Wine cellars that are built above ground that hold more than 500 wine bottles are often called wine rooms. The temperature of wine rooms needs to be monitored closely since any drop or fluctuation in temperature will spoil the wine. And for wine aficionados who love to collect and drink fine wines, it is of utmost importance to be able to store their collection appropriately.

Great-looking and well-appointed wine rooms take center stage in wine connoisseurs’ homes, with the right wine racks, temperature control units and other accessories that can make them double as walk-in tasting rooms. A perfect wine storage will allow the wines to be in their perfect environment – where lights are subdued, heat is absent and humidity level is constant. Building a wine room requires knowledge of some basic steps, careful planning and quite a sizeable budget, but the result can be fantastic.

Best Conditions for Wine Rooms

The most ideal location is your basement because the flooring is very firm and even. The temperature in the basement is better suited, with some modifications for a sizeable wine room. If you are living in a large house you can designate an area or a small room in your house as a wine room. Actually the size will depend on how many wine bottles you have in your collection and your plans for expansion or if you plan to use the cellar as a wine tasting room, too.

How to Build and Install a Wine Room

Insulation is essential in wine rooms to see to it that the temperature is maintained and humidity is at the right level. The inner walls should be insulated using R11 while the outside walls must be insulated using R19 insulating material. If you will be using your basement, you also have to create a vapor barrier with 6 millimeter-thick polyethylene plastic and apply concrete sealant for the basement flooring. Carpeting is not advisable in rooms you will use as wine storage areas.

Even if you are using your basement or a room in your house, you will have to replace the door of the wine room. It should be airtight, made of solid material and well-insulated to make sure that the cool temperature inside does not escape. There should be a lock on the door to limit entrance to the room.

Temperature inside the wine cellar should remain constant hence there is a need for an efficient cooling unit. You can choose a standard system that is cheaper and easier to install but it needs to be replaced within five or 6 years. If you have the budget, it will be better to install a split-type cooling unit, which will last longer. A professional should install this type of cooling unit.

Light should not shine directly on the wine bottles as this will spoil wines faster. But you still need to install indirect, subdued lighting to make your way around the wine cellar. You can either install a dimmer to control the amount of light and the heat the lights generate or use LED lights, which are cooler.

You can opt to have a custom-made wine room so you can have it to your specifications and design or you can search for an appropriate wine room kit that will provide you with everything you need to have a place to store your wine collection.