The World’s Best
Custom Wine Cellar
Buyer’s Guide
Prestige Wine Cellars is Austin Texas’ top wine cellar design and build firm. We have designed and built wine cellars that range from 150 bottles and cost $40k, to 3,000 bottles that cost $800k. Our clients have ranged from stay at home moms, to celebrities, hotels, casinos, and fine dining establishments. Our wine cellars can be found from North America, all the way to Africa. These remarks are not made as a brag, but rather to illustrate this one point: We are industry experts and one of the best wine cellar design and build firms in the world. This comprehensive guide is going to give you every piece of information required to make an educated decision when choosing how to design your wine cellar, and who to build it.
Understanding Wine Bottles
In ancient times, civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans stored wine in clay amphorae (large pottery vessels) or wooden barrels. To seal these containers, they used a variety of materials, including cloth, wax, pitch (a type of resin), and even oil. The goal was to protect the wine from air, but none of these methods were entirely effective. In the early 1600s, technological advancements in glass making, particularly in England, led to the production of strong, uniform glass bottles that could be used for wine storage. This innovation allowed for a more standardized and efficient way to store and transport wine.
Cork Styles
Wine bottles come in one of two cork styles. A Stelvin Closure (commonly referred to as a twist off or screw cap), or the original cork. They also come in different sizes, which we will review in the next section.
Stelvin Closure
Stelvin closures, more commonly known as screw caps, are a type of bottle closure often used in wine. Here are key facts about Stelvin closures and why they are increasingly popular in the wine industry:
Design and Structure
Components: Stelvin closures consist of an aluminum screw cap with an internal liner, usually made of polyethylene or tin, that forms a seal with the bottle.
Why it matters: The cap screws onto the bottle’s neck, forming a tight, airproof seal. This prevents air from entering the bottle and interacting with the wine, which can slow down oxidation.
Preventing Oxidation
Sealing Properties: One of the key advantages of Stelvin closures is their ability to provide a nearly airtight seal, reducing the risk of premature oxidation.
Why it matters: Oxygen exposure can lead to wine spoilage by encouraging oxidation, which negatively affects flavor, aroma, and color. Stelvin closures are particularly beneficial for wines meant to be consumed young, as they preserve freshness and vibrant fruit flavors.
Consistency and Reliability
Uniform Seal: Stelvin closures offer more consistent performance compared to natural corks, which can vary in quality and lead to cork taint or leaks.
Why it matters: Cork taint, caused by contamination from compounds like TCA (2,4,6-trichloroanisole), can spoil the wine’s taste. Stelvin closures eliminate the risk of cork taint, ensuring that each bottle will taste as the winemaker intended.
Natural Cork
Dom Pierre Pérignon (Yes, that Dom Pérignon), a French Benedictine monk often credited with pioneering modern champagne, is said to have popularized the use of corks to seal wine bottles in the late 1600s. He replaced the wooden stoppers wrapped in oil-soaked rags (which were commonly used at the time) with cork stoppers. His use of cork revolutionized the storage of sparkling wine, as cork provided the elasticity needed to withstand the internal pressure from carbonation. Here are three key facts about corks and their role in wine preservation:
Material
Source: Corks are made from the bark of the cork oak tree (Quercus suber), primarily harvested in Mediterranean regions like Portugal and Spain.
Why it matters: Cork is lightweight, flexible, and impermeable to gasses and liquids, making it an ideal seal for wine bottles.
Porosity
Cork’s Structure: Cork is composed of millions of tiny air-filled cells, making it slightly porous. This porosity allows for a small amount of oxygen to interact with the wine over time.
Why it matters: Controlled oxygen exposure helps wines (especially reds) age and develop complex flavors, while preventing excessive oxidation.
Elasticity
Properties: Cork is elastic, meaning it can be compressed when inserted into a bottle and expanded to form a tight seal.
Why it matters: This elasticity ensures that the cork remains tightly sealed against the bottleneck, preventing air from entering the bottle and spoiling the wine.
Bottle Sizes
Wine bottles come in various sizes, each with its own name and dimensions. This is very important to know when designing a custom wine cellar, because if you intend on storing any bottle larger than a standard 750ml, such as a magnum or burgundy, this needs to be factored into the design. Wine racking manufacturers operate from a 750ml standard, meaning their standard racking is designed for your standard 750ml, but can accommodate larger when directed. Here’s a list of the most common wine bottle sizes along with their approximate dimensions in terms of length (height) and width (diameter):
Standard Bottles
Standard Wine Bottle (750 ml)
Volume: 750 ml (the most common size). Height: ~11.75 inches (30 cm). Width: ~3 inches (7.6 cm)
Magnum
Volume: 1.5 liters (2 standard bottles). Height: ~13.5 inches (34.3 cm). Width: ~4 inches (10.2 cm).
Jeroboam
Volume: 3 liters (4 standard bottles). Height: ~18 inches (45.7 cm). Width: ~5 inches (12.7 cm). Note: The term Jeroboam can vary between regions. Bordeaux Jeroboam holds 5 liters, whereas a Burgundy or Champagne Jeroboam holds 3 liters.
Rehoboam
Volume: 4.5 liters (6 standard bottles). Height: ~19.5 inches (49.5 cm). Width: ~5 inches (12.7 cm). Note: Mostly used in Champagne and Burgundy.
Methuselah
Volume: 6 liters (8 standard bottles). Height: ~22 inches (55.9 cm). Width: ~6 inches (15.2 cm).
Salmanazar
Volume: 9 liters (12 standard bottles). Height: ~24.5 inches (62.2 cm). Width: ~8 inches (20.3 cm).
Balthazar
Volume: 12 liters (16 standard bottles). Height: ~28 inches (71 cm). Width: ~9.5 inches (24.1 cm).
Nebuchadnezzar
Volume: 15 liters (20 standard bottles). Height: ~31 inches (78.7 cm). Width: ~10 inches (25.4 cm).
Melchior
Volume: 18 liters (24 standard bottles). Height: ~37 inches (94 cm). Width: ~11 inches (28 cm).
Sovereign
Volume: 26.25 liters (35 standard bottles). Height: ~38 inches (96.5 cm). Width: ~11 inches (28 cm).
Primat (Goliath)
Volume: 27 liters (36 standard bottles). Height: ~40 inches (101.6 cm). Width: ~12 inches (30.5 cm).
Melchizedek
Volume: 30 liters (40 standard bottles). Height: ~44 inches (112 cm). Width: ~12 inches (30.5 cm).
Special Bottle Sizes
Several wine regions and producers use unique or oddly shaped bottles that still contain the standard 750 ml of wine. These unusual designs often reflect tradition, branding, or the specific characteristics of the wine. Here are some examples of oddly shaped wine bottles.
Alsace Bottle (Flûte d’Alsace)
Shape: Tall, slender, and elongated with a long neck.
Region: Alsace, France.
Use: Mostly Rieslings and other aromatic white wines.
Why it’s unique: The slender shape is designed to emphasize the light, crisp nature of the wines. It’s one of the most recognizable bottle shapes and is only legally used for Alsace wines.
Dimensions: Height: ~12 to 13 inches (30 to 33 cm) Width: ~2.75 inches (7 cm).
Chianti Fiasco
Shape: Round base wrapped in a straw basket (fiasco).
Region: Tuscany, Italy. Use: Chianti wines.
Why it’s unique: Traditionally, this straw covered bottle was used to protect the fragile glass during transport. Although less common today, the fiasco remains an iconic symbol of traditional Italian winemaking.
Dimensions: Height: ~10 to 11 inches (25 to 28 cm) Width (at widest point): ~4.5 to 5.5 inches (11 to 14 cm), including the straw wrapping.
Bocksbeutel
Shape: A short, flattened, and bulbous bottle with a wide body and short neck.
Region: Franconia (Germany), some parts of Portugal, and Greece.
Use: Mainly Franconian wines, especially Silvaner.
Why it’s unique: The bottle’s flat, rounded shape dates back centuries and is protected by European law for certain regional wines. It’s designed to prevent rolling and can be easily transported.
Dimensions: Height: ~8 to 9 inches (20 to 23 cm) Width (at widest point): ~5 to 6 inches (13 to 15 cm).
Provence Rosé Bottle
Shape: Slender with a curvy silhouette, often with an indented or flared base.
Region: Provence, France. Use: Rosé wines.
Why it’s unique: The sleek, feminine design reflects the light, delicate character of Provence rosé. The elegant shape is also a marketing tool to distinguish these wines from others.
Dimensions: Height: ~8 to 9 inches (20 to 23 cm) Width (at widest point): ~5 to 6 inches (13 to 15 cm).
Toro (Spanish) Bottle
Shape: Similar to Bordeaux bottles but with a notably wider shoulder and thicker glass.
Region: Toro, Spain. Use: Powerful red wines, typically made from Tempranillo.
Why it’s unique: The bottle’s robust, hefty design reflects the strong, full-bodied nature of the wines. It is a distinctive look compared to other Spanish wine bottles.
Dimensions: Height: ~12 to 13 inches (30 to 33 cm) Width: ~3 to 3.5 inches (7.6 to 8.9 cm).
Vouvray or Loire Bottle
Shape: Similar to the Alsace bottle but shorter and slightly more bulbous with a tapering neck.
Region: Loire Valley, France. Use: Mostly Chenin Blanc wines.
Why it’s unique: The design sets it apart from other French wine bottles and matches the historic wine traditions of the Loire Valley.
Dimensions: Height: ~12 to 13 inches (30 to 33 cm) Width: ~3 to 3.25 inches (7.6 to 8.3 cm).
Vin Jaune (Clavelin Bottle)
Shape: Squat and thick with a short neck.
Region: Jura, France. Use: Vin Jaune, a unique wine made from the Savagnin grape.
Why it’s unique: The clavelin holds 620 ml instead of 750 ml and is shaped to reflect the fact that Vin Jaune ages in barrels for several years, losing about $1/3$ of its volume to evaporation (the “angel’s share”). This bottle shape is legally required for Vin Jaune.
Dimensions: Height: ~10 inches (25.4 cm). Width: ~4.75 inches (12 cm).
Mosel Bottle
Shape: Tall and thin, similar to the Alsace bottle but usually more delicate in appearance.
Region: Mosel, Germany. Used: Riesling and other white wines.
Why it’s unique: This bottle is slightly more elegant and sloped than the Alsace bottle, embodying the refined, light nature of Mosel Rieslings.
Dimensions: Height: ~12 to 13 inches (30 to 33 cm). Width: ~2.75 to 3 inches (7 to 7.6 cm).
Toscanello
Shape: Shorter than a standard bottle, with a round, squat body and a wider opening.
Region: Tuscany, Italy. Use: Specialty or artisanal wines.
Why it’s unique: Its distinctive, compact shape is often used for high-quality, limited-edition wines, making it a collector’s item.
Côtes de Provence “Quille”
Shape: Slender in the middle with a curvy, feminine silhouette and flared base.
Region: Provence, France. Used for: Rosé wines.
Why it’s unique: The hourglass-like bottle is a marketing symbol of sophistication and is used exclusively for Provence rosés to visually differentiate them from others.
The Prestige Perspective: With all these wine bottle sizes and shapes in mind, what does your current and future wine collection look like? If you’re using a home builder or general contractor instead of a professional wine cellar designer, are they taking your wine collection into consideration? From our experience this is where a lot of builds go wrong. As a wine collector, your cellar must be built to house your collection in an organized, and beautiful way without having to stack cases across the floor like we have all seen.
Understanding Wine Storage
Storing wine properly is crucial for maintaining its flavor, aroma, and overall quality. Here’s a breakdown of the proper way to store wine and the science behind it.
Optimal Storage Temperature: Red & White Wine at 55 – 58 Degrees F.
Why: Wine is sensitive to temperature fluctuations. If wine is stored in too warm of an environment, it will age prematurely due to accelerated chemical reactions like oxidation. Conversely, if it’s stored too cold, this can slow down the aging process and cause the wine to become “dumb,” meaning its flavors and aromas might not develop fully.
Scientific Basis: Wine is made up of organic compounds like esters, tannins, and phenols. These compounds are reactive to temperature. For instance, esters break down more quickly at higher temperatures, which can cause the wine to lose its fruity and aromatic qualities.
Humidity
Ideal Humidity: 50–70%.
Why: The cork in wine bottles can dry out in low humidity environments, allowing air to seep into the bottle, leading to oxidation (which ruins wine). Too much humidity, on the other hand, can cause mold growth.
Scientific Basis: Cork is a natural material that expands and contracts depending on the surrounding moisture. In low-humidity conditions, the cork shrinks, creating gaps for oxygen to enter. Oxygen is wine’s enemy because it triggers oxidation, which can turn wine into vinegar by converting ethanol into acetic acid.
Light Exposure
Keep Wine In The Dark: UV rays from sunlight or even strong indoor lighting can degrade wine.
Why: UV light causes chemical reactions in wine, such as the breakdown of tannins and other phenolic compounds, which can lead to “lightstruck” wine-a condition where the wine develops an unpleasant smell and taste.
Scientific Basis: UV radiation interacts with the organic molecules in wine, causing them to break down into simpler, less desirable compounds. This is particularly problematic with delicate wines like whites and sparkling wines, as they contain fewer protective compounds (like tannins) than reds.
Vibration
Avoid Vibration: Wine should be stored in a place free from excessive movement or vibrations. For example, avoid placing your wine cellar near laundry rooms.
Why: Constant vibrations can disturb the wine’s sediment, especially in aged wines, and may accelerate unwanted chemical reactions.
Scientific Basis: Sediment in wine (especially reds) is made up of polymerized tannins and color pigments. Vibration can cause these to mix back into the liquid, altering the texture and clarity of the wine. Additionally, vibrations increase kinetic energy, which could promote premature aging by speeding up chemical reactions like ester hydrolysis.
Ventilation
Good Airflow: Store wine in a well-ventilated area to prevent strong odors from being absorbed by the wine.
Why: Wine can absorb surrounding smells through the cork, especially if it’s made of natural materials.
Scientific Basis: Cork is semi-permeable, meaning it can allow volatile compounds to pass through. If strong odors (like from cooking or chemicals) are present, these compounds can penetrate the cork and taint the wine, leading to unpleasant flavors.
Consistency
Stable Environment: Keep the storage conditions as constant as possible.
Why: Fluctuating conditions (temperature, humidity, etc.) can cause wine to expand and contract, leading to cork leakage and spoilage.
Scientific Basis: The wine expands when heated and contracts when cooled. Repeated fluctuations can weaken the cork’s seal, leading to increased oxygen exposure, which, as mentioned before, oxidizes and spoils the wine.
By following these principles, the wine can age gracefully, preserving its intended characteristics while preventing unwanted chemical changes that could degrade its quality.
Types Of Wine Storage
In this chapter you will learn about every option available to store your wine. Whether it’s a small wine fridge you buy at an appliance store, or a walk in wine cellar, we will break down all the variations of wine storage solutions so that you can determine the appropriate option suited to your needs.
Wine Fridge
Wine fridges (also known as a wine cooler or wine chiller) is a specialized refrigerator designed to store wine at optimal temperatures. Unlike regular refrigerators, which are too cold and dry for wine, a wine fridge maintains a consistent temperature, typically between 45 degrees F and 65 degrees F 7 degrees C to 18 degrees C, to ensure that the wine ages properly without being damaged by fluctuations in temperature or humidity. Wine fridges often have multiple temperature zones, allowing for separate areas for white and red wines, which have slightly different storage requirements. They also maintain humidity levels that prevent corks from drying out and bottles from leaking or oxidizing.
Key Features of a Wine Fridge
Temperature Control:Wine fridges maintain a stable temperature, typically between between 45 degrees F and 65 degrees F 7 degrees C to 18 degrees C, depending on the type of wine (red, white, or sparkling).
Humidity Control: Some models have humidity controls to prevent corks from drying out.
UV Protection: Wine fridges often have UV-protected glass doors to shield wine from harmful sunlight that can spoil the flavor.
Vibration Reduction: Many are designed to minimize vibrations that could disturb the sediment in wine bottles and affect taste.
Dimensions: Wine fridges come in various sizes, so the dimensions depend on the model and capacity. Here are some general categories:
Small Wine Fridge (6-20 bottles): Height: 19-34 inches (48-86 cm). Width: 10-20 inches (25-50 cm). Depth: 18-22 inches (45-56 cm).
Medium Wine Fridge (21-50 bottles): Height: 32-36 inches (81-91 cm). Width: 20-24 inches (50-61 cm). Depth: 22-24 inches (56-61 cm).
Large Wine Fridge (51-100+ bottles): Height: 34-70 inches (86-178 cm). Width: 24-27 inches (61-69 cm). Depth: 24-30 inches (61-76 cm).
Pricing: Wine fridges range in price based on size, features, and brand.
Budget (Small 6-20 bottle capacity): $150-$400
Mid-Range (21-50 bottle capacity, dual-zone): $400-$1,000
High-End (51-100+ bottle capacity, luxury features like UV glass, wooden shelves, humidity control): $1,000 - $3,000+ Some factors influencing price include size, dual-zone capabilities (for storing red and white wines at different temperatures), and additional features like smart controls.
Wine Cabinets
A wine cabinet is a specialized furniture piece designed to store and protect wine, often combining both functionality and aesthetics. Unlike a wine fridge, a wine cabinet may or may not include temperature control, depending on the model. It’s generally used for longer term storage and can also serve as a decorative item in a home, dining room, or bar.
Key Features of a Wine Cabinet
Storage Capacity: Wine cabinets are typically larger than wine fridges and can hold more bottles. They can also have shelves, racks, or compartments for accessories like wine glasses, openers, and decanters.
Design: Wine cabinets come in various styles, from sleek, modern designs to more classic, wooden, or vintage looks. Some have glass doors for display, while others are solid wood or metal for a more understated appearance.
Temperature Control: High-end wine cabinets will include built-in refrigeration cooling systems similar to a wine fridge.
Material: They are typically made from wood, metal, or a combination of both, with some offering features like LED lighting, and glass door.
Dimensions: Wine cabinets vary widely in size depending on their capacity and design.
Small Wine Cabinet (Holds 12-24 bottles): Height: 36-48 inches (91-122 cm). Width: 24-36 inches (61-91 cm). Depth: 12-18 inches (30-46 cm).
Medium Wine Cabinet (Holds 25-75 bottles): Height: 48-60 inches (122-152 cm). Width: 36-48 inches (91-122 cm). Depth: 18-24 inches (46-61 cm).
Large Wine Cabinet (Holds 76-200+ bottles): Height: 60-80 inches (152-203 cm). Width: 48-72 inches (122-183 cm). Depth: 20-30 inches (51-76 cm).
Pricing: The price of a wine cabinet can vary significantly based on size, materials, craftsmanship, and whether or not it has temperature control.
Budget (Simple designs without temperature control, holding 12-24 bottles): $1000-$5000
Mid-Range (Larger models, holding 25-75 bottles): $5000-$10,000
High-End (Luxury materials, built-in cooling systems, high bottle capacity 75-200+): $10,000 - $20,000+ Higher-end wine cabinets often resemble furniture pieces and will include additional features like dual-temperature zones, custom wood finishes, and humidity control systems for proper wine aging.
Wine Walls
A wine wall is a modern and visually striking wine storage solution, often used for both functionality and decor. It typically involves a system of racks or shelves that display wine bottles in various ways (covered in the next chapter), while enclosed in glass. Wine walls are highly sought for creating a dramatic, space-saving wine storage area. Wine walls can be found in homes, restaurants, and bars, often becoming a focal point of the room due to their design.
Key Features of a Wine Wall
Slim Storage: Unlike traditional wine cellars or cabinets, a wine wall reduces the depth required, and spread the wine directly across the wall, usually with the bottles displayed horizontally, cork out, angled, or vertically.
Open Display: Wine walls usually keep the wine visible, making them as much about design as they are about storage. They may use metal, wood, glass, or acrylic racks that securely hold the bottles in place.
Temperature Control: Wine walls are temperature controlled installations, especially in homes with higher ambient temperature. When you enclose wine with glass, the temperature inside the glass is warmer than the temperature outside of it. This is because glass traps heat. This is why Prestige Wine Cellars will always HIGHLY recommend a cooling unit is used with a wine wall.
Lighting: LED lighting is often added to wine walls to highlight the bottles and create a dramatic effect, especially in glass-enclosed spaces.
Dimensions: Wine walls are highly customizable, so the size depends on the available space and the desired capacity. Here’s a general breakdown:
Small Wine Wall (Holds 10-50 bottles): Height: 36-60 inches (91-152 cm). Width: 24-48 inches (61-122 cm). Depth: 4-12 inches (10-30 cm).
Medium Wine Wall (Holds 50-150 bottles): Height: 60-96 inches (152-244 cm). Width: 48-96 inches (122-244 cm). Depth: 6-18 inches (15-46 cm).
Large Wine Wall (Holds 150-300+ bottles): Height: 96-120+ inches (244-305 cm or more). Width: 96-144 inches (244-366 cm or more). Depth: 6-18 inches (15-46 cm). The depth is usually minimal because wine bottles are displayed horizontally, taking up little floor space.
Pricing: The price of a wine wall depends on factors like size, materials, installation complexity, and whether it includes climate control. Costs can range from affordable to luxurious.
Budget (Basic racking design, 100-200 bottles): $40,000 - $60,000
Mid-Range (Customizable systems, 200-400 bottles, with lighting and glass enclosures): $60,000 - $75,000
High-End (Luxury installations, custom designs, glass enclosures, built-in climate control, 400+ bottles): $80,000-$100,000+ Warning: Installing a wine wall correctly requires the use of trained professionals such as insured General Contractors, licensed Refrigeration experts, licensed Electricians, Drywallers, Painters, etc. This is why Prestige Wine Cellars is your go to wine cellar expert. We handle everything, ensuring the process is as simple and enjoyable as possible for our clients.
Wine Cellars
A wine cellar is a dedicated space designed to store wine in optimal conditions for long-term aging. Unlike wine fridges or cabinets, wine cellars provide stable temperature, humidity, and light control, creating an ideal environment for wine preservation. Wine cellars are usually built in basements or underground areas, though some are above ground with proper insulation and climate control systems.
Key Features of a Wine Cellar
Temperature Control: The cellar is kept at a constant temperature, typically between 55 Degrees F and 58 Degrees F (13C-15C), which is optimal for aging wine.
Humidity Control: A wine cellar maintains humidity levels between 50% and 70% to prevent corks from drying out, which can lead to oxidation and spoilage of the wine.
UV and Light Protection: Wine cellars are usually kept dark to avoid exposure to UV rays, which can damage the wine. If lighting is needed, it’s typically soft and non-UV emitting.
Vibration Control: A wine cellar minimizes vibrations to prevent disturbing the wine’s sediment, which can affect its aging process and flavor development.
Shelving and Racking: Wine cellars are typically fitted with wine racks made from wood or metal, allowing bottles to be stored horizontally and maximizing storage capacity. These racks can be custom-built or modular, depending on the space and design.
Insulation: Proper insulation is necessary to maintain a consistent temperature and humidity. The walls, ceiling, and sometimes floor may be insulated to keep out heat and moisture.
Typical Dimensions
Wine cellars vary widely in size, depending on the space available and the number of bottles to be stored. Here are some general dimensions:
Small Wine Cellar (Holds 100-500 bottles): Height: 7-8 feet (2.1-2.4 meters). Width: 5-8 feet (1.5-2.4 meters). Depth: 5-8 feet (1.5-2.4 meters).
Medium Wine Cellar (Holds 500-1,500 bottles): Height: 7-8 feet (2.1-2.4 meters). Width: 8-15 feet (2.4-4.5 meters). Depth: 8-15 feet (2.4-4.5 meters).
Large Wine Cellar (Holds 1,500-5,000+ bottles): Height: 8-10 feet (2.4-3 meters). Width: 15-30 feet (4.5-9 meters). Depth: 15-30 feet (4.5-9 meters). Wine cellars can be as small as a closet or as large as a full room or basement. The size depends on your collection size and your goals for aging wine.
Affordability & Pricing
The cost of building a wine cellar depends on its size, the quality of the materials used, and the complexity of the climate control system. Wine cellars are generally a significant investment, especially if they are custom-designed or retrofitted into existing spaces.
Budget Wine Cellar (Small, 100-200 bottles, DIY with modular racks, limited climate control): Cost: $40,000 - $50,000. These are often small repurposed closet, or under the stairs.
Mid-Range Wine Cellar (Medium, 200 - 500 bottles, custom racking, built-in climate control, Glass): Cost: $50,000 - $80,000. This range includes professionally designed cellars with custom racks, proper insulation, and reliable cooling systems.
High-End Wine Cellar (Large, 500-5,000+ bottles, custom design, advanced climate control, luxurious finishes): Cost: $120,000 - $500,000+. These are large, luxury wine cellars often found in high end homes, or restaurants. They feature custom wood/metal work, glass walls, advanced cooling and humidity systems, tasting rooms or additional features such as fingerprint locks, and Al sommelier systems. Additional costs, such as lighting, and specialized racking, can also increase the total price of building a wine cellar.
Wine Cellar Location
Choosing the ideal location for a wine cellar in your home is essential to preserving the quality and longevity of your wine. As we mentioned earlier, several factors need to be considered to ensure the environment is suitable. Here are the key elements to think about.
Temperature Stability
Ideal temperature: Wine should be stored at around 55°F (13°C), though 45–65°F (7–18°C) is acceptable as long as it remains consistent. Temperature fluctuations can cause the wine to age prematurely or develop off-flavors.
Avoid warm areas: Steer clear of locations near kitchen appliances, laundry rooms, or any space with direct sunlight, as these can cause overheating.
Humidity Control
Optimal humidity: Humidity levels should sit between 50% and 70%. If it’s too dry, corks can shrink, allowing air to seep in and spoil the wine. If it’s too humid, mold can form on labels or corks.
Vibration-Free Environment
Minimal disturbance: Wine should not be exposed to constant movement or vibration, which can disturb the sediment in the bottles and impact the aging process. Avoid locations near appliances like refrigerators, washers, or heavy-traffic areas.
Lighting
Low light: UV rays from sunlight will degrade wine, causing it to age too quickly or spoil. Choose a location that is void of natural light, dark, or that can be easily dimmed. When lighting is installed, use low-heat, UV-filtered lighting like LED.
Air Flow
Airflow: Proper airflow prevents the growth of mold and helps control odors, which can penetrate through corks and affect the flavor of the wine. This is why proper cooling unit installation is so important.
Security & Accessibility
Security: Consider the security of the location if you are storing valuable wines. For clients with children, we recommend locks — a standard feature on our glass enclosures. Clients can upgrade to fingerprint access if desired.
Convenient but controlled access: It’s best to keep the cellar in a location that’s convenient, but not in a high-traffic area where temperatures and conditions fluctuate.
Available Space
Size and future needs: Make sure the space can accommodate your current collection, plus expansion. If you think you won’t collect more wine — trust us, you will. Plan for shelves, racks, and room to grow.
Cost of Modifications
If you are adding a cellar to a home that doesn’t naturally have the right conditions (like a basement), factor in the costs of cooling units, demolition, framing, electrical, insulation, drywall, and paint or masonry.
Common Locations for Home Wine Cellars
Basements: The most common option in colder climates, or states that permit a basement.
Closets or pantries: Very easy to convert, and due to their smaller size and lack of windows, a cost-efficient option.
Walls & niches: Any bare wall or niche can become a glass-enclosed wine feature with temperature and humidity control.
Under the stairs: Often underutilized, this space can be converted into a small wine storage area with full climate control.
Converted rooms: Larger collections may require converting a dedicated room — or part of one — into a climate-controlled cellar.
By carefully selecting the location and addressing these environmental factors, you can create the perfect space to store and age your wine collection properly.
Cooling Units
The cooling unit is, single handedly, the most important component of every wine cellar project. We cannot stress this enough. Improper sizing, incorrect installation, and a poor choice of make or model can create a whole host of problems — mold, wet spots in drywall, condensation on glass, and high temperatures. At Prestige Wine Cellars we are happy to help you select the right cooling unit, and we ship worldwide.
Pro Tip
We see project after project, call after call, where a builder or HVAC company tries to install a cooling unit and it doesn’t work properly. Most HVAC workers don’t know refrigeration — which is exactly what a cooling system requires. When selecting a company to install your cooling unit, make sure they are REFRIGERATION experts. Prestige uses certified, insured refrigeration technicians whom we have personally trained and tested for every installation.
Cooling Unit Components
A wine cellar cooling unit consists of two main components — the condenser and the evaporator — which work together to maintain the ideal temperature and humidity inside the cellar.
The Condenser
The condenser releases the heat absorbed from the cellar to the outside environment and helps ensure airflow within the cellar. A compressor compresses the refrigerant gas (R134a, R404, R410A, or R22), raising its temperature and pressure. The hot, pressurized gas flows through the condenser coils, where a fan blows air across them so the refrigerant can release its heat. As the refrigerant cools, it condenses back into a high-pressure liquid and flows to the evaporator to continue the cycle.
The Evaporator
The evaporator cools the air inside the cellar and is installed inside or nearby. Liquid refrigerant enters the evaporator coils and expands into a low-pressure gas, absorbing heat from the cellar air, while a fan circulates the cooled air back in. As it cools the air, the evaporator also dehumidifies it — condensing moisture much like a dehumidifier — to help maintain proper humidity. The refrigerant, now a gas, returns to the condenser to release its heat outside, completing the cycle.
Self-Contained Units
A self-contained cooling unit is a compact, all-in-one device that combines the evaporator and condenser into a single housing for easy installation. Many can be mounted through a wall or placed in the cellar and simply plugged in. They hold the ideal 55–58°F storage temperature, and the best models also regulate humidity between 50% and 70%.
Tip: Never use a cooling unit that doesn’t also regulate humidity.
Advantages: Quick, cost-effective installation with no ductwork or separate condenser location required.
Limitations: Because the condenser is part of the unit, self-contained systems exhaust heat and noise into the space just outside the cellar. For this reason we don’t recommend them in spaces you frequent — living rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens. They’re also less powerful, and best suited to small wine features like a coat closet or an insulated wine cabinet.
Split Systems
A split system separates the evaporator and condenser into two components. The evaporator is installed inside or near the cellar (ducted or non-ducted), while the noisier condenser is placed outside or in a remote location such as a garage or attic. Insulated copper refrigerant lines connect the two; they perform best under 50 feet and should not exceed 100 feet without additional mechanical equipment.
Advantages: With the condenser outside the cellar, split systems run far more quietly, handle larger cellars than self-contained units, and offer greater temperature and humidity control through superior airflow.
Limitations: They require professional installation and careful calibration. The condenser needs roughly 2’ × 2’ of ventilated space, and the evaporator must sit within 25 feet of the cellar — in an attic, fur-down, or mechanical room.
Ducted Systems
A ducted cooling unit connects to the cellar via supply and return ducts from a remote evaporator, with no visible equipment inside the cellar. Ducts should run no further than 25 feet. The result is a clean, elegant look, quieter operation, design flexibility for custom layouts, and uniform cooling throughout. Ducted systems require proper ductwork installed by a licensed refrigeration tech, plus routine maintenance every six months — which, when kept up, delivers 15+ years of proper storage conditions.
Ductless Systems
Ductless systems — which can be either self-contained or split — are a practical, efficient solution for smaller spaces or custom cellars where ductwork isn’t feasible. They install faster, cost less, and fit neatly into compact designs. They’re ideal for smaller or medium cellars such as a wine wall, or for spaces with no attic, crawl space, or adjacent room for a ducted unit.
How to Size a Unit
Properly sizing a cooling unit means reliably maintaining 55–58°F and 50–70% humidity, and is determined by a Heat Load Calculation that accounts for the following:
Cellar volume: Multiply the cellar’s length, width, and height (in feet) to find its cubic footage.
Insulation & vapor barriers: Use at least R-21 for walls and R-28 for ceilings, with a properly installed vapor barrier. Closed-cell spray foam acts as both insulation and vapor barrier. For glass cellars, the R-value of the glass is critical — single-pane frameless glass (typically ½” thick) has a much lower R-value than dual-pane framed glass.
Ambient temperature: The unit must overcome the difference between the desired cellar temperature and the surrounding environment. If the ambient temperature is 85°F and the cellar needs to be 55°F, the unit must manage a 30°F difference.
Heat load: Account for lighting, glass doors and windows, appliances, and how often people access the cellar. Glass requires more cooling power due to heat gain.
BTU guidelines: Small cellars (up to 300 cu. ft.) need 1,500–4,600 BTUs; medium cellars (300–800 cu. ft.) need 4,600–8,600 BTUs; large cellars (800+ cu. ft.) need 8,600–15,000+ BTUs.
Humidity control: Always confirm your unit regulates humidity — one of the most important factors in proper wine storage.
Pricing
Split-system pricing varies by capacity, brand, and features such as advanced humidity control. Small to medium systems (cellars up to 500 cu. ft.): $2,500–$5,000. Medium to large systems (up to 1,000 cu. ft.): $5,000–$8,000. Large or commercial systems: $8,000–$15,000+. Installation typically adds $1,000–$3,000 depending on complexity and condenser location.
Popular Cooling Unit Brands
Over the years, cooling unit brands have come and gone as technology developed. Prestige Wine Cellars is an authorized dealer for every major manufacturer — and the best units aren’t available to end users at all, as the top suppliers are strictly B2B. Here are three of the leading brands.
Wine Guardian: A division of Air Innovations, introduced in 1998. One of the more advanced manufacturers on the market, with a sleek look, advanced remote monitoring, and a higher price tag.
WhisperKOOL: Established in 2001, WhisperKOOL specializes in cooling systems for residential and commercial wine cellars.
CellarPro: Established in 2008 as an extension of Le Cache Wine Cabinets (founded 1989). Dissatisfied with existing units, the founders developed their own systems to meet a higher standard.
Racking & Bottle Orientations
When designing your cellar, it’s important to understand how your bottles can be stored and displayed. Each orientation has its own advantages, trade-offs, and dimensional requirements. Let’s look at the five main ways a bottle can be stored, then the racking systems we build and source to bring a cellar to life.
Bottle Orientations
Cork Forward: The bottle lies down running front to back, with the cork pointing toward you and the base facing the wall. The advantage is efficiency — for collectors who want to maximize storage, cork out is the best.
Horizontal: The bottle lies on its side running left to right. Great for a more visual aesthetic, as it shows off more of the label.
Angled Display: One of the most desired orientations. The bottle lies at an angle, giving an unobstructed view of the label and bottle. The trade off is space; each angled row takes up significantly more room than the other orientations.
Vertical: Bottles stand straight up. Uncommon for standard 750ml bottles, but perfect for showing off larger formats like magnums, or your most prized and coveted labels.
Styles of Racking
Racking is where function meets design. We build and source racking in a range of materials and systems to match any aesthetic — from warm, traditional cellars to sleek, contemporary displays.
Wood: The timeless classic. Available in species like alder, white oak, mahogany, redwood, pine, and walnut. Wood racking can be stained or finished to match your home and machined for any bottle format. It offers the widest range of configurations — individual bottles, diamond bins, case storage, and display rows.
Metal: Modern, minimal, and strong. Powder coated steel or anodized aluminum racking suits contemporary and glass enclosed cellars, and its slim profile lets the bottles, not the rack, be the focal point.
Cables: Floor to ceiling stainless cable systems suspend bottles in mid-air for a striking, floating display. Ideal for glass wine walls where you want light and sightlines to pass straight through the collection.
Pegs: Peg systems cradle each bottle individually on a backing of wood, metal, or acrylic. They read clean and architectural, and make a feature of label-forward or cork-out presentation.
Rails: Label forward rail systems angle bottles so the front label faces out, turning your collection into a gallery wall. Best for showing off prized labels rather than maximizing density.
Partners we build with: We design and build with trusted racking systems and craftspeople, including VintageView, Kessick, Millésime, Genuwine Cellars, and Iron Wine Cellars — alongside custom local carpentry for fully bespoke millwork. We match the system to your aesthetic, budget, and bottle formats.
Wall Coverings
The surfaces around your collection do more than set the mood, they’re part of the building envelope. Behind every finish sits insulation and a vapor barrier doing the real work of holding temperature and humidity; the covering is the visible layer that frames the bottles. Because cellars run cool and humid, finishes must tolerate that environment without warping, peeling, or harboring mold, which is why material choice matters as much here as anywhere in the build.
Wood slats: Warm, textural paneling that adds depth and rhythm. Sealed hardwood slats handle cellar humidity well and pair beautifully with wood racking.
Paint: The simplest, most cost-effective option. We use moisture-resistant, low-VOC finishes rated for high-humidity spaces so they won’t blister behind the glass.
Wallpaper: A way to introduce pattern or color — but only specialty, humidity-rated wallpaper and adhesive belong in a cellar. Standard paper will lift at the seams over time.
Stone & back-lit stone: Natural stone or stone veneer adds genuine texture and mass. Translucent stone, when back lit, glows from within and becomes the single most dramatic feature in a cellar. Veneer is lighter and easier to install than full stone while reading nearly identical. Typically we recommend 2cm-3cm depending on the stone, it’s placement, and use.
Wood paneling (and back-lit): Solid or veneered panels give a rich, enveloping look. Back-lighting the joints or a slatted panel adds warmth and depth without raising cellar temperature.
Mirror: Reflective surfaces bounce light and make a collection feel larger and deeper — a smart trick in small or narrow cellars. We use tempered, moisture rated mirror to avoid edge corrosion.
A quick comparison: stone veneer brings texture and a premium feel at moderate weight and cost; plaster and paint are the most economical and let the bottles lead; slat wood adds the most warmth and does the most acoustically. We help you weigh look, cost, insulation value, and humidity tolerance for your specific space.
Enclosures & Doors
Glass Enclosures
Glass is what turns a wine cellar into a showpiece. For cellars, wine walls, and contemporary features, it comes in two main constructions:
Single-pane frameless: Typically ½” thick tempered glass with no visible frame, for the cleanest, most seamless look. Because it’s a single pane, it has a lower R-value (less insulation) and benefits from a more powerful, properly sized cooling unit. Frameless glass can leave small air gaps at the edges, which we detail carefully to control condensation.
Dual pane framed: Two panes with an insulating gap, set in a steel or aluminum frame. These dimensions can vary but typically 1/4” panes with 1/2” gap. The gap can come in air, or argon gas. It delivers a much higher R-value than single pane frameless, no air gaps, and far better thermal performance. The right choice when energy efficiency and tight climate control matter most. For clients in humid geographic locations such as Florida, or Texas, this glass system is highly recommended for residential projects, and a strict requirement for commercial/hospitality.
Clear vs. Starphire: Both styles of glass come in standard Clear glass or Starphire ultra-clear glass. Standard clear carries a faint green tint at the edges; Starphire is low-iron, so it’s water-clear and shows your labels and lighting in their truest color. For a flagship display, Starphire is worth it.
Whatever the construction, remember that glass traps heat — every glass-enclosed feature should always be paired with a properly sized cooling unit.
Doors
Beyond glass, we build and install doors to match your home’s architecture, each sealed and weather-stripped for climate control:
Glass doors: Frameless or framed, for seamless sightlines into the cellar, matched to your enclosure.
Wooden doors: Warm and traditional, built solid and sealed to hold the cellar’s climate.
Steel doors: Industrial, modern, and secure, with a crisp contemporary edge.
Traditional doors: Classic paneled or arched doors for a timeless, old-world cellar.
Every door is fitted to seal tightly — a leaky door undermines even the best cooling system.
Handles & Locks
Handles: The finishing jewelry of the cellar — from minimalist bar pulls to substantial custom hardware — chosen to complement your door and overall design.
Locks: A standard feature on our glass enclosures. For families with children, or especially valuable collections, we offer fingerprint and keyed-lock upgrades so access stays controlled without compromising the look.
Lighting
Lighting is what turns a cellar into a gallery. We design every layout to showcase the collection while protecting it — using low-heat, UV-filtered LED that won’t raise temperatures or fade labels.
Types of Lighting
Down lighting: Overhead light that washes the racking from above. We offer it in three tiers — Good, Better, and Best — that step up in fixture quality, dimming smoothness, and control, so you can match the lighting investment to the cellar.
Backlighting: Light placed behind racking, panels, or stone to create glow and depth, and to silhouette bottles dramatically.
Ambient lighting: Soft, indirect light that sets the overall mood of the room and ties the scene together.
Getting the Light Right
A few specs separate good cellar lighting from great:
Brightness (lumens): We tune lumen levels so the cellar feels inviting and well-lit without ever being harsh — display areas get more light, storage runs get less.
Color accuracy (CRI): We use high-CRI fixtures (90+) so wood grain, stone, and label artwork appear true to life. Low-CRI light makes a cellar look flat and cheap.
Color temperature (Kelvin): Warm 2700K light feels cozy and traditional; cooler 4000K reads crisp and modern. We choose — or blend — based on your finishes and the mood you want.
Integration: Lighting can tie into Lutron or Control4 for scenes, dimming, and schedules, so a single tap sets the perfect mood while keeping heat and UV exposure in check.
Soundproofing & Acoustic Design
In high-end homes, silence is part of the luxury. The hum of a poorly insulated cooling unit or the vibration of ductwork can distract from the elegance of a space designed for relaxation, tasting, or entertaining. At Prestige Wine Cellars, we approach sound control as both a science and an art — integrating acoustic strategy from the very first design draft rather than treating it as an afterthought.
Why It Matters
Premium refrigeration systems are engineered for performance, but even the quietest systems generate some vibration and airflow noise. Without proper acoustic planning, that subtle hum can resonate through glass, wood, or drywall. For collectors who’ve invested in the look and feel of a refined home, unwanted noise breaks the illusion of calm.
How We Engineer Silence
Isolated cooling placement: Whenever possible, we locate compressors or split-system condensing units outside the immediate cellar envelope, reducing decibel output where it matters most.
Acoustic insulation: We line mechanical chases and adjacent framing cavities with dense, sound-rated insulation to absorb vibration and airflow resonance.
Vibration-dampening mounts: Anti-vibration pads, flexible line sets, and isolation brackets prevent structure-borne noise from transferring into surrounding walls or floors.
Sealed air paths: Proper duct design and gasketed penetrations ensure air moves efficiently — without whistling or rattle.
The Prestige Touch
We believe quiet is the final finish. A Prestige cellar isn’t just built to look beautiful — it’s built to feel peaceful. The stillness you sense when you step inside isn’t accidental; it’s crafted. Every layer, from the cooling design to the insulation behind the walls, is tuned so your collection ages in a space that sounds as refined as it looks.
Smart Cellar Integration
Technology should elevate the experience, not complicate it. Every sensor, light, and system we integrate serves one purpose — to preserve and showcase your wine as living art. Smart doesn’t mean flashy; it means invisible confidence that your collection is aging exactly as it should.
Lighting & Scene Control
With Control4 or Lutron integration, we design every lighting layout like a gallery — emphasizing craftsmanship and mood while maintaining precise control over the environment your wine lives in.
Remote Temperature & Humidity Monitoring
Every Prestige cellar includes the option for continuous climate tracking through connected sensors. You’ll receive live readings and instant notifications for any fluctuation beyond safe thresholds — whether you’re upstairs or across the country. Your phone becomes a real-time dashboard for your cellar’s health, and if you’ve chosen our service plan, we’ll know too.
Humidity & Leak Alerts
Protecting your investment means catching small issues before they become costly. Integrated leak sensors and humidity alerts provide an early-warning system against condensation, water intrusion, or cooling malfunction. We combine discreet sensors, proper drainage design, and proactive alerts — because true luxury is being protected before you ever notice a problem.
The Build Process
A custom wine cellar is a construction project — framing, insulation, vapor barriers, electrical, refrigeration, glazing, and millwork, all happening inside a finished home. The most important decision you’ll make is who runs that project. A general contractor can frame a room; a wine cellar builder engineers an environment. At Prestige, every build is turnkey: we design in CAD so you can walk your cellar before we build it, coordinate every trade ourselves, protect your home throughout construction, and pressure-test the room before a single rack is installed. Most projects run twelve to sixteen weeks from approved design to final reveal — and only a fraction of that happens inside your home.
Maintenance & Service
Even the best system needs checkups. Routine maintenance keeps your cellar performing as a lifelong asset rather than an ongoing repair project — and it’s built into the way we work.
What’s Included
Prestige offers a service plan with two visits per year — one in spring and one in fall. On each visit we inspect the system, blow out the lines, clean or replace filters, and check the drain pan to keep everything running at its best.
Why It Matters
Failure to keep up with routine maintenance can result in clogged drain lines, leaks, and a loss of cold air. A small, predictable maintenance schedule protects a collection — and an environment — worth far more than the service itself.
Your Homeowner Checklist
Between professional visits, a few small habits protect your investment: monitor temperature and humidity weekly, wipe up any water you find, check the door seal, keep the space out of direct sunlight, and keep it tidy.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a custom wine cellar cost?
How long does it take to build a wine cellar?
Can I add a wine cellar above ground?
Do I need a permit to build a wine cellar?
What temperature and humidity should a wine cellar maintain?
Where is the best place in my home for a wine cellar?
How many bottles should I plan for?
What kind of cooling unit do I need?
Why can’t my general contractor or HVAC company install the cooling unit?
Does my wine cellar need a glass enclosure?
How do I maintain my wine cellar?
Can a closet or under-stairs space become a real wine cellar?
Will a wine cellar add value to my home?
How do I choose the right wine cellar builder?
What happens if my cooling system fails?
Why is humidity control so important?
Budget Calculator
Want a head start on your numbers? We’re building an interactive budget calculator that will estimate your project cost based on bottle count, glass percentage, and finishes.
Coming soon: Our interactive budget calculator is in development. Check back shortly — or reach out now and our team will prepare a detailed, line-item estimate for your space, with no mystery costs.
In the meantime, use our Heat Load Calculator to start sizing the cooling system your cellar will need.
Let’s Design Your Cellar Together
You’ve done the research — now let’s design the cellar to match. Tell us about your space, your collection, and your vision, and we’ll craft a showpiece built for beauty, function, and prestige.