Some wines get better with age, but to enjoy them at their best, proper storage is crucial. Simply placing an expensive wine bottle on a shelf is an easy way to ruin it before your first sip. The solution? A home wine cellar.

Why Build a Home Wine Cellar?

A home wine cellar offers convenient access to your entire wine collection. You’ll no longer need to visit the nearest store or wait for deliveries. Your favorite Pinot Noir or Chardonnay will be ready at hand for any special occasion, whether it’s a wedding celebration or an elegant dinner.

Building a Wine Cellar: Tips for Success

While anyone can build a wine cellar at home, doing it incorrectly can lead to spoiled wine. That’s why we’re here with top tips on constructing a high-quality, lasting wine cellar on your property.

Choosing the Location for Your Wine Cellar

A wine cellar can be built almost anywhere in your home, but the location will influence both construction and maintenance costs.

The ideal location should be the coolest and most humid area in your house. Wine should be stored in a dark place with temperatures between 45°-65°F and humidity levels between 50-70%. By choosing a location that naturally meets these conditions, you’ll reduce the need for expensive cooling units.

For this reason, many people choose to build wine cellars in their basements. However, it’s essential to ensure the area is also free from vibrations, as they can disrupt the wine’s maturation process. Avoid placing your cellar near noisy appliances like washing machines, as they can negatively affect the taste of your wine.

Determining the Space Needed for Your Wine Cellar

Once you’ve found the perfect location, it’s time to assess how much space you’ll need for your wine cellar. Consider the size of your current collection and your future plans.

• Small Collections: If you have a small collection of rare or special bottles, your cellar could be as compact as 25 square feet or less. You can store about 10-15 bottles of wine per square foot in a DIY wine cellar.

• Larger Collections: If you aspire to own a vast collection, including wines from regions like Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc and Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, you’ll need more space. A cellar between 100-500 square feet can comfortably store 1,500 to 5,500 bottles of wine. Keep in mind that cellars larger than this may become difficult to maintain.

Time to Start Building

With the location selected and the necessary space determined, you’re ready to start building your home wine cellar.