HOW TO CREATE THE PERFECT WINE STORAGE

 

Creating the perfect wine storage space is crucial for wine enthusiasts and collectors. Not only does it keep your wine at the right temperature and humidity, but it also keeps your bottles organized and easily accessible.

Wine “closets” are becoming a trendy request of interior designers. Dedicated rooms, such as the glass storage systems in the Marvel Street and Jensen Lakes home, are not just for wine condensers anymore. With the help of an professional, stunning wine storage can be achieved at any price point to fit any design style. Here are some tips on how to create the perfect wine storage space.

A free-standing wine storage system centered on the main floor of a modern home with light wood and glass and black racks holding up an assortment of wine bottles.

Project: Jensen Lake Project

Build Team:

Photographer:

Project: Marvel Street Project

Build Team:

Photographer: Janis Nicolay Photography

Location:

Before you get to the design, it’s imperative to find the perfect location for your wine area. Traditionally, the ideal spot for wine is in a cool, dark, and damp-free area, such as a basement or wine cellar. Fortunately, a wine cellar isn’t a necessity anymore with the technology of tempura controlled equipment.

Storage:

The right technology opens up more possibilities for location and style. Of course, the easiest way to store your wine is to invest in a wine fridge or cooler. Fridges such as the Sub-Zero Wine Cooler have scalable temperature settings, so white, sparkling, rose, and red wines can all be stored on different shelves at the optimum temperature. Temperature and humidity are critical factors in wine storage. Wine should be stored at a consistent temperature between 12° and 14° Celsius (55° and 58° Fahrenheit), with a humidity level between 60 and 70%.

Proper ventilation is essential to keep your wine storage space dry and prevent mould growth. Make sure the space has adequate ventilation to keep the air circulating.

A close up of an integrated wine fridge in a kitchen island cabinet with medium toned wood and an overhang countertop.

Cypress Place Project — LEIBHERR WINE FRIDGE

White kitchen cabinets with an integrated wine fridge with black hardware to match the rest of the kitchen.

Sherwood Lane Project — SUBZERO WINE FRIDGE

Kohler Showroom — SUBZERO WINE FRIDGE

Accessibility:

Wherever you place it, make sure that the wine is easily accessible (to those over the legal drinking age). Vibrations can disrupt the flavour profile and quality of wine, so make sure the shelves and racks are sturdy and easy to reach. Wine bottles can be easily broken, and proper storage can help ensure that less wine is lost due to mishaps. Security can be put in place, such as locks or cameras, to ensure that the wine is only accessible to those with the key.

A wine rack with diagonal shelves angled inward with bottles of wine stored inside.

Project: McNair Ave Project

Build Team:

Photographer: Janis Nicolay Photography

Project: Russell Ave Project

Build Team:

Photographer: Janis Nicolay Photography

Wine comes in many different shapes, sizes, and colours; the bottles and logos can be works of art on their own. Racks and shelves should be open, not just for ventilation and accessibility but also to show off those bottles.

Lighting:

Lighting is an important part of any design space, but it is especially important for wine storage. UV light can damage wine, so it's important to keep your wine storage space out of direct sunlight. Use low-level lighting or light-blocking curtains to keep your wine in the dark.

A front on view of the wine storage system with glass and horizontally stacked wine bottles, the case acts as a room divider between the entry foyer and the dining room.

Project: Marvel Street Project

Build Team:

Photographer: Janis Nicolay Photography

A frontal view of the wine storage system encased in glass and with a marble-clad focal wall between the case and the dining space.

Project: Jensen Lake Project

Build Team:

Photographer: Janis Nicolay Photography

By following these tips, you can create the perfect wine storage space that keeps your wine at the ideal temperature and humidity, keeps your bottles organized and easily accessible, and reflects your personal style.

Is wine storage on your “must have” list?