Q: Which areas are suitable for a wine cellar?

A: The condition of wine is generally affected by temperature, humidity, light and vibration. The ideal location would be an area where all four of these conditions could be managed.

We can design a wine cellar however that will reduce or eliminate these conditions by using an insulated, temperature controlled environment.

Q: Can I renovate an existing room or space in my house to create a wine cellar?

A: Absolutely. We can design a custom wine cellar for any space and turn it into a feature for your home.

Some examples of spaces that have been converted into wine cellars include a spare room in the house, an underground room, empty space under the stairs, a corner or wall in a living area and wine storage cabinets in the kitchen.

Q: I have a very small space. Is it possible to turn it into a wine cellar?

A: Yes. Sometimes the best wine cellar transformations come from small spaces that have been converted into a wine cellar feature.

Whether you have an entire room or a small section within a room, we can offer advice to maximise your wine cellar storage and create the best conditions for storing your wine.

Q: What type of budget do I need for a wine cellar?

A: Start with a budget you can afford and we will design a wine cellar that suits your budget.

The cost of a custom wine cellar is determined by the size of the area, temperature control and finishes such as feature areas and lighting.

We work hard to select great value materials and design smart solutions that will maximise your budget and enhance the value of your home.

Q: What steps are involved in building a wine cellar?

A: As part of the design phase we will assess what we need to do to prepare the area and take temperature and humidity readings to allow us to work out the amount of insulation and temperature control required for your space.

The typical stages of wine cellar construction will then involve sealing and insulating the space, installing the temperature control unit, building and installing the wine racks and any features, followed by lighting and finishes.

Q: What materials are best for building a wine cellar?

A: To protect your wine collection the wine cellar needs to be sealed from outside fluctuations in temperature and humidity. For this reason we recommend insulated cool room paneling which provides a complete seal.

There are many different materials that can create an insulated, temperature controlled environment however, so the materials we recommend will be determined by your requirements and the design that best suits your home.

Q: How long does it take to build a wine cellar?

A: The length of the project will be determined by the size of the area, the preparation required and the wine cellar design.

Once you are happy with the design and quote we will provide a detailed program of works to be approved prior to commencement.

We also aim to complete projects in one block of time to minimise disruption to your home and enable you to enjoy your wine cellar as soon as possible.

Q: Does my wine cellar need to be refrigerated?

A: We recommend a temperature controlled wine cellar, particularly for wine collectors, as it is the best way to protect and enhance the value and drinking quality of your wine collection.

Refrigeration allows us to ensure we get the ideal temperature for your wine cellar and depending on the conditions of your area we may also recommend humidification units which run in conjunction with the refrigeration unit to protect your wine.

Not every wine cellar requires temperature control, however. If you have a small space or an area that is dry and maintains a constant temperature of around 12 degrees you may decide that you don’t need refrigeration. This decision comes down to your budget and personal choice.

Q: What are the ideal conditions for storing wine?

A: The ideal temperature for storing wine is 8-12 degrees for white wines and 12 – 16 degrees for red wines. Wine should also be kept at 65-75% humidity.

Q: How much wine will I be able to store in my cellar?

A: The average bottle requires 100mm width, 100mm height and 300mm depth per bottle. This can vary with different wine makers and magnums.

As part of the design phase we will create a storage solution that maximises the number of bottles that you can store. We can also create custom spaces for magnums and cases of wine.

Q: How should a wine bottle be stored?

A: Corked wines need to be stored on their side to keep the cork moist. Screw cap wines can be stored upright however.

The most critical component is the temperature that the wine is stored at along with avoiding variances in temperature and humidity.

Q: How long can wine be stored in a temperature controlled cellar?

A: This depends on the grape variety, vintage, viticultural practices, wine region and wine making style. The wine maker will be able to advise you on the storage life of each wine.

A temperature controlled cellar that maintains a constant temperature and humidity will maximise the life of the wine and enable it to mature to its full potential.

Q: Can white wine and champagne be stored with red wine?

A: Yes. We generally set our temperature controlled rooms at 14 degrees and 70-75% humidity which is suitable for both red and white wines.

Q: Do I need to design the wine cellar or will you help with that?

A: We can offer advice, design ideas, construction options and help with any excavation required. We will start by understanding your requirements and what type of colours and finishes you would like.

We will then prepare a design, budget and program of work for you to approve prior to starting the project.

Q: Does the space for the cellar need to cleared before you can start?

A: We can help with demolition, excavation, demolition or just cleaning out an existing space.

Our projects range from existing storage spaces and unused rooms to underground excavation and demolition of existing internal walls. If you have a space in mind we can help prepare it.

Q: Do I need council approval before we start the project?

A: This depends on the size and structure of the room which we can advise you on as part of the design phase.

If council approval is required we will simply build this into the program of work and apply for council approval as the first stage of the project.

Q: Does it cost anything for you to quote or come out and discuss the project?

A: No, our quotes are free. Our aim when providing a quote is to give you options that will create the best custom wine cellar for your space and an indicative cost to ensure it meets your budget.