Category Archives: Wine Cellar Refrigeration

Why Store Your Precious Wines in Refrigerated Texas Wine Cellars

Have you experienced throwing away an expensive bottle of vintage wine because it tastes bad? If yes, you may be storing your collection in poor conditions. Wine Cellar Specialists, a master builder in Texas, recommends homeowners to invest in a climate-controlled wine cellar to protect your favorite vintages from the damaging factors.

How to Preserve Your Precious Vintages the Proper Way

Wine Needs a Stable Environment to Age Properly

Vintage wine is created from grapes that are grown in a specific year. Hence, if you read a label such as Cabernet Sauvignon 2000, this tells you that the grapes used in making that wine were harvested in the year 2000.

Each harvest of grapes has specific characteristics to them. There are nuances in color, nose, body, and palate with each harvest year. So it follows that older wines are not necessarily better than the younger ones. It all depends on the year of harvest. This is why wine collectors fill their wine racks with bottles from a good vintage year.

For a wine to have the right to have the year and grape-growing region placed on its label, it must have at least 95 % of its grapes come from that harvest year. However, if the wine doesn’t have a specified region where the grapes were grown, the percentage will dip to 85%.

Some wine makers release vintages when the conditions in their vineyards are so good that the grapes grown are exceptional, and as such these wine bottles are available only in limited supply.

So what does it mean for Texas wine collectors to have vintage wines in their collection? Knowing the value of these rare vintage wines, it’s just crucial that this type of wine be stored properly.

Ideal Conditions for Proper Maturation of Wine

Climate-Controlled Texas Custom Wine Cellar

Wine storage requires a delicate balance in temperature and humidity so that wine can develop its complex flavors and aromas before it is drunk. This usually requires a climate-controlled environment in your wine cellar, especially if you live in a warmer climate, such as Texas.

Fluctuations of more than 2 degrees Fahrenheit beyond the ideal temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit could affect your wine’s quality.

Failure to achieve the optimum temperature can cause wine oxidation. Oxidized wines have unpleasant taste and odor. Temperature stability can only be achieved by installing a commercial grade wine cellar cooling system.

This equipment allows you to maintain constant temperature and humidity in your wine cellar to achieve proper maturation of your favorite vintages.

Whether your Texas wine cellar is located in a basement, garage, closet, or in any area in your home, it is vital to ensure that the correct cooling equipment is installed in it. You don’t want your precious wines to be ruined.

Trusted Manufacturers of Wine Cooling Systems

US Cellar Systems wine cooling unit Texas

Wine Cooling System by US Cellar Systems

With several brands of wine refrigeration systems available in the market today, it is best to consult with a wine cooling expert like Wine Cellar Specialists. They offer cooling units manufactured by Wine Guardian, US Cellar Systems, CellarPro, and WhisperKOOL.

The three types of cooling systems are self-contained, ducted self-contained, and split. Your chosen builder should be able to determine the most ideal refrigeration unit based on your functional, aesthetic, and financial requirements.

Why Stock Vintage Wines in Your Texas Wine Cellar?

Texas wine cellars stocked with vintage wine generally hold more value in their wine storage racks. If you buy a vintage wine, it is as if you possess a rich and unique piece of history.

It represents the highest level of winemaking and the bottle can only increase in value as years pass. Because of vintage wine’s superior quality, it is like owning a piece of art. What’s more is that these are actually art pieces that you can literally savor. You can experience the finest wines from the best harvest years by collecting them in your wine cellar.

Even if you’re living in Texas and famous wine-making regions are thousands of miles away, it’s as if you have the best wine caves of France right in your own wine cellar.

Keep Your Wine Collection Safe. Seek the Help of a Wine Storage Expert.

Wine Cellar Master Builder in Dallas, San Antonio, and Chicago

Wine Cellar Specialists Builds Wine Cellars in Dallas, San Antonio, and Chicago

Whatever your storage needs, budget, or style, it is important to ensure that your wine collection is safe. Wine Cellar Specialists build wine cellars in Dallas, San Antonio, and Chicago.

Visit their gallery of refrigerated wine cellars at https://www.winecellarspec.com/wine-cellars/. Contact them now at 866-646-7089 or request a FREE 3D design by clicking here.

Remarkable Custom Wine Cellars Naples Florida with a Wine Tasting Room

Custom Wine Cellars Naples Florida Design Features

Custom Wine Cellars Naples Florida

A climate-controlled residential wine room is carefully designed and constructed to facilitate long-term wine storage as well as provide an elegant and comfortable space for entertaining. This recently completed custom wine cellars Naples Florida project features a combination of a wine storage room and a wine tasting area.

Most of the components in this wine cellar project are entirely made of reclaimed wine barrels, from the wine racking down to the wine cellar flooring. Using recycled oak wine barrels is an environmentally friendly approach to wine cellar construction. Reclaimed wine barrels are given a new lease on life turned into unique and sustainable products, which can enhance the appearance of any living space.

Custom Wine Racks and Wine Barrel Flooring

Custom Wine Racks

The wine racks are constructed from Vintique reclaimed wine barrels with a natural finish. The curved display appearance of the racking system allows wine bottles to be displayed cork-first. The natural characteristics of the oak wine barrels bring out a distinct aroma and diversity in coloring coming from the wines previously stored in them.

Wine Barrel Flooring

The floor covering comes from stave wine barrel flooring that displays hoop impressions from removed metal staves that once kept the wine barrels intact. Matching countertops were also constructed from a cooperage barrel, which features the label and insignia of the corresponding winery. The distinctive markings on wine barrels create a one of a kind appearance in a wine cellar space.

The Wine Tasting Room

Wine Tasting Room

The spacious entertainment and wine tasting room are isolated from the actual wine storage room. The Italian Renaissance feel of the tasting area is enhanced by a large Italian painting and baroque ornaments, such as the heraldic shield and epees on the wall, and the gothic chandelier. The wine tasting room includes a long table with 10 velvet cushioned chairs, a cabinet with a glass stemware rack, a cooperage tabletop and a cigar humidor with glass panels.

The wine storage area has a large tempered window that faces towards the entertainment section of the wine cellar. The glass window provides a clear view of the wine collection, as well as of the stunning interior of the storage space.

Barolo Wine Cellar Door

A Barolo style wine cellar door with heavy distressing seals the wine cellar entryway. A wine cellar door is an important component of storage space because its presence helps keep the desired climate conditions for aging wine collectibles from fluctuating.

An efficient wine cellar door must have weather stripping all around the jambs and a retractable door seal unit at the bottom. Maintaining a tight seal prevents the cool air from escaping out of the wine room.

Wine Cellar Refrigeration System

Consistent and stable temperature and humidity level is vital to the proper aging of wines. The right type of wine cellar refrigeration system ensures that the ideal wine storage environment is achieved. For this custom wine cellars Naples Florida project, the builders installed a 6000s cooling unit by CellarPro. A remote control unit and display panel were mounted outside the wine room for easy temperature monitoring.

CellarPro Wine Cellar Refrigeration Unit

The evaporator unit was installed above the large glass window, while the condenser was located outside the home. The units were connected by a line set consisting of electrical wiring and copper tubing.

The overall wine room design was in tune with the Italian style architecture of the home. The addition of a custom wine cellar space to this elegant home complemented its opulent and luxurious appearance.

CellarPro Wine Cooling Units – Ideal for Texas Wine Cellars

When one has decided to start and maintain a wine collection, it is essential for the wine collector to build a custom wine cellar. This is to protect the wine bottles, especially if one intends to age wines.

For wine collectors who live in areas with varying climates like Texas, it is advisable to seriously consider installing wine cellar refrigeration units to maintain the ideal temperature and humidity levels of the wine cellar.

There are a lot of models of cooling units and components available on the market today. One needs to research the models available and consult a Texas wine cellar specialist so that proper assessment of the wine cellar is done and the right cooling unit for your wine cellar is recommended. A heat load assessment can also be done to determine the right size of the cooling unit for your wine cellar.

CellarPro Wine Refrigeration System

CellarPro wine cooling systems offer different kinds of cooling units depending on the dimensions and location of one’s wine cellar. Choosing a cooling unit is not an easy task since cooling units and their accessories must be customized according to the size, both width, and height, of the wine cellar and its location in the house or building. It is important to locate where the warm air blows and exits the wine cellar.

CellarPro cooling units are continuously improving their products to serve their clients better. They periodically upgrade the cooling units’ components for better performance. They offer models from small wine cabinets to large capacity wine cellars. There are plenty of units and components to choose from depending on the dimensions of the wine cellar.

Cellar Pro Wine Cellar Cooling Units

These reliable units have electronic thermostats and digital displays for ease of temperature control. Maintaining the temperature and humidity levels can be done inside the wine cellar.

Cooling units of CellarPro have audible and visual alarms to inform you when pre-programmed wine storage temperatures have been exceeded. This will ensure that the wines are monitored at all times.

Moreover, they have alarms that indicate when maintenance is needed and if there are any component or system failures. This mechanism is very helpful to the user as he will be somewhat guided by these features, thus avoiding unnecessary damage to the wine collection.

Availing a cooling unit for your Texas wine cellar may more than scratch your budget, but it will surely pay off since the wine cellar’s condition is maintained according to the ideal settings or standards. In return, you will have a properly stored wine collection that you can be proud of.

Need Help in Choosing the Right Wine Cellar Cooling System? Contact a Texas Wine Cellar Expert

Let your wines mature properly for years by choosing the correct wine cellar cooling system. If you don’t know which type of cooling system is best suited for your budget and needs, contact Wine Cellar Specialists at 866-646-7089 or visit their website at https://www.winecellarspec.com/.

Dallas Custom Wine Cellars – Projects Featured So Far

Texas Wine Cellar Builders

Check out the Custom Wine Cellars Dallas Texas complete playlist. Designs, walk-in tours Wine Cellar Builders a please to feature the complete list of Dallas based projects.

Custom Wine Cellars Dallas Texas

Dallas Texas Custom Wine Cellars & Design the Feature Pages

Dallas Texas Design Under Stairs Custom Wine Cellars Builder – Burke
Lyles Custom Wine Cellar – McKinney Nr Dallas, Texas
Residential Custom Wine Cellars Dallas Fort Worth – Westlake
Contemporary Residential Custom Wine Cellars Dallas Texas – Griffith
Mahogany Wine Cellar John’s Dallas Closet Cellar Conversion
Wine Cellars Dallas Texas, Wine Closet Conversion – Howell
Residential Custom Wine Cellars Dallas Texas Lucas – Nelson

See what’s happening in and around Dallas. Wine room designs include design drawings, cooling system details, and styling features. Great for ideas. Take advantage of our Free 3D Cellar design drawing package.

The Awarded Project, Dallas Custom Wine Cellars – Frisco, Texas

Wine Cellar Specialists, Dallas based wine cellar builders are proud to announce that we were winners of a 2012 Dallas Builders Association Award. The award was given for our innovative Custom Wine Cellars Project described below. This award is given to Dallas based Associates, Remodelers and Custom Builders for both custom building and renovation work.

See the Full Project Page – Custom Wine Cellars Dallas– Frisco, Texas

This wine room renovation project was a former kitchen pantry. After removing the shelving, walls, and ceiling, we installed the lines for a split purpose-built wine cellar cooling system with the evaporator coil inside the cellar (hidden by a grill cover and box that matches the racks) and a compressor in the garage.

At Wine Cellar Specialists we always ensure that our wine cellars are built to last, efficient and trouble-free. To that end, we added a vapor barrier and insulation as well as green board interior walls. The wine room’s walls were also painted with latex paint of the homeowner’s choice of color.

1888PressRelease

We supplied a special wine cellar door with operable wrought iron in red oak. We custom matched the stain color to the existing kitchen cabinets to create a seamless and great look.

The custom wine racking design was custom manufactured in mahogany and finished with a clear satin lacquer. We used a waterfall rack on the left side of the wine storage area. A solid double-deep ‘X’ bin with tabletop, finished off with a horizontal display rack. 750 ml individual bottle racks with a high reveal display row. We included a tall single deep solid horizontal display rack on the right wall, under the grill cover and box which hides the cooling system.

2012 Dallas Builders Association ARC Awards

The Dallas Builders Association, originally chartered in 1944, is a local trade association representing all segments of the residential building industry in the Metropolitan Dallas area. Their mission, to enhance their members’ ability to provide safe, affordable, quality housing to citizens in local communities is one we are proud to add value to. The Association is chartered by the State of Texas as a non-profit trade organization.

The Dallas Builders Association Primary Activities Include:

Promoting positive public policy through active participation in the legislative and regulatory processes
Providing industry information and education to the members and the public
Enhancing the positive image of the industry and the members through training and encouraging ethical behavior and professional standards
Making membership in the Association an essential element of a successful residential building industry company.

New Wine Cellar Cooling Product from CellarPro…

Will It Work For You?

A new product has just been released and it is causing quite a stir. This is a truly great fully ducted wine cellar cooling system by CellarPro, it is extremely versatile and can be configured to be used in many different ways. For example, the cooling units can be stacked vertically when floor space is limited; or they can be stacked horizontally when ceiling height is limited; or the evaporator and the condensing unit can be split apart, and the condensing unit even can be placed outdoors, when space or access are limited

This new Wine Cellar Air Handler comes in both the 6500 and the 8500 sizes. Therefore, these units are meant for larger cellars, up to 1750 cubic feet and up to 2500 cubic feet, respectively, with proper insulation and vapor barrier installed in the wine cellar. The self-contained (ie Horizontal and Vertical) units are pre-charged and factory set so that they do NOT have to be installed by an HVAC contractor.

There are several different ways these wine cooling systems can be installed:

These wine cellar cooling units can be placed horizontally or vertically.
They can be used as one unit or separated as a split system.

An optional remote digital display is available for use inside or outside the cellar when the units are ducted to and from the cellar.
The evaporator can be ducted into and from the cellar with the condenser attached.
The evaporator can be split and connected to the evaporator via 2 copper lines.
The evaporator could be placed inside the room and connected through the wall to the condenser via 2 copper lines.
Each unit is 18.6w x 18.6 d x 19.3 h… so each section is quite large.
The condenser can be connected to the evaporator directly.
The condenser can be “split” and connected to it via 2 copper lines and be separated up to 100 line ft. away.
The units can be ducted to the wine cellar from the evaporator and to the outdoors or another large space from the condenser up to 100 equivalent ft. (50 ft. per duct).
The units are also available so that the condenser can be placed indoors or outdoors to temperatures from -20 degrees to 110 degrees when used with the optional low ambient kit.

The way you will install your unit must be determined before ordering to receive the correct unit configuration.

Optional Humidifiers and Heaters are available that can be installed at the factory upon placing your order. These must be factory installed and cannot be added later.

The integrated Humidifier is perfect for increasing the humidity level in commercial or residential wine cellars. They are controlled by digital controllers that are mounted inside the wine room and are wired to the humidifier that is mounted to the rear of the Air Handler. Humidity levels can be set from 5% to 70% in 5% increments.

The 900W integrated Heater is for cellars that are unheated and exposed to conditions below 55 degrees. When the heater system is added, it is integrated with and controlled by the digital control panel and automatically adds heat or refrigeration based on the temperature inside the cellar. A safety thermostat provides protection from overheating.

Here is a photo of recent install of an AH6500Sch CellarPro system installed by one of our partner contractors in Memphis, TN. Located in the attic above the wine cellar the air was ducted to and from the wine cellar. The hot air was ducted outdoors and the fresh air was received from the fully insulated attic. The contractor who installed this unit purchased an extra duct collar for the unit. He is currently getting his supply air from the attic. If he finds that the attic gets too hot over the summer, he will change out the grill to the duct collar, adding a duct to the outside for the supply air.

Go here Custom Wine Cellars Memphis to see an example of a CellarPro Wine Cellar Cooling Unit installed is a recent residential wine cellar project.

To find out if this type of system is right for your wine cellar …. Or to see what cooling system is the best type and size for your wine cellar, call Wine Cellar Specialists to have a heat load calculation performed and get a unit recommendation.

Texas: 972-454-0480 Illinois: 773-234-0112 or Toll Free: 866-646-7089

An Expert Can Handle Temperature & Humidity Challenges in Chicago Custom Wine Cellars

Chicago Home Wine Cellar Installed with a Cooling System

Poor conditions can be detrimental to wine. Investing in a climate-controlled wine room can protect your investment from harmful external factors.

Wine Cellar Specialists offers a turnkey solution for clients who want to have a custom wine cellar in Chicago that has the ability to maintain the right temperature and humidity levels.

Temperature and Humidity – Factors that Affect Wine Quality

A wine storage room is much more than the wine you choose to store inside it. In fact, the wine, contrary to what you might think, is less a factor in an effective wine cellar than the cellar itself.

For Chicago custom wine cellars of course, ultimately, the wine inside your wine room is what will matter, but in the beginning, and, to some degree, going forward, the cellar itself is what will make or break your collection.

The optimum conditions in a wine cellar can be achieved by regulating the temperature and humidity.

Optimum Conditions Needed by Wine for Proper Maturation

Without the right temperature and humidity in your wine cellar, and in less than ideal conditions, the wine you hope to one day enjoy or sell (wine as investment is not as rare as you may think) will not be there.

Ideal Wine Cellar Temperature

A Stable Temperature Keeps Wine at Its Best

In order to preserve wine’s complex characteristics, it needs to be stored in a room where the wine cellar temperature is approximately between 55-65 degrees Fahrenheit.

Wine Cellar Humidity

In addition to temperature, humidity can indirectly affect the quality of your wine. Your wine cellar should be able to keep the humidity level between 50-75%.

Too low of a humidity level in your Chicago wine cellar may dry out the cork, allowing unwanted oxygen to get into the bottle. When this happens, oxidation occurs. Oxidation causes off flavors and flat aromas in wine. It also causes wine discoloration. Premature browning in reds and a deeper yellow color in whites are indications that wine has been oxidized.

Too high a humidity level can trigger mold growth that can damage the wine labels and wine racks.

Achieve Proper Storage Conditions by Careful Planning and Choosing the Cooling System Ideal for Chicago Custom Wine Cellars

Wine Guardian Refrigeration System Offered by Wine Cellar Specialists Chicago

With some careful planning, forward-thinking, and the right cellar, how you want your wine to be when you one day drink it is achievable and very possible.

Some people choose to build their Chicago custom wine cellar in a basement, and while this may be the best space in your home in which to create a cellar, (assuming you actually have a basement), keep in mind that the conditions in your basement are not necessarily ideal for wine storage or more importantly the proper aging of your wine collection.

Also, you should create an environmentally controlled space for your wine collection.

Installing a Refrigeration System Can Help Maintain Constant Temperature and Humidity in Chicago Wine Cellars

Wine Cooling System Can Protect Your Investment

A wine cooling system should be protecting your collection and investment.

So make sure that regardless of the conditions outside, or even in your home, you are using an efficient refrigeration unit.

Such a system also means that your cellar does not have to be in a basement.

Effective wine cellar cooling units correctly controlling your wine rooms climate means the sky is the limit when it comes to cellar location, or is at least only limited by the size of your home.

Location of Your Wine Room Should be Considered When Choosing the Type of Cooling System

Of course, where you place your wine cellar is based on how a cooling system can be installed. If installing a self-contained unit, you need to be able to vent directly through the wall outside (only units specifically designed for extreme conditions) or to another room that is heat and air-conditioned and is at least twice the size of your cellar.(the most cost-effective method.)

If using a split system, you can place your condenser up to 50 feet from the evaporator and either copper lines or ducting might be used. There are many ways and types of cooling systems.

Avoid These Common Custom Wine Cellar Cooling Mistakes

Wine Mold in Chicago Custom Wine Cellars

Whether it’s traditional or modern custom wine cellars, proper cooling systems are required to prevent wine molding.

Knowing the right thing to do doesn’t mean you’ll end up with no mistakes during the process. Even if you’re knowledgeable about proper custom wine cellar cooling, there’s always room for error (as well as improvements). That said, you should avoid these common mistakes when dealing with a cooling unit:

Blending or mixing hot air exhaust and fresh air intake — the cooling unit won’t work correctly if it re-uses its hot exhaust air. If you’re challenged by room space, there are various types of cooling units to choose from, such as a split system, ducted system, and self-contained system.
Making the wine cellar the source of fresh air — make sure that fresh air will come from an external source and not within the cellar to ensure proper airflow.
Not paying attention to the cooling unit’s extreme temperature capability — as a custom wine cellar owner, you should be familiar with the capacity of your cooling unit. There are seasons when the temperature is extreme. Make sure the custom wine cellar cooling unit is capable of adapting to a consistently changing environment.
Picking a cooling unit based on one factor — never ever choose a cooling unit based on one factor. A lot of things can affect humidity. Not only the size of the wine cellar itself but also the walls that surround it. Whether it’s glass, wood, or any specific material that encloses a wine cellar, this affects the thermal load of a room which contributes to the humidity level.

Consult a Wine Cellar Specialist to Determine What Can Be Used in Your Situation

You must choose the correct cooling unit for your Chicago custom wine cellar so that it cools efficiently for your particular conditions. Not only the size of the room but the insulation, the door, where the cellar is located inside the home are all factors when determining the correct size of the unit.

At Wine Cellar Specialists, they make a careful assessment of their client’s needs to ensure that all the components are of high quality and installed properly.

Heat Load Calculation

Wine Guardian Refrigeration Unit Installed by a Chicago Expert

A wine cellar specialist can do a heat load calculation to determine the size of unit that you will need. The correct unit can be counted on to keep your wine collection safe. Do not size your cooling unit solely by the cubic footage of your wine cellar. A heat load calculation will take into account the size of your room as well as the amount of insulation, glass, the number of doors, interior and exterior walls, etc. to determine the amount of BTUH needed to correctly cool your room.

You will find that temperature and humidity will become common words around your home, as these are the two aspects in your cellar that are keys to proper wine storage.

Digital Control – an Important Feature of Cooling Units for Chicago Custom Wine Cellars

Wine Cooling Unit Digital Controller

Most wine cellar cooling units have digital controls. This type of control allows you to monitor the temperature in your cellar, and tell you instantly if there are any changes.

The cooling units automatically run in cycles to maintain the correct temperature.

Digital controls are part of most units, but is offered as an option, consider going with it, even if it adds to the price of your unit.

Protect Your Wines from Being Damaged. Contact a Professional.

Wine Cellar Specialists - Wine Cellar Builder in Chicago

Wine Cellar Specialists – a Reliable Wine Cellar Cooling Expert

Prevent wine spoilage by choosing a wine cellar cooling expert in Chicago. Let Wine Cellar Specialists help you determine the refrigeration system that can maintain the ideal temperature and humidity in your wine room.

Contact them today at 866-646-7089 or request a 3-D wine cellar design for FREE!