Custom wine cellars are becoming more and more popular. As the popularity of collecting wines increases globally, so is the need for efficient or proper storage techniques. A good wine must be given time to mature properly. It must be left undisturbed for a longer duration of time and the right temperatures and humidity levels.
In other words, the most critical aspect of any wine cellar design though is climate control. The temperature and humidity of your cellar must be carefully regulated within fine tolerances otherwise your precious wine will not age in the right way.
Wine Cellar Climate Control
Wine is a delicate substance, and climate control can make or break your cellar. Wine tolerates only small changes in temperature and humidity, and wide variations are likely to ruin the aging process.
A temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit (13 degrees Celsius) is the sweet spot for a wine cellar, with a variation of 3-4 degrees considered acceptable. If the cellar gets too warm, the wine will age too quickly and produce undesirable flavors. If it gets too cold, the wine will age at a much slower pace. Wide variations in temperature also lead to excessive oxidation of the wine. In most cases, the cork sealing the wine is not airtight and temperature swings tends to loosen it further and admit more air in.
The recommended humidity level for a wine cellar is 57% with a range of 50-70%. Too much humidity will lead to mold which will damage the cork while excessively dry conditions will dry out the cork and lead to similar result.
Here are some climate control actions that you need to perform when building a wine cellar:
• Install full-room insulation to keep temperatures steady. The insulating material should also form a good moisture barrier
• A wine cooling system might be necessary for large wine cellars. In this case, you will have to construct an adequately-sized exhaust room to absorb any expelled heat
• In regions that get too dry, a humidifier might be necessary. Maximum insulation R-value is recommended during wine cellar construction
• Flooring should be made of soft material such as wood or cork to minimize breakages
Once you have the climate control taken care of, you are now ready to build your wine cellar. Many pre-made wine closets or cabinets come with climate control mechanisms pre-installed thus relieving you of that burden. Whether you opt for pre-made closets or opt to go the DIY way, a well built wine cellar design will provide the perfect environment in which to keep your collections organized, safe, and well conditioned.
