Move over media room, adults are seeking their own space and one of the hottest trends in upscale housing today is the addition of wine storage in the form of closets, rooms or wine cellars. This coincides with Americans growing fondness and appreciation of the whole wine experience.
Wine consumption has been increasing in the United States 2- 5% per year for the past decade and according to the International Organization of Vine and Wine (OIV) the United States will overtake France in wine consumption in three years. Yes, in a few years American consumption will be approaching four billion bottles per year.
As Americans become more aware of wine, its’ health benefits, sophistication and complexity they are also experimenting with more varieties. More people are collecting wine as an investment for future sale or personal consumption. Wine as an investment, how great is that? You have to admit it is more fun that stocks and bonds. If properly stored, wine can be a secure investment with a generous rate of return!
Today many homes and restaurants store their wine in what looks like kitchen cabinets. Hey, how often do you see wine stored above a refrigerator? This is not a pretty sight for someone who wants to make the world safe for wine. Where is the respect?
A budding connoisseur should recognize that a wine cellar is a specialty room. What is behind the wall is just as important as what you see in the cellar. First, the walls, ceilings and floors need to be properly insulated. There are a couple of ways to accomplish this and be sure you consult with someone who specializes in wine cellar construction. Remember, respect your wine.
Second, a proper cooling system should be customized to your cellar. Each cellar has its’ own unique requirements that can affect the performance. Most important, be sure parts and service are local and readily available. Wine needs to be maintained at stable temperatures between 55- 59 degrees F. with humidity around 70%. If you do not do it right, you will pay a big price later to correct the problem. Show respect for your wine and it will return the favor many times over.
Once the shell is complete the fun begins by designing the cellar to hold your investment. Not all wine storage is created equal. Any aficionado will recognize the various storage styles from individual bottle to diamond bins, high reveal rows and bulk storage. Most cellars are created to please the eye but one should also give considerable thought to what they collect.
If your collection is comprised mostly of single bottles, from a multiple of vineyards, concentrate on individual bottle storage. It would also be wise to think about case lot purchases, especially as your collection grows. A good tip, plan ahead and remember more often than not the collection soon outgrows the cellar.
Be sure your design allows for air to circulate around the bottles. Air circulation assists’ the wine to reach its peak and will keep the labels fresh. A high quality custom rack will include rounded or beveled edges to minimize label scuff. Single bottle storage can also be stored sideways to view the label. This is called “vertical display” and it is very eye appealing.
Rectangular bins and diamond bins are two popular designs for bulk bottle storage. The addition of bulk storage is a good plan and adds beauty to your cellars design.
Consider if your collection will consist of bottles other than 750ml. There are storage sizes for 375ml “splits”, sparkling wines, magnums right on up to Nebuchadnezzars. Make sure you consider the various sizes. Oh, lets not forget, Humidors anyone?
Vineyard Wine Cellars is also using metal and limestone racking today to fit with different lifestyles and architecture. Blending materials for wine storage can add significant beauty and still respect your wine.
If you are considering your first cellar it is important to:
1. Talk to an expert and be sure your cellar is properly constructed
2. Visualize your cellar and decide what bottle sizes to accommodate
3. Be sure the racking is designed to allow your wine to reach its full potential.
Now armed with sufficient knowledge to begin designing your cellar, it is time to relax and decant a bottle of your favorite varietal or blend. First, visualize the rich looking wood and feel the cool temperature of your cellar as you anticipate the wonderful complexity of smells and flavors you are about to enjoy. Salud.
About the Author:
Richard Manton is a partner in Vineyard Wine Cellars based Texas. They are a premier wine cellar design and installation company. Contact Richard at Richard@vineyardwinecellars.com or visit www.vineyardwinecellars.com.
