conditions in the wine cellar.
Selecting a Wine Cellar Location Based on Functionality
The type of wine cellar used will vary based not just on location, but also the intended use.
Commercial Wine Cellars
A commercial wine cellar for a restaurant for example will possibly end up above ground and forming a part of the decor for the restaurant. These cellars are typically much more expensive to construct and require a significant amount of space. Some commercial wine cellars may hold as little as 300 bottles of wine, while others may hold over 1,000 bottles. These wine cellars are often custom made and are often positioned in such a way that they become a conversation piece for diners.
Residential Wine Cellars
The typical household wine cellar is usually much smaller than the commercial wine cellar. Where the wine cellar was conceptualized during the planning stages of the construction of the property, it is likely to end up underground. In cases where the idea came about after the property was already constructed, it is likely to end up above ground in a room or an area converted to suit the ideal conditions for storing wine.
Short-Term Wine Storage
If wines are to be stored only for the short-term, it may make more sense to have an above-ground cellar, using storage solutions such as a wine refrigerator, under-counter wine cooler or a dual-temperature wine cooler. Wines will be more readily accessible and cellaring solutions will be focused on providing wine at the right temperature rather than providing optimal conditions for long-term cellaring.