Tag Archives: Wine Cellar Specialists

Name: **WINE CELLAR SPECIALISTS** Custom Wine Cellar Designers
Address: 1134 Commerce Drive, Richardson, 75081, United States of America
Telephone: +1 (972) 454-0480

How a Specialist Designs and Builds Wow-Worthy and Functional Home Custom Wine Cellars in Dallas Fort Worth

Gorgeous Home Custom Wine Cellar Designed by Dallas Builders

How can you preserve your wine’s desirable characteristics before they are ready for consumption? You must invest in a climate-controlled wine storage facility built by a professional.

In Dallas Fort Worth, more homeowners are investing in custom wine cellars to protect their favorite wines from spoiling and display their favorite vintage with pride. Wine Cellar Specialists is an expert in designing and building wine rooms of any size and style.

Looking for a Trusted Custom Wine Cellar Builder for Your Home in Dallas Fort Worth? Wine Cellar Specialists is Here to Help You!

Wine collecting is becoming a favorite hobby among residents in Texas. Serious wine collectors prefer to have easy access to their favorite vintages. Instead of going to a restaurant or retail store to buy wine, it is more enjoyable and convenient to have a custom wine cellar in your home in Dallas Fort Worth. You will experience awesome benefits from having your own residential wine room.

If you want to invest in a home wine cellar, you must keep in mind that it requires the help of a builder who has technical skills and extensive knowledge in design and proper wine storage. At Wine Cellar Specialists, we create appealing wine rooms intended to store our client’s wines safely for many years to come.

Wine Cellar Specialists Understands the Impact of Creating a Stunning and Functional Custom Wine Cellar in Fort Worth Homes

Home Custom Wine Cellars Increase the Value of Your Property

A Custom Wine Cellar Increases the Value of Your Home

Investing your time and money in building a custom wine cellar in your home in Dallas Fort Worth, offers many benefits. These include increased value and appeal of your home and safe wine storage.

Increases Your Home’s Resale Value and Appeal

A custom wine cellar increases the value of your residential property, making it beneficial for you when you sell your home in the future. It is one of the reasons more wine lovers choose to build a beautiful wine storage and display area.

A personalized wine cellar will attract potential homebuyers because it is a unique feature. Moreover, it will also make the owner feel like he or she has an upgraded lifestyle. It adds character to your space and can be a good entertainment place in your home.

Keeps Your Wine Collection Safe

Kitchen shelves, refrigerators, and cardboard boxes are not the proper places for your wines. They do not have a stable environment essential for aging wines gracefully. Wine needs the perfect wine storage conditions to preserve its desirable characteristics before it is consumed.

At Wine Cellar Specialists, we care for our client’s prized collection. We understand that heat, UV light, odor, and vibration can ruin the wine. Therefore, we install every wine cellar correctly and with high-quality components.

Crucial Steps in Building a Custom Wine Cellar that is Both Stunning and Effective

Wine Cellar Built in a Tiny Space in a Dallas Home

For a hassle-free wine room project, you must work with a professional like Wine Cellar Specialists. We follow the standard procedures in wine cellar construction because we care about your collection. We want to create wine rooms for long-term storage and make our clients happy with their hobby.

Assessment Stage

As one of the top-notch home custom wine cellar builders in Dallas Fort Worth, Wine Cellar Specialists always makes sure that our team of designers and installers make a careful assessment of your needs. This process will help us determine the specific needs of the client and choose the appropriate components for each project.

Below are factors that we take into consideration in making an assessment:

room’s size location
number of bottles intended to be stored in the wine cellar
financial requirements
aesthetic preference of the owner

Building this Wine Lover’s Dream Modern Home Wine Cellar in Dallas Fort Worth

In this Modern Residential Wine Cellar project, this client talked about their backstory and what inspired them in building their wine cellar! Proving time and again, that Wine Cellar Specialists listens to their clients’ preferences and style.

With keen attention to details, Wine Cellar Specialists will integrate all of your custom requests into your wine cellar design by creating 3-dimensional drawings.

Creating a Wine Cellar Design with CAD Images

To better visualize the completed wine room, we offer a free design package for those who want to work with us in their wine room installation project. The drawings include images of the different racking elevations, bottle configurations, and capacities.

After creating the 3-dimensional drawings, we will submit them to you and wait for your approval. Once approved, we will start the framing and electrical work.

Insulating and Adding a Vapor Barrier: a Crucial Step in Wine Cellar Construction

Room Insulation is a Crucial Aspect in Wine Cellar Construction

Building refrigerated wine rooms without correct insulation is a waste of time and money. At Wine Cellar Specialists, insulating the walls, ceiling, and door plays a significant role in achieving the ideal wine storage environment.

The ideal temperature in a wine cellar is 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. The humidity level should be between 60 to 70 percent. Without correct insulation, warm air will enter the wine cellar, and the cold air from the wine refrigeration unit will escape. Poor insulation will result in extreme temperature fluctuations and varying humidity levels.

The vapor barrier is also an essential component in building a wine cellar. It helps regulate the humidity levels in the room and prevent mold growth. Mold and mildew can damage the cork, wine’s quality, wine labels, wine racks, walls, and ceiling.

Cooling System: the Equipment that Keeps Your Wine Cellar Going

Wine Cellar Cooling System Installed by Dallas Specialists

Wine Cellar Cooling System Installed by Dallas Fort Worth Specialists

Your home custom wine cellar in Dallas Fort Worth, will not be complete if there is no efficient wine refrigeration system installed in it. You cannot just use an air conditioning system for homes because it is not designed to maintain the ideal wine cellar environment.

At Wine Cellar Specialists, we offer commercial grade climate-control systems from trusted brands: WhisperKool, US Cellar Systems, Wine Guardian, and CellarPro. We perform a heat load calculation to determine the size and capacity of the most suitable wine refrigeration system that suits your needs.

Stellar Home custom Wine Cellar Construction Job by Wine Cellar Specialists in Dallas Fort Worth

One of our favorite wine room installation projects was for a home in Dallas Fort Worth Texas. The space was too small (6.5 feet x 7 feet). Dealing with tiny spaces is a challenge. However, with our team’s expertise and creativity, we were able to exceed the client’s expectations. We incorporated various racking styles and reclaimed wine barrel flooring to add character, uniqueness, and functionality to the wine cellar.

Need inspiration for your next project? Check out our completed gallery of custom wine cellars in Texas.

Be One of the Proud Custom Home Wine Cellar Owners in Dallas Fort Worth!

Choosing the best wine cellar builder for your home in Dallas Fort Worth will benefit you and your collection. Transform your space into a stunning refrigerated wine storage and display area. Talk to one of our experts at +1 972-454-0480!

What to Look for When Choosing a Wine Cabinet for Your Texas Home or Business

Wine cabinets are great options for collectors who do not have the right budget and/or space for a wine cellar. They can keep your wines at the right temperature and humidity levels. You just have to make sure that your wine cabinet is manufactured by a trusted wine storage specialist. Know the advantages of wine cabinets and learn some tips in choosing the right storage unit for you.

The Benefits of Using a Wine Cabinet to Store Your Collection

Wine Cabinet with Built-In Wine Cooling Unit

Wine cabinets have been a popular choice for residential and commercial spaces. Units with built-in cooling system function like climate-controlled wine cellars. This means that you don’t need to spend on the construction of a full wine cellar to protect your wines from the damaging environmental factors.

They are also equipped with functional features, affordable, sophisticated, and space-efficient, making them ideal storage options for limited spaces, small collections, and tight budgets.

Wine Cellar Specialists, a wine storage expert in Texas, offers quality and efficient refrigerated wine cabinets. You may opt for a freestanding, countertop, or built-in unit. Their wine cabinets are manufactured by Le Cache, Climadiff, and Vinotheque. They can help you choose the most suitable style of wine cabinet depending on your needs.

Things to Look for When Choosing a Wine Cabinet for Your Home or Business.

Refrigerated Wine Cabinet by Wine Cellar Specialists Texas

These are just a few.

How many bottles do you want to store? Make sure the wine cabinet is big enough not only for the bottles you currently have but for twice that amount… as your collection will grow once you have proper wine storage.
Be sure that the niche size for the bottles in the cooler is large enough. Some coolers out there only allow room for an average size of 750 bottles. If you have Pinots or larger odd-shaped bottles, they may not fit. You want at least 3 3/4″ of space.
Be sure you research the quality of the manufacturer. Make sure that you are purchasing a unit that will last.
Check to see if your wine cooling unit also has humidity control.
Depending on where you plan to place the cooler… you may want one with both cooling and heating capabilities.
Look not only at function but style. Do you want a furniture look or something more refrigerator looking?
Look at the warranty. Some manufacturers will pay for parts and labor for a specific period of time. Others only parts. Some will require them in house service people make all recommendations for service under their warranties. Others pay for in-house service through a network of technicians. Warranty time frames also vary.
Do you want metal or wood wine racks? Do you want individual niches or shelves? Do you want them stationary or rolling? This is a matter of personal choice and look.
Credenza Wine Cabinets by Le Cache

Are you planning on placing this in an open space or in a niche? How high are your ceilings? These things will determine if you can go with a rear venting unit, a top venting unit, or a front venting unit.
Do you want a single temperature unit for storage or a multi-temperature unit for storage and drinking temps?
Do you want a unit with a built-in wine cooling system or a self-contained system? There are pros and cons to each.
What is your price range? It is always better to spend a little more to get a quality unit than to go cheap and be disappointed when the unit is poor quality and does not last. Wine cabinets can range from $500-600 for a small inexpensive unit to $10,000-$12,000 or more for a large deluxe furniture model.

For additional help in choosing the best wine cabinet for you, call us at

Wine Cellar Specialists:

Dallas Texas: 972-454-0480

Chicago Illinois: 773-234-0112

Toll-Free: 866-646-7089

What You Must Know About Building a Texas Home Wine Cellar in a Basement

Wine cannot age gracefully if stored in poor conditions. It should be stored in an environment where the temperature and humidity are stable. The basement is an ideal place to build a Texas home wine cellar because it is the cooler area of your home. However, always keep in mind that important components must be installed in order to achieve the optimum conditions needed by wine to mature properly.

Requirements in Building a Basement Wine Cellar in Texas

Basement Wine Cellar

Wine needs a cool environment to preserve its quality. Too much heat exposure can ruin wine’s flavour, aroma, and overall complexity.

The basement of your home can be an ideal place to store wine.

You can build a complete wine cellar in your basement, which is usually a cooler part of the house as compared to other rooms at the ground level. It is easier for builders to stabilize the temperature and humidity in basement wine cellars. A custom wine cellar in your basement can be made in any size that you have the space available.

Lighting System and Wine Cooling System

Wine Cellar Lighting and Wine Cooling System

While planning your basement wine cellar, also remember that it would require some lighting and a cooling unit. Lighting is an important part of the wine cellar ambience. Led lighting and recessed air lock ceiling lights often work well in custom wine cellars for the home.

At Wine Cellar Specialists, we recommend the LED lighting system. It is known for its low heat emission, which can protect wine from being damaged.

Standard lighting fixtures are not ideal for illuminating wine storage spaces because they emit too much heat.

A dedicated circuit for cooling unit will need to be available or installed. The wine refrigeration system plays a very important role in wine ageing. Using standard home air conditioners can result in wine oxidation.

Oxidized wines have an unpleasant flavour and smell. You don’t want your favourite vintages to become undrinkable due to temperature fluctuations and unstable humidity levels. Investing in a quality wine refrigeration unit is recommended.

Wine Cellar Specialists offers commercial-grade wine cooling systems from trusted manufacturers: Wine Guardian, WhisperKool, CellarPro, and US Cellar Systems.

Proper Insulation for Texas Wine Cellars

Complete construction of the walls, floor and ceiling with a vapour barrier and the proper amount of insulation must occur. Make sure you are adding the correct wine cellar door to completely seal the room.

Proper insulation of refrigerated wine cellars is important because it can prevent moisture build-up. A poorly insulated cellar will force your cooling unit to work harder and may result in breakdowns and high-energy bills.

Seek Professional Help for Your Next Project.

The help of professional wine cellar designers can make it a lot easier to create beautiful and safe wine rooms. At Wine Cellar Specialists, we have years of experience in designing residential wine cellars. If you want to have a wine cellar, you can use any spare room in your home, such as your basement. Our creativity and passion in building climate-controlled wine cellars helped us complete installation projects with satisfaction.

Call us today at +1 (866 ) 646-7089 get the best wine cellars at the most affordable prices, or request a 3D custom design for FREE!

Why Invest in a Wine Room with Wood Racks

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/.

The Benefits of Building a Texas Wine Cellar in Your Home

Creating a safe wine storage facility requires the help of a professional wine cellar builder. Failure to store wine in a climate-controlled environment will result in waste of time and money you spent for your collection. For this very reason, Wine Cellar Specialists recommends investing in a functional Texas custom home wine cellar that will preserve wine for many years to come. They ensure that every wine room they build is installed with essential components, especially the wine cellar cooling system. Their expertise in proper wine storage enables them to build safe home wine cellars.

One of the Most Outstanding Custom Wine Cellars Designed and Built by wine Cellar Specialists

An Effective Residential Custom Wine Cellar – the Perfect Place for Your Growing Collection

Custom Home Wine Cellar Designed by Wine Cellar Specialists Texas

Any oenophile worth his or her weight in wine knows that enthusiastic wine collecting needs a suitable place at home in which to grow. Fortunately, as more and more people turn to wine as a hobby, your options for building a wine cellar or having a wine cellar built in your home continue to grow.

Wine cellars are not particularly difficult to find room for in a moderately sized home, and you can not only find plenty of do-it-yourself guides to help you along the way, but also get help from experts ready to make your dreams come true.

Wine Cellar Specialists is your one-stop source for all things related to wine storage. They provide the essential components for your Texas home wine cellar, such as wine racks, cooling systems, doors, and flooring. They have found that the cellar itself is often the easy part of the project. You may know where in your home you can build a space in which to store your wine.

With the help of an expert like Wine Cellar Specialists, you do not have to break the bank to build a functional wine cellar in your home. They will create a well-thought-out design that will suit your functional, aesthetic, and financial requirements.

A well-designed residential wine cellar will not only keep your wines safe for many years. It will also enhance your guests’ drinking experience. Wine Cellar Specialists cares for your collection. Therefore, they always see to it that every wine cellar they build has high-grade components and are installed correctly.

Preserving Wine Quality with an Efficient Wine Cooling System

Wine Cooling System – an Essential Component of Texas Wine Cellars

You may know about the temperature requirements for your cellar, and you may even know about the difference in humidity your cellar needs to be at, compared to the rest of your house.

Wine needs a stable environment to preserve its desirable characteristics. Extreme temperature changes will deteriorate your wines. To achieve the ideal wine storage conditions, wine be stored in a wine cellar equipped with a reliable wine cooling system.

The type and capacity of your cooling unit depend on the number of bottles in your collection, and the size and location of your wine room. If you are not sure which refrigeration system suits your needs, please see the different wine cooling options offered by Wine Cellar Specialists.

Wine Cellar Specialists will perform a heat load calculation for the proper sizing of your wine cooling system. This process will ensure that your equipment is not too big nor too small for the size of your wine cellar.

This team of experts has extensive knowledge and understanding about proper wine storage. They know the crucial role of wine cellar refrigeration units in protecting the wine’s from external factors such as heat, light, odor, and vibration. They offer reliable wine cellar cooling systems from the following top-notch manufacturers:

WhisperKOOL
Wine Guardian
CellarPro
US Cellar System

CustomWine Racks

Whether you want something custom to your taste, or you want one of our modular rack kits, Wine Cellar Specialists can help.

Your wine rack system is one of the factors that contribute to the overall appeal and functionality of your Texas home wine cellar. You must choose the right material and design to allow for a more organized storage system, to ensure bottle safety, and to create attractive wine displays.

wood and metal wine racks for Texas wine cellars

Wood and Metal Custom Wine Cellar Racks

Wine racks can be made of wood or metal. Wooden wine racks add warmth to your storage space. They are durable and offers design flexibility. Their timeless appeal make them a favorite choice of homeowners, builders, designers, architects, and contractors. Redwood. Mahogany, and Alder are some of the attractive and durable wood species used for manufacturing wine racks.

Metal wine racks are ideal for modern homes. They add sleek appearance to custom wine cellars. Master builders recommend the VintageView metal racking systems. They are known for their durability and ability to match any décor. The label forward orientation of VintageView wine racks makes it easier to see the wine labels.

Custom Wine Cellar Doors

Texas Custom Wine Cellar Door

But you know one part of the wine cellar that often goes overlooked until the very end? Wine cellar doors. Don’t leave your door as an afterthought. It is as important as your cellar itself.

As many options as you have for cellars, your options for cellar doors are just as limitless. Keep in mind that the door needs to be exterior-grade, provide insulation, and have proper weather stripping. Beyond the practicality of the door you pick – it is the FIRST thing you and your guests see when you walk into your cellar. You want to pick something that not only fits the rest of your home but also fits your cellar AND your personality.

If you choose a door that opens into your cellar, but make sure that the door will not hit any racks (or, more importantly, any bottles of wine) when it opens. If you pick a door with glass, make sure the glass is duel pane tempered glass and properly fits the door frame. Most of the cold air that escapes from a wine cellar escapes from under the door. An automatic door bottom will help to seal below the door. If you pick a poor door, then all of the work you’ve invested in your cellar and your wine may be for nothing.

Any wine collector knows that a wine cellar is the way to go. Not only does it give you total control over your wine and its storage, but it will also, in time, add value to your home.

You may choose between solid wooden door, a glass door with wooden frame and wrought iron grill, and a seamless glass door.

An Expert Can Help Build Your Dream Wine Cellar

Why build a wine cellar? Why not build a Texas home wine cellar? And why not let the experts help you make your wine cellar dreams come true?

Wine Cellar Specialists has proven its expertise, reliability, and creativity in building outstanding refrigerated wine cellars for homes.

If you have questions or want more information about how they can help you build a custom wine cellar, call Wine Cellar Specialists at 972-454-0480, or you can e-mail them at info@winecellarspec.com. They can help you stay within budget, find something that fits your needs, and something that not only shows off your superior taste but also complements your fine wine collection.

Essential Furniture for Texas Wine Cellars

You want to build a wine cellar, or maybe you already have one, and you’re thinking about how to fill it (with more than your wine collection, that is). Texas wine cellars are more than the racks you put inside, and of course you will needs racks, because bottles of wine should be stored at a 15 degree angle to make sure the cork doesn’t dry out.

Adding Furniture to Your Texas Home Wine Cellar

Some wine enthusiasts invest in furniture to add a decorative touch to their wine rooms, enhance the wine drinking experience, provide convenient access to wines, or add space for serving and decanting wine.

Wine Tables

Functional Wooden Wine Table in a Texas Wine Cellar

Did you know that some modern wine cellars also have tables inside that can serve as a tasting station?

Or, in some homes, the wine cellar is where dinners begin and end. How fun, to select a bottle of wine out of your collection in front of the people who will enjoy it.

A wine table is similar to any other table in your home. However, remember, if your wine cellar is climate controlled, it will be approximately 55 degrees in the cellar.

You will probably not want to sit around your table while you casually drink your wine. You may use it to sit a case on when unpacking your wines. You may use it to sit your bottles on when selecting which wine to drink.

When you pick a wine table, look for the same features as you would any other table. The table should be a comfortable height, size, and the material of your table should be sturdy and match the rest of the décor. It should hold up well in a high humidity. A wine table is not the place to splurge on bells and whistles. You don’t want your table to overwhelm the room.

Your table should compliment your racks, which should be easy, as most racks come in materials that tables also come in. If you are going with a modern look, then pick a wood or metal table that will look good next to metal wine racks.

Eco-Friendly Wine Barrel Table

At Wine Cellar Specialists, they create wine tables made from wood or metal. For eco-friendly homeowners, a wine barrel table is recommended.

Since it provides a unique space for serving and tasting wines, hosting wine tasting parties can be more memorable.

Pairing furniture in your Texas wine cellar is as much art as it is science, and like pairing a good wine with a good meal, you should think about what you’re doing before starting out.

Wine Cellar Stools/Chairs

The table won’t be complete without some stools or chairs around it. These pieces of furniture can be made of hardwood or metal. Texas home wine cellar builders also recommend stools or chairs made of reclaimed wine barrels.

It is ideal that the material of your stools or chairs complement the wine racks.

It should also be chosen according to the size of your Texas wine cellar, your personal style and budget.

Wine-Rolling Ladders

Wine Cellar Rolling Ladder

Another furniture element to consider is installing a ladder, if your racks are high enough to warrant a ladder. Not only can a ladder make reaching those hard-to-reach bottles easy, but it can probably roll out of the way when not in use, leaving plenty of room to move around it.

Dragging a chair in each time you want to reach those top shelves isn’t really an option, nor should it be an option. Think about your current and future wine collection needs when designing your custom wine cellar, and when deciding how to furnish it.

Make sure the ladder will roll well on the flooring you pick for your cellar. Use a solid wood or tile floor when installing a ladder.

Pick the layout that will work and look the best for you. Remember, no two wine cellars are the same. Yours should reflect you and your collection.

At Wine Cellar Specialists, they offer straight and bent wine cellar ladders. They offer wood and metal library ladders. Wooden rolling ladders are made from quality hardwoods: Mahogany, Cherry, Birch, Alder, Red Oak, Maple, Walnut, or White Oak. The wood can be applied with your chosen stain, or can be left unfinished.

For the metal wine cellar ladders, you can choose between matte, white, gloss black, colored powder-coated, metallic beige, or standard milled aluminum finish.

Learn more about rolling ladders for Texas wine cellars.

How to Match your Custom Wine Cellar with the Right Furniture

wooden furniture for custom wine cellars by wine cellar specialists

A traditional custom wine cellar featuring wood furniture, wine racks, and wine shelves.

Before picking out your furniture, here are some points for you to consider:

What type of wine cellar do you own?
What is your color scheme?
Do you prefer metal or wood furniture?
What shade or stain do you want for your wood furniture?

If you’re having trouble answering these, check out our portfolio of projects and get inspired by other custom wine cellar owners. You can also browse by type: modern, traditional, and transitional wine cellars!

Complement Your Wine Room with Furniture

The furniture you use inside your wine cellar will depend on how large your wine cellar is as well as how many racks you have for wine. Keep in mind that your cellar should not only accommodate your current collection but also grow with you.

Furniture may get in the way of such growth, so make sure that you choose items that will work with your future needs. No matter the direction you go, your decisions should be right for you and your needs.

Need help? Wine Cellar Specialists can help find the furniture that will complement your wine storage space. Don’t have a Texas wine cellar yet? Contact Wine Cellar Specialists at +1 (866 ) 646-7089.

How to Make the Most Out of Your Texas Home wine cellar

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!

What’s the best custom wine storage for you? | Wine Racks vs. Wine Cellars

Depending on your wine storage needs, as well as the space you have available in which to store wine, you may need to decide between a simple system comprised of wine racks, or you may opt to build in your home a custom wine cellar, which would include wine racks as part of its overall construction and usability.

Choosing the Best Wine Storage Solution for Your Needs

Every wine collector has different functional, aesthetic, and financial requirements. It is for this very reason that you should work with an experienced Dallas, Texas wine cellar builder. At Wine Cellar Specialists, they offer effective wine storage solutions that cater to their clients’ needs.

Depending on your needs, you can invest in wine racks or a wine cellar.

Wine Racks

Wine racks can fit in your kitchen. And that may be just what you’re looking for. Racks are inexpensive and can easily store a few bottles of wine. If you’re not a serious collector, or if you’re not planning to hold on to the wine you buy for any length of time, then go with a rack. There are several great options out there, and most of them require little time on your part. In fact, if you find a premade rack that works for you, even better.

Wooden Wine Racks

Wine Cellar Specialists, a wine storage expert in Dallas, Texas, offers wine racks built with efficiency, durability, and appeal. You may opt for wood or metal wine racks.

Wood Wine Racks

One of the most versatile wine rack design, wooden wine racks can be used in traditional and modern wine cellars. It’s available in various styles and sizes. You can even use a black stain for a contemporary look to show off your collection! The different types of wooden storage racks are stand-alone, wall-mounted, modular, stackable, and custom wine racks.

Metal Wine Racks

Modern floating wine racks

The popularity of modern design for custom wine cellars has been growing consistently, along with the rise of technology. No need to keep your wines in the dark, show them off with these minimalistic metal wine racks.

Wine racks designed to mount on the wall are highly recommended for small wine storage spaces. Stackable wine racks are ideal for a growing wine collection since you don’t need to modify your racking if you want to add more bottles.

Wine Cellars

An Elegant Wine Cellar Installed in Dallas, Texas

Just like other wine collectors, racking alone is probably not for you. Valuable red and white wines should not be stored in the kitchen, not if you expect them to increase in value and remain robust. Building a wine cellar in your home is probably the right option for you.

The wine cellar you build should regulate humidity and temperature since both are essential to protecting your investment.

Dallas, Texas wine cellars are designed to maintain the optimum conditions need in the proper ageing of wine. They are equipped with a wine cooling system that can keep the temperature and humidity at the ideal range. Without an efficient climate-control system, your collection will go to waste.

See other blog posts about the right temperature and humidity in which to keep your wine.

If you want, you can also install a refrigerator in another part of your home. Never put a wine refrigerator inside your wine cellar. The motor on the unit will give off heat and make it harder to keep your room at a constant temperature. Your cooling unit will be fighting the heat coming from the refrigerator. You can use the refrigerator to chill the white wines you intend to drink soon. But for storage temperature, your white wines and your red wines can be stored together in the same wine cellar.

More Tips from a Wine Cellar Expert in Dallas, Texas

Home Wine Cellar with Wine Barrel Racks

Wine Cellar Specialists provides the following tips to help you determine the right storage solution that suits your needs.

When planning your home wine storage system, whether using a cellar in your home or racks in your kitchen, long-term thinking requires you to think about durability. Don’t just go with a wine rack that looks strong. Make sure your rack can stand on its own and can handle the number of bottles of wine you’d keep on it at one time. Don’t plan for the least possible situation. Make sure your rack can handle anything you may want to use it for.

Consider the way your home looks before buying your wine racks. If your home is more modern and metal, then go with a metal rack, but if there is a lot of wood in your home, then go with a wood rack. There is also the possibility of reclaimed wine barrel racking. This is a more costly way to go but, if you can afford it, it truly makes for a magnificent look. It also has the smell of a winery when you walk into the room as the wood used for this racking was originally used for barrels that held wine. That wine smell is still in the wood.

Your wine storage system can be as individual as your specific taste in wine. No matter the vintage, and no matter your choice, storing your wine is as important as pairing it with the right meal and for the right dinner guests.

Need help? Contact Wine Cellar Specialists today at +1 (972) 454-0480.

Things to Think About Before Installing a Texas Custom Wine cellar in Your Home

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.

View the different cooling options for Texas wine cellars.

Can I install a Texas wine cellar anywhere?

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.

When creating a climate-controlled Texas wine cellar, be sure that the proper vapor barrier is also under your flooring material.

Do I need custom wine cellar lighting?

Backlit Lighting in a Texas Custom Wine Cellar

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.

Wine Cellar Cooling Tips for Texas Wine Enthusiasts

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

wine cellar cooling system by Wine Cellar Specialists Texas Builder

Wine Cooling Unit by WhisperKOOL Installed in a Texas Wine Room

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!

Storing Red and White Wine

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.