If you love wine and you currently possess a decent collection of wine bottles then you probably already know that you need to store them properly over the years. Wine can become better with age, but only if it is stored in the correct environments. Also, you might be happy to know that you don’t need a fortune to create your own gigantic wine cellar. You can create a small and accommodating one somewhere in your kitchen or your basement. However, when building your own wine cellar, make sure that you don’t commit these mistakes.
Choosing the wrong door for your wine cellar
In most cases, people who build wine cellars go for doors which look great, but they forget about the door’s practicality. In other words, they choose aesthetics over function and this is not a good idea when it comes to wine cellars. A wine cellar door that doesn’t form a complete seal when it is closed will let air inside, altering the temperature and humidity conditions of the wine cellar. As a result, all the money you spent on insulation and a proper air conditioning unit will be wasted.
When buying doors for your wine cellar, you must make sure that the door has a good insulation rating and it closes properly, creating an airtight seal. Only when you are sure about these features you can think of the door’s aesthetics and other similar aspects.
Forgetting about the vapor barrier
In all wine cellars, the vapor barrier is very important. This barrier helps maintaining the ideal storage conditions for your wine bottles. As a result, your wine can age properly and become better with the passing of time. Additionally, the vapor barrier can prevent moisture in the long run. If the vapor barrier doesn’t exist, moisture might accumulate in your wine cellar which will eventually lead to mold and mildew. Therefore, make sure that you don’t neglect the vapor barrier when building your own wine cellar and try to get more information about it from the professionals if it is necessary.
Not providing enough insulation for your wine cellar
Just like the vapor barrier, insulation is paramount when it comes to wine cellars. To make sure that your wine bottles are stored in the right conditions, the walls of your wine cellar should be insulated with the right materials. The amount of insulation required depends on various factors such as the size of your wine cellar, the climate in the region you live in, and others. Also, you need to handle this aspect in the very beginning, when you are creating your wine cellar, and go for high-quality materials, so that you don’t have to spend money on insulation repairs later on.
Not choosing a specially-designed climate controlling equipment for your wine cellar
When designing your wine cellar, you need to know that regular air conditioners are not suitable for preserving the right temperature and humidity conditions inside. The professionals have developed specialized pieces of equipment that can monitor both the temperature and humidity levels in your wine cellar throughout the entire year and make the required adjustments when necessary. Although such equipments are a little bit more expensive than basic air conditioning units, they will ensure that the quality of your wine won’t be affected in the long run.
Ideally, your wine cellar should feature a humidity level around 70% and a temperature of about 13 degree Celsius. Obviously, certain types of wines require higher or lower storage temperatures, depending on various factors. Make sure that you consult with a professional to ensure that you buy the right climate controlling equipment for your wine cellar.
Going for the wrong lighting options
Yes, even the lighting sources are important in a wine cellar as if they are too hot and produce a very bright light, they will have a negative effect on the quality of the wine in the future. You need to go for pot lights which are installed in the right places and can be directed towards your wine racks, to ensure that the labels on the bottles are visible. There are many safety considerations to take into account when it comes to lighting in your wine cellar, so remember to do your homework and inform yourself properly.
Not buying the right wine racks
Just like with the wine cellar door, most people go for wine racks simply because they look good. This is not a good idea as wine racks should be procured depending on the case sizes, your wine buying behavior, and several other factors. Also, you always want to go for durable, long-lasting wine racking to keep your expenses in check in the long run.
For more information and details about wine cellar design, make sure that you explore our website and contact us today. We are experts when it comes to wine cellar design and our pro tips will definitely help you make the right decisions.
