Wine Rack Cabinets
For Your Wine Cellar

Wine rack cabinets are the primary components used when building a wine cellar. They can take on a variety of shapes and sizes, and be made from several different materials.

Eventually, you'll be storing a valuable collection. You'll want to make sure you do this right. To determine which choices are best for you, let's answer a few important questions.

1. How will you use your wine cellar?

Most folks just want to store as much wine as will fit within the allotted space. Others want a room where they can pour wine and entertain guests. Still others would like a showpiece room where they can do both.

2. Which wood species should your wine rack cabinets be made of?

Appearance is an important consideration. Cost is another. Soft woods (like pine) are the most economical, but they don't take stains very well, and the seasonal expansion and contraction could make the racks look a bit uneven after a few years.

Redwood is used traditionally because it resists mod and mildew, and it looks good without any stain. However, it's a bit rough to the touch. Odorless wood species naturally resistant to decay will provide the ideal environment of long-term use.

Mahogany is a beautiful wood that takes a finish very well. The look and feel of mahogany is the best, but it's also the most expensive. Poplar, birch, and cedar should be avoided.

3. What types of wine are you going to store in your wine cellar?

How do you purchase your wine - by the case, or individual bottles? Do you like to buy magnum-sized bottles, or half-bottles? The bottle sizes determine the configuration of your wine rack cabinets.

Also, think about what types of wines you drink - reds, whites, champagnes. Champagnes and whites can be stored in the same room with reds, but should then be cooled before serving.

4. What size bins will you need?

Will you put each bottle in it's own cubicle? Or will you include large diamond bins to hold a case of a particular wine together. You'll probably use both.

The issue is how many of each bin you will need, and where to place them. The more large bins you create, the more wine you can store.

The individual cubicles allow for better air flow. This could be important if you collect a few vinatage wines. Would you like a display row to show off your favorite labels?

5. Would you like a counter top for pouring and a drawer for corkscrews and other accessories?

This is a must if you intend to entertain here. Counter tops can be made of many materials. Check out Countertops for more on this. These are great for storing snacks, cheeses, chocolates, and other things to make your wine tasting more enjoyable.

6. Do you want to showcase any artwork or display bottles?

You could design an arch to be a focal point in your wine cellar. Placing the wine rack cabinets in a balanced pattern around an arch can highlight whatever you wish to display. If the door to this room has a glass panel, the arch should be placed so that it can be seen through the door. This brings us to....

YES. Exterior grade doors are recommended since they won't warp while keeping the cooler air and humidity inside the wine cellar. This door also sets the look and feel of the room before visitors enter. Security should be an issue if you have children in the house, and for those with expensive collections.

8. Do you need a cooling unit for the room?

Consistent atmospheric conditions are the key to preserving and aging wine. Keep the temperature between 55 and 60 degrees fahrenheit, and the relative humidity between 60 to 65%. This is ideal for long term wine storage.

The cool temperature slows the aging process, while the humidity prevents moisture inside the wine bottles from moving into the cork and then evaporating into the air. Ultraviolet light should be kept to a minimum.

The basements of most modern homes are too warm and dry to provide ideal conditions. You can install a system for this, but be careful to prevent water leakage to other parts of the house.

Another option is to by one or more wine coolers. These self-contained "refrigerators" are readily available and easy to use. However, the larger models could increase your electrical bill by about $30 per month.

9. How much will this cost?

The issue of budget shouldn't be a major factor in your decision to have a wine cellar. The choices of wood for wine rack cabinets, and the options regarding racking techniques, allow you to create a room from a modest budget to a very generous one.

Once you've made preliminary choices, get prices. Then (if necessary) make adjustments to bring the cost down.

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