Photo Courtesy of Winemarks Cellars
WineMarks Cellars, LLC. located in the Washington, Baltimore, Miami and Ft. Lauderdale areas.
Wine is a living art. From its beginning in the rocky soil, with little topsoil and plenty of sun, small vines grow into beautifully intertwined branches. Succulent gems emerge and hang in tight clusters over the ground. Each bottle of wine has its own personality, its own nuances. The past few years have shown an increase in the variety of wines available from countries entering the market, such as Australia, Chile and Bulgaria. It is no surprise that the popularity of wine and custom cellars has seen tremendous growth.
Wine requires special attention. Whether you purchase wine to be enjoyed in the near future or have invested in those that age gracefully over the years, environment is of the utmost concern. If you are considering adding a wine cellar to your home, it is always best to consult a professional. A wine cellar designer will know the best location for your cellar, how to overcome any obstacles your home may present, and which cellar design and size are best for you. There is more to a wine cellar than simply blocking off a room and installing shelves.
Wines must be stored at a consistent temperature and humidity level, with little exposure to light to obtain their optimum flavor and mature at the proper rate. A temperature of 55 to 58 degrees, and a humidity level between 55 and 75 percent is ideal for wines. Refrigeration units come in a variety of sizes and can be located within the cellar or to its exterior. This leads to the question of how large your new cellar should be. A true wine lover will find his appreciation and passion for collecting and sharing fine wine growing constantly. Therefore, plan big! A true connoisseur’s wine collection is certain to evolve.
Because of the sustained humidity levels within the cellar, only certain wood species are chosen to fashion the shelves and molding. Honduran mahogany, all-heart redwood, red oak and Georgian pecan are examples of woods which serve cellar designs well. Cedar, a very popular wood species, is better suited for closets. Its rich aroma may penetrate the wine’s cork and destroy its flavor.
A wine cellar’s shelving can be as attractive as it is functional. Curved shelving, waterfall displays, diamond shaped bins and freestanding shelves which double as islands are available. The area within the cellar can be designed to store wine in a manner of fashions. Bottles can be stored individually, in pairs, in diamond-shaped bins, in vertical display cabinets which allow for easy viewing of the wines’ labels or within their cases. Most importantly, the bottles must be positioned in such a way that the cork remains moist, insuring the wine does not come in contact with air.
The cost of a wine cellar is contingent on many factors. Do-it-yourself shelving kits are available and range from $2.50 to $3.00 a bottle. Those working with a designer can expect to pay 3-4 times more. The additional costs reflect a wider selection of wood species, such as cherry or Honduran mahogany, and the employment of a custom cabinetmaker. Another indispensable benefit of turning to designers is the opportunity to share in their vast knowledge of wine.
If you are just getting started in wines, a reputable wine cellar merchant can help hone your appreciation for wine, and advise you on when and how much of a particular wine to purchase. If you plan to entertain, or simply enjoy surrounding yourself with the beauty of the cellar, glass doors etched with a custom design will allow you and your guests to enjoy the wine cellar in an adjacent room. If you do not have the luxury of a basement or your job entails relocating, free standing wine cellars are available. These cellars can hold from 144 to as many as 600 single bottles. Their thoughtful design allows them to comfortably fit into any room in your home.
Do you enjoy entertaining? Then you may want to invest in a wine captain. The convenience they provide along with their attractive designs makes them indispensable. The wine is displayed in a lit, controlled environment, complete with tinted thermal-tempered glass doors. Captains can hold up to 60 bottles of wine and are perfect for any social occasion.
When it is all said and done, wine collecting is a fabulous adventure. As your taste in wines matures, you will find yourself exploring the endless selection of wines available from around the world. Your wine cellar will become a portal to exotic tastes, aromas and cultures.
