Is Building a Wine Cellar Worth it?

When it comes to home wine storage, we’re all constantly reminded that the way in which we store our wine impacts its flavour. So, instead of wine shelving units and wine rack kits, you might be thinking about home wine cellar ideas. Basement wine cellars and other under stairs wine storage in the UK is growing in popularity, leaving many of us wondering whether it’s worth it to build a wine cellar. Here at Cranville Wine Racks, we’re well equipped to get you started with your very own wine cellar, with anything from 12-bottle timber wine racks to 100-bottle wine racks. In between these solutions, we also supply 20-bottle and 72-bottle wine racks, as well as a 24-bottle wine rack and a 30-bottle metal wine rack. Whether you’re looking for a wall-mounted or a slot-in solution, we’ve got what you’re looking for. What's the Purpose of a Wine Cellar? The first thing that you need to consider when deciding whether building a wine cellar is worth it is the actual purpose of the facility. Quite simply, a wine cellar is built to provide a climate-controlled environment for substantial wine collections. Typically speaking, wine cellars are situated in the basements of homes and have a relatively humid climate. Does a Wine Cellar Increase Property Value? In a higher-end home, a wine cellar is certainly a worthwhile investment. In fact, a wine room raises the appraisal of a property, resulting in a higher home value. What Does a Wine Cellar Need? A wine cellar should be kept between 7°C and 18°C, as this is the optimal temperature to preserve the flavour of the wine. Similarly, the humidity should remain between 50% and 80% so that the corks are kept moist but the labels aren’t subject to mildew. On top of this, in the absence of air conditioning, ventilation is imperative to the storage of wine. Finally, a wine cellar should be relatively dark as UV rays can lead to the premature spoiling of wine. Does a Wine Cellar Require Ventilation? As previously mentioned, wine cellars require proper ventilation for the purpose of temperature control and perfecting aging conditions. Therefore, you’ll require a cooling unit that is capable of handling temperatures up to 12°C cooler than the temperature on the unit’s exhaust side. Does a Wine Cellar Require Cooling? Almost everyone knows that wine needs to be kept at a cool temperature; however, the conditions also need to be stable. This means the temperature can’t fluctuate too much as this doesn’t allow the wine to rest or settle which sets it back in the maturing process. Similarly, wine should be kept away from harsh temperatures, sunlight, vibrations, and humidity. How Is a Wine Cellar Built at Home? Ultimately, a good wine cellar is a dark and enclosed space that isn’t vulnerable to smells, noise, or vibrations. As well as this, the space needs to be properly ventilated and shielded from any draughts. This is especially true if the space is particularly damp as, without ventilation, a musty smell is likely to contaminate your wine bottles. What Makes a Good Wine Cellar? Ultimately, a good wine cellar is a dark and enclosed space that isn’t vulnerable to smells, noise, or vibrations. As well as this, the space needs to be properly ventilated and shielded from any draughts. This is especially true if the space is particularly damp as, without ventilation, a musty smell is likely to contaminate your wine bottles. How Much Does a Wine Cellar Cost? This really depends on the size and scale of the wine cellar at hand but, typically speaking, a residential wine cellar will cost anywhere between £11,000 and £135,000. However, the average cost of a home wine cellar is roughly £25,000. How Long Can You Keep Red Wine in a Cellar? This depends on the type of wine; however, a Cabernet Sauvignon can be stored the longest, between seven and 10 years. Otherwise, a Pinot Noir can be stored for five years, whilst a Merlot can be stored anywhere between three and five years. Finally, a Zinfandel can be stored between two and five years. Kit Out Your Wine Cellar with Cranville Wine Racks If the above information has led you to believe that building a home wine cellar is worth it, look no further than Cranville Wine Racks for all the storage equipment. If you have any queries about our product range, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.