Living in a small space should not stop you from collecting your favorite vintages. There are many wine storage solutions best suited for wine collectors who don’t have enough space for a Texas residential wine cellar.
Stackable Modular Wine Racks
One of the main advantages of using modular wine racks is flexibility. This type of wine racks can easily fit in small wine storage spaces, offering an option to add more bottles to your collection in the future without the need to change the whole wine rack. Stackable wine racks eliminate the use of more space when adding more wine bottles.
Space-Efficient Stackable Wine Racks
In addition to space efficiency, modular wine racks also allow ease of mix-and-match with other types of wine racks that you already have. This is why they are not only recommended for limited spaces and small collections, but also for full residential and commercial wine cellars.
Wall Wine Racks
For a small wine collection, it is recommended to store your bottles in wall wine racks instead of using a fridge. Since the fridge will occupy a floor or countertop space in your home, it is not a good option for limited spaces. Wall wine racks, on the other hand, will only take up space on the walls of your living room, kitchen, or dining room.
Wall-mounted wine racks made of wood create an earthy look while metal wine racks create a modern appeal to your wine storage space. Wrought iron wall wine racks are suitable for those who want to achieve a vintage look in their space.
Whatever material you want you wine racks to be made of, make sure that they are durable enough to hold your bottles. With wall wine racks, you will not only save space, but will also experience convenience in finding a bottle to serve to your guests.
Wine Racks Built into Other Furniture
If you have tables or counters that have space underneath them, why not make use of that space to store your few wine bottles? This option is suitable for those who always include wine in their casual dinner or those who love to cook with wine. Under the counter wine storage will not only keep wine at hand, but will also make your kitchen look more stylish.
Unlike the wine racks mentioned above, these allow you to install a wine refrigeration unit to ensure that your wines are preserved properly, making them ideal for long term aging.
If you have a mini library, you can incorporate some shelving space for your wine. Isn’t it more enjoyable to read a book with your favorite glass of wine?
Whatever storage option you choose, it is important to ensure that you store your wines in a place where they are away from too much heat, vibration, and strong odors.
Whether you need durable wine racks or stylish custom wine cellars, Wine Cellar Specialists will provide you the best wine storage solution suitable for your space, budget, and storage needs. Contact them now at 866-646-7089 or visit their website at https://www.winecellarspec.com. To view stylish and functional custom wine rooms they’ve completed, click here.
It would seem odd that wine is so popular in the Lone Star State (which is the nickname of Texas), but it’s true. Wine collecting as a hobby, or as a serious business, is steadily growing in popularity in Texas. As a testament to this popularity, some have gone beyond wine collecting to actually producing Texas-made wines.
But for those who are still in the initial stages of their love affair with wine, wine collecting is still the thing to do. There are two main reasons for the proliferation of Texas custom wine cellars. One is that people eventually want to make a profit when they sell their precious vintages, and the other is that people just want easy and ready access to a good bottle of wine.
Wine Cellars are in Demand in Texas
One of the sure signs that wine collecting in Texas is booming, is the increased interest in building a Texas wine cellar. In this state’s warm climate, wine bottles must be stored properly, in adherence to the ideal conditions. If not, the wine will spoil.
Texas wine cellars are some of the most tastefully-designed wine cellars around. This is because there are plenty of professional wine cellar companies who offer stellar services. There are also a range of beautiful wine storage racks to be found on the market, ranging from traditional wood to modern metals, that can fit just about any space or requirement you have.
Red Wine in an Instant
One of the reasons the need for custom wine rooms has experienced growth is that wine collectors want to have easy access to their wine, particularly the rich flavor of a good bottle of red. Imagine being able to procure a bottle of red wine just by going into your wine cellar.
There, you can browse from a variety of bottles you have been storing or aging and pick the best red wine to go with the steak dinner you are having. Imagine having your very own collection of Shiraz, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon just a few steps from your dining area. This beats running to the store or going to a restaurant just to enjoy a good meal.
Win-Win with Red Wine
Having red wine is not just a great way to enjoy a meal, the fantastic news is that it’s healthy too. Texas wine cellar owners will be pleased to know that red wine in moderation is good for the heart. It contains substances called antioxidants that help prevent heart disease by increasing good cholesterol. It also helps protect the lining of the blood vessels in your heart. Besides, red wine has resveratrol, which helps prevent damage to blood vessels and also helps prevent blood clots.
Custom wine rooms are built not only for proper wine storage but also for easy access to one’s favorite and healthy wines. There is no reason not to include a couple of red wines, which are known to have many health benefits.
In the past, it has been quite difficult to find “contemporary” style wine racks or wine furniture in the marketplace. Yes, there are different styles of metal racks out there. A contemporary look can definitely be achieved using Vintage View Metal Wine Racks. Now, we also offer a Kessick Contemporary Modular style of Wine Rack as well.
High Quality and Cost-Effective Wine Storage Solution Using Modular Racking
It is important that your builder select high quality and economical wine storage solution for your needs. The style of wine rack is an important aspect of Texas wine cellar construction. It must suit all your functional, aesthetic, and financial requirements.
Although many people love the beauty of custom racking systems in their wine storage facilities, modular style wine racks are still in demand among wine enthusiasts. Wine Cellar Specialists recommend Kessick modular style wine racks for residential owners who want to achieve a beautiful storage display without spending much.
Kessick Series Modular Wine Racks for Texas Home Wine Cellars
Kessick wine racks are known for their ability to create a contemporary appeal to your space. The design of these storage units is efficient and beautiful. They are available in Kessick Estate Design (KED) and Kessick Contemporary Modular Style units.
Kessick Estate Design Texas Wine Cellar Racking
The Kessick Estate Design Series Racks is a budget-friendly solution for wine collectors. You can have a Texas wine cellar as beautiful custom wine rooms without breaking the bank.
These modular pieces come in 20 different groupings. You can purchase one or more grouping and arrange them to suit your wall in a design of your choosing. Some of these modules even use Vintage View racks inside the cubes. The best of both worlds… combined.
There are wall-mounted and floor mounted styles. Each design is ready to install and comes with all hardware and accessories needed. LED lighting is even an optional choice. The different styles come in lacquered mahogany, black lacquer, or brushed aluminum (a stainless steel look).
If you are looking for something really modern and contemporary and are tired of the traditional wine rack look…. Kessick Contemporary Modular wine racks may be for you!
Traditional Wine Cellar with Elegant Wooden Wine Racks
The wrong wine rack material can make or break the overall appeal of your Texas wine cellar. During the planning phase, it is highly recommended that you seek the advice of a professional designer and installer about the most suitable material for your storage racks. You must consider style, quality, and value. It may cost a significant expense in the future if you decide to change your racking system because it does not fit your needs. At Wine Cellar Specialists, wine room with wood wine racks is in demand among our clients.
Choosing the Most Suitable Racking Material for Your Wine Room
Every owner of residential or commercial space has unique requirements for their wine cellar project. At Wine Cellar Specialists, we make sure that the best material is chosen for our client’s wine racks.
Why Wine Rooms with Wood Wine Racks are In-Demand in Homes and Businesses
Most custom wine cellars for homes or businesses are installed with wooden wine racks. Wood has known to offer many functional and aesthetic benefits.
Custom Wine Cellar Racks Made from Knotty Alder Wood
It is easy to work with, making it easy for builders to customize the wine racks according to the size and shape of the room, the number of bottles intended to be stored and displayed, the home’s décor, the mood that the client wants to achieve, and the allotted budget.
A wine room with wood racks provides a relaxing place for drinking wine with friends. The earth tone colour of wooden wine racks gives an elegant look and richness to the wine cellar. Wood can also go well with any décor in your home. Its natural beauty can match both traditional and contemporary living spaces.
Ideal Types of Wood for Wine Racks
With various wood species used in construction today, it is best to seek the help of an expert when choosing your wine rack material.
Redwood and mahogany are most commonly used for making wine racks through oak, pine and other woods can also be used in some circumstances. At Wine Cellar Specialists, we do not recommend inexpensive materials, such as Poplar, Fir, Western Red Cedar or any aromatic Cedars.
The smell from these woods could go through the corks and taint the flavour of your wine. Some cedars, called non-aromatic, still have some smell to them and should be avoided.
Redwood
Wooden Wine Rack System Made from Premium Redwood
If you love wine cellar racks with reddish tones, you should go with Redwood. It exhibits attractive grain patterns, which are more visible when the wood is stained or lacquered.
Additionally, Redwood is also known to withstand the humid conditions in wine cellars and is highly resistant to mildew, decay, and shock. Its resistance to rot is due to its high level of tannin. So you can expect your Redwood wine racks to last long if maintained properly.
Storing your favourite vintages in Redwood wine racks will add an eco-friendly feature to your wine cellar because the wood is a sustainable material. You can Premium Redwood if you want wine racks with lighter tones or All Heart Redwood for darker racks.
Redwood has similar properties to Cedar, but it has limited availability and is denser. Redwood is also smoother and has fewer knots than Cedar.
Pine
Unfinished Pine (Left) Lacquered Pine (Right)
Pine is also a good material for wine racks because it is attractive, versatile, resistant to decay, durability, and cost-effectiveness. When left unfinished, this softwood will add a lighter feel to your wine cellar.
But keep in mind that it should only be used when the racking will not be in a climate-controlled wine cellar, but in a home or store under regular living conditions. It does not hold up well to cold temperatures and high humidity.
Mahogany
Lacquered Mahogany Wine Storage Racks
When it comes to strength and durability, Mahogany has an edge over other types of wood, making it a favourite material in manufacturing wine racks. It also takes finishes and stains very well.
Unfinished Mahogany Wine Racks
It may display ribbons, stripes, ripples, blisters or rope patterns. Mahogany wine racks are tan to reddish-brown in colour.
They are sanded to reveal their attractive grains. Kiln drying the wood makes it resistant to damages caused by moisture such as warping and splitting.
Another advantage of Mahogany is its non-aromatic quality. Woods used for refrigerated wine cellars must have no strong odours to protect the wine’s aroma and taste.
Mahogany subspecies include Amber Blaze, African, Philippine, Prime, Malaysian, and Sapele. Among these options, Malaysian Mahogany has the most distinctive tone variations and grains.
Alder
Knotty Alder Wood
Another wood species that we use in manufacturing wine racks is Alder. It has an even texture that makes painting a great option.
It is the most suitable material for those who want burl clusters and knots to be visible on their reddish-brown wine racks. The knots vary in colour, shape, and size.
Knotty Alder is a medium density wood with varying wavy grain patterns and lends a rustic appeal than Clear Alder.
Different Types of Wine Rack
In order to create a stunning display of our client’s collection, we use pre-built, custom, or a combination of these wine racks. Our creative team will make sure that your wine room with wood racks will enhance the beauty of your residential or commercial property.
Pre-Made Wine Racks
Pre-Made Wooden Wine Racks
Our pre-built wine racks or wooden wine rack kits are available in standard sizes and heights. These storage units are constructed with 1 ½ inches toe-kick base and horizontal dado spacers. One unit can be stacked on top of the other as your collection grows.
Custom Wine Racks
Custom Wooden Wine Racks by Wine Cellar Specialists
Custom wine racks are built according to the specific requirements of the client. They are constructed according to the room’s shape and size. The owner can also incorporate his or her own unique design to achieve a stellar custom wine display.
Custom racking is ideal for irregular-shaped rooms. If you are building a wine cellar in a space under the stairs, custom wine racks are recommended so that your racking can fit the ascending ceiling perfectly.
Bottle Configurations for Wine Rooms with Wood Racks
Residential Wooden Custom Wine Racks with Mixed Bottle Orientations
Individual wine racks suspend bottles within the rack and allow air to circulate around the bottle. Each bottle is in its own separate niche. They also make it easier to see and pick the desired wine from the wine cellar. An individual rack for 750 type bottles should be 3 ¾” in diameter to be able to store most any of the larger and odd-shaped bottles in today’s market.
Other individual bottle sizes can also be included in your Texas wine cellar to store magnums, very large champagne bottles, split size bottles, or any size bottle you might have. Display rows can be built into the individual racks.
These are rows of individual bottles that are lying back at an angle to show the label. A display row should keep your bottle at no more than a 15-degree angle so that the wine still touches the cork to keep it moist.
Bin wine racks allow wines to be kept horizontally together in compartments and help to store wine in a space-saving way. This is a good way to store many bottles of the same type of wine together. There are many types of bins that can be used such as X cubes, diamond bins, rectangular bins and more.
Do You Want a Wine Cellar with Wood Racks? Contact a Professional Today.
Investing in a wine room with wood racks offers many benefits. At Wine Cellar Specialists, we will help you through the complete process of wine cellar construction.
We design exquisite wine cellars with the right storage space and effective cooling systems to suit your personal needs.
We will also select a floor type that compliments the room as well as a wine cellar door to complete your package.
With Wine Cellar Specialists, you get your personal wine cellar consultant who can help you to create a cellar that becomes one of the most aesthetic features of your home décor. https://www.winecellarspec.com/.
So you’ve decided to build a home wine cellar. Or, you already have one. Great. You know you’re a serious wine collector when you have a wine cellar in your home. Not only do you have a safe place in which to let your collection age and gain in value, but you also have a great place to take guests coming over for dinner. Let them wander in your cellar, maybe even select the wine you’re serving with dinner. Or, rather, select the wine with them.
Proper Wine Storage Tips
But as with anything, there is good storage and there is bad storage.
Good storage can help protect your wine while bad storage and destroy your wine in no time at all.
Make sure that doesn’t happen to you by following these simple rules for storing wine in your home (whether in a home wine cellar or in your kitchen).
Wine Should Not be Exposed to Excessive Heat
Wine should be stored in dark places. Don’t let the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays get to your wine.
These rays can damage your wine and, in some cases, make it undrinkable. That’s why most experts suggest storing wine in a Texas home wine cellar, or, lacking that, on a rack that you’re able to keep in an out-of-the-way place.
Your wine storage space must be installed with the proper lighting system. Seek the help of an expert to ensure that your wine cellar lighting does not emit too much heat.
Keep Wine Away from Vibration
Believe it or not, vibrations (like what you’d feel in a room abutting a garage with a door that opens and closes electrically) aren’t good for your wine. Where you store your wine should be as free of vibrations as possible.
Too much vibration can accelerate the chemical reactions in the wine. It can disturb the sediments in wine and may ruin the complex flavours and aromas of the wine. Building a wine cellar near any equipment, machinery, or appliance is not recommended.
Temperature and Humidity Must be Regulated
The temperature and humidity of the place where you store your wine are critical for best protecting it. If you can use or have access to a hygrometer, great.
The humidity in the room where you store your wine should be between 50 and 75 percent. If you realize that the humidity is low, do something about it. Install a humidifier, if you’re storing wine in a room as opposed to a cellar. And if you’re storing wine in a climate-controlled cellar, your unit will already get rid of excess humidity.
Keep in mind that wrong humidity levels can cause moisture build up in your Texas home wine cellar. When this happens, your wine room can be a breeding ground for moulds and mildew. These fungi can damage your wine labels, the quality of your wines, as well as the integrity of your racking.
In the rare cases where you need to add humidity, a wine cellar humidifier can be installed or use the poor man’s method… add a small container of water across the room from the cooling unit. The moisture will be drawn up through the air as the unit tries to rid the room of excess humidity. Problem solved.
As for temperature, your wine should be stored in at approximately 55 degrees. Make sure you can control the temperature in the space where you are storing your wine. Most climate control systems come pre-set at 55 so you do not have to adjust.
When the temperature is not regulated, wine cannot preserve its desirable characteristics. Very low or very high temperatures can cause unpleasant tastes in wine.
Choose Quality Wine Racks Manufactured by an Expert
Beautiful Wine Racks System
The way you rack your wine is also important. Did you know that if you have a display row where your wine is stored at an angle, it should be at no more than a 15-degree angle so the cork stays moist? If you buy pre-made racks, make sure this is possible.
If you’re having racks built, make sure your builder knows what he or she is doing. It is best to hire a company who specializes in wine cellars. Even then, be aware that all of the manufacturers do not make their racks with the same quality or specifications.
Also, make sure that your wine rack system is designed with features that will enhance your drinking experience with family and friends. Your chosen builder should assess all your functional and aesthetic requirements. This will help them create a Texas home wine cellar that will store and display your favourite vintages safely and beautifully. See quality wine racks offered by a master builder.
Organize Your Collection Effectively
e-Sommelier Wine Inventory System
Finally, you have to keep your wine storage organized. The organization is key to a good wine storage system. Store your wine by category or by collection. Keep a written record of what you have and where you are storing it.
Depending on your collection, you may be doing this for insurance reasons anyway. If you have a large collection you might want to invest in a computerized inventory control system. It really is the best way to make the most of your storage system.
A Wine Storage Specialist Can Build a Safe and Attractive Wine Room for You
With the help of a master builder, you can have a Texas home wine cellar designed to store your collection properly. Planning to start your wine room project? Wine Cellar Specialists can help you! Contact them today at +1 (866 )646-7089 or request a 3D wine cellar design for FREE!
Mistakes in wine room construction can be avoided if you work with the right company. We, at Wine Cellar Specialists, have extensive knowledge in proper wine storage. We have designed functional custom wine displays and installed Texas wine cellars with the proper components. Before the wine room installation, there are important questions that need to be answered, to ensure that our clients will be happy with the beauty and functionality of their wine rooms.
Questions That Needs to Be Answered Before Custom Wine Cellar Installation
A Wine Cellar Must be Built by a Professional
Yes, wine cellars are a good investment, especially if you are a wine connoisseur. Consider your wine collection. Maybe you don’t know how you became a collector.
A couple of bottles you bought for dinner became a case for a week’s vacation with friends and all of a sudden you’re reading labels and asking about vintage and years.
What’s next? Worrying about storage temperature. If you don’t think about it, that special bottle you’re saving for a golden anniversary or for when that promotion goes through may not taste as special as you are hoping.
Once your thoughts turn to storage temperature, it’s time to think about a wine cellar of your very own.
Some questions you may have, or at least some questions others at the start of their wine cellar process have had, and some answers. Of course, your situation is unique to you. Some of the questions may not apply. Remember, we’re here to help. Call us at 972-454-0480, or you can e-mail us at info@winecellarspec.com.
Is special construction required?
Wine Will Age Properly in the Right Environment
The fluctuation of temperature is the number one cause of wines going bad. You want your wine cellar to have a constant temperature of between 55 degrees and 58 degrees, and maintain a humidity of between 50% and 75%. The temperature in most homes hover around 70 degrees, and the humidity in most homes is somewhere between 20% and 30%.
Of course, where you live, and the temperature and humidity outside probably affect the temperature and humidity in your home.
The proper insulation and vapor barrier in the walls are the first steps to creating a wine room. These will keep the wine cellar humidity at the ideal range by preventing the warm air from leaking into the wine room.
Without proper insulation, molds and mildew can build up in your wine cellar, which can damage the integrity of your racking and walls. This can also damage the wine labels.
The next step is to find out which climate control system is right for you. After the assessment of your needs, Wine Cellar Specialists will be able to recommend the type and brand of wine refrigeration system that suits your storage requirements. This will stabilize the temperature and humidity in the wine room. Regular air conditioners don’t have the capacity to provide the right environment that will help the wine to age gracefully.
Yes. However, keep in mind that where you install your wine cellar will affect how much you spend on its upkeep going forward. Also, heat, light, and vibration can affect your wine. Pick a spot without windows preferably (so you don’t have to worry about covering them) and away from any noise is best. The type of climate control system you can use also depends upon where your room is located. Consult a Wine Cellar Specialist.
When does the cooling unit go in?
Normally, your refrigeration system goes in after the drywall is installed. However, you will want to run the electrical and drain lines during your wall construction.
Do I need to install special flooring?
Texas Wine Cellar Flooring
Yes. You need to install flooring that can withstand high humidity. Carpeting just will not do, since it may likely rot.
Concrete is OK, as long as it is sealed properly. Porcelain or granite tiles, cork, or hardwood flooring is most often recommended.
Custom wine cellar lighting is key to achieving a moody and dramatic look
While it’s fine to opt out of installing lighting for your custom wine cellar, we highly recommend adding a bit of decorative lighting to improve the overall ambient of the space. Furthermore, it adds some pizzazz to your wine collection. With LEDs, you don’t have to worry about the heat it produces. It won’t affect the temperature and the state of wine bottles, thanks to the low-power nature of LED. Alternatively, you can install a chandelier to illuminate the entire room space. The combination of warm lighting and dark-shaded bottles creates a soothing look and feel for a Texas custom wine cellar. What’s even better is that it works and blends well whether it’s traditional, modern, or contemporary custom wine cellars.
How to properly light a Texas custom wine cellar?
If you are planning to add lighting decorations to your wine cellar, you need to know how to install lights in a wine cellar the right way. Aside from chandelier or ceiling lighting, you can try the backlit style. With the bulbs hiding behind wine bottles, the illumination creates a silhouette effect that dramatically adds mood to a wine rack. Sometimes, the color of the wine makes everything a lot more interesting. Another style that’s popular nowadays is accent lighting. All you need to have are several LED strips and run them along the shelves. You can get creative and find the best spots for accent lights. This is one of the best ways to light a custom wine cellar, especially if you want wine racks to be the focal point.
I don’t want to build my wine cellar. Can anyone do it?
Wine Cellar Specialists Texas
Yes, most likely. A blanket statement like anyone can build your wine cellar is difficult to back up. If your builder follows proper Texas wine cellar construction and enclosure guidelines, then yes, anyone can help you.
The materials your builder will need for your wine cellar are easy to find and often used in other home projects. But you should ask any builder you consider for the job if they have experience with wine cellars, and if not, if they work with anyone who does.
When it comes to installing climate control, many units will require a licensed HVAC/R contractor.
The most affordable builder, or the builder who promises to have your wine cellar finished in the shortest amount of time, may not be the best builder for your job. Think long-term appreciation, not short-term satisfaction. We, at Wine Cellar Specialists, will create your wine cellar from start to finish… or work with your builder to help educate him on the best methods when building your room.
So you’ve decided to build a wine cellar in your home. Do you know the environment to create in your wine cellar to best protect your wine? Learn all about it and more in this, the first in a series of blog posts about creating an ideal environment in your wine cellar.
Achieving Optimum Temperature and Humidity Levels for Graceful Wine Aging
Wine Guardian Cooling Unit in a Teas Home Wine Cellar
Your Texas wine cellar should constantly be at a temperature of about 55 degrees. As important as temperature is, so is humidity. Keep the humidity in your wine cellar somewhere between 50 and 75 percent.
Too high of a humidity can cause mold and mildew and your labels to fall off. Too low a humidity can cause your corks to dry out, air can seep into your bottles, and your wine can be ruined.
Do you live in a low-humidity area? Some types of climate control units help to regulate your humidity by adding moisture, others simply get rid of excess humidity. Some wine cellar owners like to add a humidifier to their cellar while others might want a fountain.
The poor man’s method is a container of water across the room from the cooling unit. The unit will pull the moisture through the room. Most areas of the country do not need any type of humidification.
When cooling a Texas wine cellar with the liquid mass of the wine in the bottles, the humidity naturally rises. Your cellar will automatically have a higher humidity than it will have outside the room. The vapor barrier in the walls, floor and ceiling helps to keep the humidity inside the room. This is why most cooling units are made to get rid of the excess humidity.
Things to Keep in Mind When Choosing a Wine Cellar Cooling unit
Picking a wine cellar cooling unit is where you need to be sure to consult an expert. He or she is best able to help you pick something that will work for your wine cellar. Many things are considered when deciding what you can use.
Where in the house or building is the cellar located?
Do you want to see the unit or not?
Are you OK with hearing the unit or not?
How big is your wine room?
What is the amount of insulation in the room?
What is the type/style of wine cellar door installed?
The size of the room, the amount of insulation, even the style of the door being used are all factors in determining the size of unit you can use. Your cooling unit expert at Wine Cellar Specialists can do a free heat load calculation for you by plugging in all the factors needed to determine the correct BTU’s necessary for your unit. All cooling units need to have a dedicated circuit and all units will have a drain line for excess condensation.
Types of Wine Cooling Units Recommended for Texas Wine Cellars
Self Contained or Through-the-wall: A unit that is mounted through the wall (hence the name). It pulls air from the adjoining room and also releases hot air into the same room. This separate room must be heat and air conditioned and be at least two times the size of the wine cellar. Some of these systems can have the hot air ducted to another area. Consult your expert.
Ductless Split System: Called a “split” because the evaporator coil is in the room where the unit is. It is connected to the condenser in another room or outside the home via 2 copper lines. If you live in a climate where you have winter days of below 40 degrees, this must be taken into consideration when choosing your unit. Some units can withstand these temperatures. On others you must add a low ambient kit for cold weather.
Split-air handler or Ducted Split System: This system requires ducting to the wine cellar from the evaporator coil, which can sit in another room, closet or attic. The evaporator is connected to the condenser via 2 copper lines. The condenser can be in another room (at least 1-2 times the size of the cellar) or outdoors. Again, if placing the condenser outdoors, be sure your wine cellar expert knows your climate temperature fluctuations year round to be sure your unit has everything for the conditions it will be in.
Water-cooled system: This system uses cold water to cool the coils in the unit, and is installed in an indoor space. By using water, no refrigerant is needed or used, and an air handler creates the cold air you need in the room. This type of unit is usually only used when the building has a water reservoir in place that circulates through the building and can be tapped into. You do not want to hook this up to a regular city water and sewer system.
A climate control system will do more than simply circulate air in your cellar. The right system will help protect your wine by maintaining constant wine cellar temperature and humidity. The fluctuation of temperature and humidity is the biggest cause of ruined wine.
More Wine Cooling Tips
Wine Cellar Specialists, a wine cooling expert in Texas, always make sure that the room is prepared for the installation of the wine refrigeration system. They install the proper amount of insulation, a vapor the barrier, and sealing components for the door and flooring.
Installing the Proper Insulation and Vapor Barrier Can Protect Both Your Wine Cooling System and Wines
Climate-controlled wine cellars must be insulated by a professional to prevent the environmental factors from damaging your wine. The R factor (thickness of insulation) depends on the thickness of the walls and ceiling. R19 is the minimum insulation that must be applied the interior walls of your wine cellar. For the ceiling, above ground floor and any exterior walls, R-30 insulation is recommended.
Wine Cellar Door with Proper Sealing Components by Wine Cellar Specialists Texas Builder
Wine cellar builders should be using closed cell spray foam as insulation and vapor barrier. Before the foam is sprayed, any seams should also by polysealed. Proper vapor barrier and insulation can help to prevent mold growth by sealing the wine cellar and allowing the proper sized cooling unit to work efficiently. When closed cell foam is used as your insulation in the correct thickness, another vapor barrier is not necessary.
Some contractors use plastic sheeting applied to the warm side of the walls. At Wine Cellar Specialists we only recommend closed cell foam. Plastic sheeting is too easy to be compromised over time and can then allow moisture to enter the room, causing mold or mildew issues.
With the appropriate insulation and vapor barrier installed, your Texas wine cellar can store your collection safely for years to come. It also allows your wine cooling system to function properly, preventing significant expense. Your wine cooling unit may not work correctly, overworking the refrigeration system, if your wine cellar has not been properly sealed.
Sealing the Door and Flooring
An exterior grade door must be used in a cooled wine cellar. It must be equipped with weather stripping on all four sides of the doorjamb. It will prevent unwanted entry of the outdoor air. It is also imperative to add a threshold or bottom sweep to the door. Our wood and iron doors have the option of an automatic door bottom which is a great way to seal against the loss of air from your wine cellar.
Your floor will need to have a vapor barrier and insulation if it is above ground. Flooring should be made of a solid material applied to a level surface. Ideal flooring materials are ceramic tiles, hardwood, and marbles.
Need Help? Contact a Wine Cellar Cooling Expert.
Wine Cellar Specialists offers quality cooling systems for Texas wine cellars. Contact them at +1 (866 ) 646-7089!
As you probably know, the cooling unit you put in place in your wine cellar will help to determine how your wine will be when you decide to open and drink it. Before talking about the conditions under which to store red and white wine, let’s review what your cellar should have before you move in any wine.
Preparing the Room to Meet Wine Storage Requirements
Prepare your wine cellar before installing your cooling unit.
Put a vapor barrier in place in the walls and ceiling. A vapor barrier consists of 6 mils plastic sheeting and must be installed on the warm side to serve as a barrier between the cellar and the rest of your home. The room should be wrapped like a package so no moisture can escape.
Put a vapor barrier on the floor. If the floor is concrete, you can use a product that goes on with a trowel found at most hardware stores. One recommended product is Bosticks MVP4.
Any tile or wood flooring can be installed right over this product once it drys. If your floor is above ground, you will want to add your vapor barrier and insulation just as you did on the walls and ceiling, while building up the floor.
The proper insulation should then be installed in the walls and ceiling. A minimum of R-13 in the walls and R-19 in the ceiling. However, the more the better. The more insulation you add, the less work your cooling unit will have to do. This could save you money in the long run… so insulate well.
Before installing your walls, depending on the cooling unit you are using, you may want to run a drain line, your copper lines (if applicable) and be sure to wire for your electrical. All units will need a place to drain and must have a dedicated circuit for the compressor.
An Efficient Wine Cooling Unit is a Vital Component of Wine Cellars
For the walls, you have a choice. You can use any moisture-resistant material. You can put a ½” plywood down first to make it easier to attach your racking to the walls… recommended especially if using metal racking. Then add a green board, or something similar.
Another method is to add a heavy paneling such as a tongue and groove board or other board material that you might like to see in your room. Just make sure it is moisture resistant. If you are painting the walls, use latex paint.
Now install your wine cooling unit. Again, depending on the unit you use, you may need to hire a licensed HVACR contractor for this. An HVACR contractor is required for your warranty to be valid if you are using any split system.
These are very basic steps. Clearly, there is more to building a Texas wine cellar in your home than the steps we list above, but we list them to give you an idea of the work involved in creating a space in your home that will perfectly preserve and help age any wine you store. Experts can help you throughout the process, from deciding the kind of cellar you want and where you want it to doing the actual work.
Best Conditions for Wine
Once your cellar is in place, you get to move on to the fun part – actually storing your wine. We will cover in a series of other blog posts the types of racks you can use in your Texas wine cellar, but here, let’s briefly talk about the best conditions under which to store your red and white wine.
Both red and white wines should be stored at the same temperature when it comes to storage. Ideal storage conditions protect wine from harmful environmental factors, preserving its desirable characteristics.
Drinking temperature is a different issue. Keep in mind that serving wine too hot or too cold can result in flat flavors and aromas. The right serving temperature can help preserve the freshness and fruitiness of the wine.
White wines may not be chilled enough in your wine cellar. Before serving a white wine, take the wine out of your cellar and put it into an ice bucket before you are planning to serve it. Serving champagne? Definitely chill champagne on ice before serving it. If you add water to the ice, the wine will chill faster.
The 55-degree storage temperature is equally important, if not more so, with your red wines. They typically are the wines that need more time to age before drinking. However, the 55 degrees is not the temperature you will want to drink your red wines at either.
Contrary to popular belief, red wine should not be served at normal room temperature. Depending upon the wine you are drinking, the ideal drinking temperature varies. There are many charts available online to help you along the way.
When in doubt, serve the wine a few degrees cooler than room temperature. The richer aroma is released as the wine warms up to room temperature. No wine should be served over 68 degrees F. Keep in mind that the cooling process helps age your wine and will let you store it for longer periods of time than just putting it away elsewhere.
One unit can serve to store red and white and conditions ideal for them, but remember you may need to take an extra step (cooling or “warming”) before serving.
Essential Wine Accessories for Serving Wine in Your Texas Wine Cellar
In addition to serving wine at the right temperature, you can invest in wine accessories to enhance your wine-drinking experience.
Aerator
An aerator is a must-have gadget of wine enthusiasts. It is used to reduce the level of carbon dioxide in wine. This process is called aeration, which can help increase your pleasure of drinking your precious wines, especially young ones. Aeration allows the wine to be exposed to the right amount of air, giving the wine a smoother texture and pleasant aromas.
Decanter
Another important wine cellar accessory is the decanter. The dark residuals in your glass or wine bottles are known as sediments. Before drinking wine, these sediments should be separated from the liquid to eliminate harsh flavors. It is a common practice to let a bottle stand vertically for at least 24-36 hours prior to decanting. This will allow for easy decanting because the sediments will settle at the bottom of the bottle.
Other Tips in Serving Wine
When pouring wine, the wineglass must be on the table, not in your hand.
Use a bigger wine glass for reds, and smaller ones for whites.
Pour only 5-6 ounces of wine in a glass.
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We had a start to finish excellent experience with Wine Cellar Specialists. After talking to a couple of carpenters about converting a closet into a small wine cellar I wasn't very confident they knew what they were doing so I started looking for expertise and found Wine Cellar Specialists.
I had my consultation with Brad Cupp and he was very passionate about their business and options
Steve Gee
We had a fantastic experience with Brad Cupp and Wine Cellar Specialists-Dallas. They converted an under-the-stair closet into a fabulous refrigerator cellar that holds about 400 bottles of wine. The attention to detail and craftsmanship was well worth the time it took to complete this job. You don't always get what you pay for, but in this case, I truly believe that we did. Thank you for an exceptional job.
Timothy Martin
Wine Cellar Specialists provided us a custom black iron/glass door as the main feature to our new wine cellar. The quality is excellent and the look is just what I asked for. Thanks so much.
Aiden K
I purchased a wine cellar door from Wine Cellar Specialist and had the pleasure of working with Alex. She helped me design a custom door that was absolutely beautiful. This was a very big project and she was so kind and professional and held my hand throughout the whole process. It was an amazing experience. I researched other companies before choosing Wine Cellar Specialists and it was their customer service and attention to detail that made my decision so easy. I highly recommend them for any wine cellar project.
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Gary Anderson
Great experience with the process and progress completion - Brad Cupp dons well in coordinating and communication. All the sub contractors were good to work with and were attentive to cleaning after work. Plus the important end result was a wonderful wine cellar that can accommodate over 700 bottles of wine in relatively small area. Highly recommend!
Dallas 
Whatever storage option you choose, it is important to ensure that you store your wines in a place where they are away from too much heat, vibration, and strong odors.
Prepare your wine cellar before installing your cooling unit.
Both red and white wines should be stored at the same temperature when it comes to storage. Ideal storage conditions protect wine from harmful environmental factors, preserving its desirable characteristics.
