Tag Archives: wine racks

Wine Storage Ideas for Small Spaces

Living in a small space should not stop you from collecting your favorite vintages. There are many wine storage solutions best suited for wine collectors who don’t have enough space for a Texas residential wine cellar.

Stackable Modular Wine Racks

One of the main advantages of using modular wine racks is flexibility. This type of wine racks can easily fit in small wine storage spaces, offering an option to add more bottles to your collection in the future without the need to change the whole wine rack. Stackable wine racks eliminate the use of more space when adding more wine bottles.

Space-Efficient Stackable Wine Racks

In addition to space efficiency, modular wine racks also allow ease of mix-and-match with other types of wine racks that you already have. This is why they are not only recommended for limited spaces and small collections, but also for full residential and commercial wine cellars.

Wall Wine Racks

For a small wine collection, it is recommended to store your bottles in wall wine racks instead of using a fridge. Since the fridge will occupy a floor or countertop space in your home, it is not a good option for limited spaces. Wall wine racks, on the other hand, will only take up space on the walls of your living room, kitchen, or dining room.

WALL WINE RACKS

Wall-mounted wine racks made of wood create an earthy look while metal wine racks create a modern appeal to your wine storage space. Wrought iron wall wine racks are suitable for those who want to achieve a vintage look in their space.

Whatever material you want you wine racks to be made of, make sure that they are durable enough to hold your bottles. With wall wine racks, you will not only save space, but will also experience convenience in finding a bottle to serve to your guests.

Wine Racks Built into Other Furniture

If you have tables or counters that have space underneath them, why not make use of that space to store your few wine bottles? This option is suitable for those who always include wine in their casual dinner or those who love to cook with wine. Under the counter wine storage will not only keep wine at hand, but will also make your kitchen look more stylish.

Unlike the wine racks mentioned above, these allow you to install a wine refrigeration unit to ensure that your wines are preserved properly, making them ideal for long term aging.

If you have a mini library, you can incorporate some shelving space for your wine. Isn’t it more enjoyable to read a book with your favorite glass of wine?

Request a FREE consultation and 3D wine cellar design!Whatever storage option you choose, it is important to ensure that you store your wines in a place where they are away from too much heat, vibration, and strong odors.

Whether you need durable wine racks or stylish custom wine cellarsWine Cellar Specialists will provide you the best wine storage solution suitable for your space, budget, and storage needs. Contact them now at 866-646-7089 or visit their website at https://www.winecellarspec.com. To view stylish and functional custom wine rooms they’ve completed, click here.

 

Texas Wine Cellars for Easy Access of Healthy Red Wine

It would seem odd that wine is so popular in the Lone Star State (which is the nickname of Texas), but it’s true. Wine collecting as a hobby, or as a serious business, is steadily growing in popularity in Texas. As a testament to this popularity, some have gone beyond wine collecting to actually producing Texas-made wines.

But for those who are still in the initial stages of their love affair with wine, wine collecting is still the thing to do. There are two main reasons for the proliferation of Texas custom wine cellars. One is that people eventually want to make a profit when they sell their precious vintages, and the other is that people just want easy and ready access to a good bottle of wine.

Wine Cellars are in Demand in Texas

One of the sure signs that wine collecting in Texas is booming, is the increased interest in building a Texas wine cellar. In this state’s warm climate, wine bottles must be stored properly, in adherence to the ideal conditions. If not, the wine will spoil.

Texas wine cellars are some of the most tastefully-designed wine cellars around. This is because there are plenty of professional wine cellar companies who offer stellar services. There are also a range of beautiful wine storage racks to be found on the market, ranging from traditional wood to modern metals, that can fit just about any space or requirement you have.

 

Red Wine in an Instant  

One of the reasons the need for custom wine rooms has experienced growth is that wine collectors want to have easy access to their wine, particularly the rich flavor of a good bottle of red. Imagine being able to procure a bottle of red wine just by going into your wine cellar.

There, you can browse from a variety of bottles you have been storing or aging and pick the best red wine to go with the steak dinner you are having. Imagine having your very own collection of Shiraz, Merlot, or Cabernet Sauvignon just a few steps from your dining area.  This beats running to the store or going to a restaurant just to enjoy a good meal.

RED WINEWin-Win with Red Wine  

Having red wine is not just a great way to enjoy a meal, the fantastic news is that it’s healthy too. Texas wine cellar owners will be pleased to know that red wine in moderation is good for the heart. It contains substances called antioxidants that help prevent heart disease by increasing good cholesterol. It also helps protect the lining of the blood vessels in your heart. Besides, red wine has resveratrol, which helps prevent damage to blood vessels and also helps prevent blood clots.

Custom wine rooms are built not only for proper wine storage but also for easy access to one’s favorite and healthy wines. There is no reason not to include a couple of red wines, which are known to have many health benefits.

Start your wine cellar project today! Wine Cellar Specialists have completed many wine cellar conversion projects in Texas and Chicago. They also offer wine cellar cooling units, doors, flooring, and wine barrel carvings. Call them now at 866-646-7089 or visit their website at https://www.winecellarspec.com/ for more details.

 

Ask a Wine Cellar Specialist to Contact you!

Why Store Your Precious Wines in Refrigerated Texas Wine Cellars

Have you experienced throwing away an expensive bottle of vintage wine because it tastes bad? If yes, you may be storing your collection in poor conditions. Wine Cellar Specialists, a master builder in Texas, recommends homeowners to invest in a climate-controlled wine cellar to protect your favorite vintages from the damaging factors. 

How to Preserve Your Precious Vintages the Proper Way

storing vintages in Texas wine cellar

Wine Needs a Stable Environment to Age Properly

Vintage wine is created from grapes that are grown in a specific year. Hence, if you read a label such as Cabernet Sauvignon 2000, this tells you that the grapes used in making that wine were harvested in the year 2000.

Each harvest of grapes has specific characteristics to them. There are nuances in color, nose, body, and palate with each harvest year. So it follows that older wines are not necessarily better than the younger ones. It all depends on the year of harvest. This is why wine collectors fill their wine racks with bottles from a good vintage year.

For a wine to have the right to have the year and grape-growing region placed on its label, it must have at least 95 % of its grapes come from that harvest year. However, if the wine doesn’t have a specified region where the grapes were grown, the percentage will dip to 85%.

Some wine makers release vintages when the conditions in their vineyards are so good that the grapes grown are exceptional, and as such these wine bottles are available only in limited supply.

So what does it mean for Texas wine collectors to have vintage wines in their collection? Knowing the value of these rare vintage wines, it’s just crucial that this type of wine be stored properly.

Ideal Conditions for Proper Maturation of Wine

refrigerated wine cellar Texas

Climate-Controlled Texas Custom Wine Cellar

Wine storage requires a delicate balance in temperature and humidity so that wine can develop its complex flavors and aromas before it is drunk. This usually requires a climate-controlled environment in your wine cellar, especially if you live in a warmer climate, such as Texas.

Fluctuations of more than 2 degrees Fahrenheit beyond the ideal temperature of 55 degrees Fahrenheit could affect your wine’s quality.

Failure to achieve the optimum temperature can cause wine oxidation. Oxidized wines have unpleasant taste and odor. Temperature stability can only be achieved by installing a commercial grade wine cellar cooling system.

This equipment allows you to maintain constant temperature and humidity in your wine cellar to achieve proper maturation of your favorite vintages.

Whether your Texas wine cellar is located in a basement, garage, closet, or in any area in your home, it is vital to ensure that the correct cooling equipment is installed in it. You don’t want your precious wines to be ruined.

Trusted Manufacturers of Wine Cooling Systems

US Cellar Systems wine cooling unit Texas

Wine Cooling System by US Cellar Systems

With several brands of wine refrigeration systems available in the market today, it is best to consult with a wine cooling expert like Wine Cellar Specialists. They offer cooling units manufactured by Wine Guardian, US Cellar Systems, CellarPro, and WhisperKOOL.

The three types of cooling systems are self-contained, ducted self-contained, and split. Your chosen builder should be able to determine the most ideal refrigeration unit based on your functional, aesthetic, and financial requirements.

Why Stock Vintage Wines in Your Texas Wine Cellar?

Texas wine cellars stocked with vintage wine generally hold more value in their wine storage racks. If you buy a vintage wine, it is as if you possess a rich and unique piece of history.

It represents the highest level of winemaking and the bottle can only increase in value as years pass. Because of vintage wine’s superior quality, it is like owning a piece of art. What’s more is that these are actually art pieces that you can literally savor. You can experience the finest wines from the best harvest years by collecting them in your wine cellar.

Even if you’re living in Texas and famous wine-making regions are thousands of miles away, it’s as if you have the best wine caves of France right in your own wine cellar.

Keep Your Wine Collection Safe. Seek the Help of a Wine Storage Expert.

Wine Cellar Master Builder in Dallas, San Antonio, and Chicago

Wine Cellar Specialists Builds Wine Cellars in Dallas, San Antonio, and Chicago

Whatever your storage needs, budget, or style, it is important to ensure that your wine collection is safe. Wine Cellar Specialists build wine cellars in Dallas, San Antonio, and Chicago.

Visit their gallery of refrigerated wine cellars at https://www.winecellarspec.com/wine-cellars/. Contact them now at 866-646-7089 or request a FREE 3D design by clicking here.

Tips for a Successful Wine Rack Manufacturing Business

Wine collecting has been gaining popularity in many parts of the world, including Texas, whether as a hobby or as a serious business. These days, you don’t even have to own land in wine-growing regions. The innovations in the wine industry have allowed many to start collecting wine and build a Texas custom wine cellar, even in the comfort of their own home or any other designated space.

Along with this growth and interest in wine aging and wine, collecting is a rise in demand for the accessories and equipment that are needed to start and maintain this endeavor. There’s a demand for wine cooling units, wine cellar design, and other wine-related products and services.

One of the more popular industries is the wine rack manufacturing business. As wine lovers’ collections grow, so does their need for efficient and stylish wine racks where they can store and display their wine collection. Below are some tips that will help you achieve success in this industry.

 A Simple Guide to Wine Rack Manufacturing Business

1. Create a good range of wine rack designs.

Your business will only be as good as the type of custom wine rack designs that you sell, and for this, you must have a wide range of designs and styles. Make sure you use different types of materials. Wood, metal, and acrylic are some of the more in-demand choices. It would also be good to offer different options for the sizes of your wine racks.

For wooden wine rack kits, there are quite a number of sizes and styles. There is a range of wood types to choose from as well. Modules of different kinds are also available for each kit type. Since the design is pre-made, the kits cost less because they are standardized.

Wine Cellar Specialists offer these great wine racks that maximize the space for your wine room. What’s also great about the wooden wine racks from Wine Cellar Specialists is that they are hand-sanded to make sure that the labels on your wine bottles stay intact.

Now, if you are looking for something that is a little more personalized to your requirements, there are custom-built wine racks that will allow customers to incorporate their own design and style.

Wine Cellar Specialists customize wine racks that will fit the size of your wine room and complement the existing décor of your space. Whether you want waterfall racks, peninsulas, horizontal racks, or curved columns, they will meet your wine storage needs. They even offer a third option of having a combination of both standard wine rack kits and some customized details.

2. Build a website for your business.  

You can use your own website to promote your wine racks and connect to a wide range of customers. Just take a look at the website of Wine Cellar Specialists (https://www.winecellarspec.com/). This is an example of a website that allows customers to navigate easily. The horizontal tabs near the top offer categories that potential wine rack customers will find useful. The vertical box on the left side offers customers easy access to queries and design requests.

Having a website is incredibly useful because unlike a store, it doesn’t close. It will always be open to being browsed by customers. They can look through the wine racks that would best fit their wine cellar.

 

3. Use Social Media to Promote Your Products & Services 

Social Media IconThese days, people are always connecting via social media for anything and everything they might need. One of the most powerful marketing tools that social media harnesses are word-of-mouth recommendations.

By having a great social media presence, your wine rack business can benefit from testimonies, shares, and recommendations of your satisfied customers. You can even get “free” advertising when they post photos of the products and services of your company that they are happy about.

In the end, the best way to really succeed in business or in anything is to check out some of the best and leading names in the business. Wine Cellar Specialists is one such company that is worth emulating. Contact them now at 866-646-7089!

 

Redwood Wine Racks – Beauty and Functionality Revealed

Nothing beats wood as material for wine racks. Wooden wine racks are sleek and sturdy, and they give off a romantic and classy vibe to custom wine cellars or to any living space where they are placed. There are many types of wood that can be used in wine rack construction, and some are better than others for the specific purpose you are looking for.

Among the wood species available, redwood is one of the most popular. Redwood is a tall evergreen tree that is found along the coasts of Oregon as well as in the northern and central part of California.

 

Why Store Your Wines in Redwood Wine Racks

Redwood Wine Cellar Racking

There are many benefits in choosing redwood as the material for your wine cellar racking system.

When it comes to “shelf life” or longevity, redwood wine racks don’t need stains or finishes to become durable. They have natural wood preservatives and are highly resistant to shock, decay, insects, and mildew. They’re so resilient that even if the rest of your house falls into decay, your redwood wine racks would still be standing!

Redwood is a type of wood that has the ability to remain sturdy in humid conditions in your wine cellar. This is because the tree itself thrives in both humid and cool weather, and so it will do just fine in this kind of temperature in your wine cellar.

Another advantage of redwood is its natural reddish color. Wine bottles look great amidst this type of reddish perch, giving your collection a sophisticated and high-end look. As the redwood wine rack ages, it can go from its light reddish color to a richer, darker red hue, creating elegance in your wine storage area.

Another reason why redwood is an ideal choice for wine racks is because it can be easily customized to fit your wine storage needs. Many redwood racks are stackable, allowing you to add more wine storage racks as your collection grows. So, whether you have a big or small custom wine room, redwood racks will suit your storage needs and requirements.

Are you looking for the right wine racking solution that suits your budget, space, and style? Contact Wine Cellar Specialists now at 866-646-7089. They are one of the trusted wine cellar builders in North America and Canada. Check out wine cellar projects they have completed in Chicago and Texas by clicking here.

VintageView Metal Wine Racks - Wine Cellars Dallas Texas Griffith

Small Contemporary Custom Wine Cellars Dallas Texas Griffith

Small Contemporary Residential Custom Wine Cellars Dallas Texas – Griffith (A Processed Video Transcription)

Wine Cellar Dallas Texas with VintageView Metal Wine Racks
.

I’d like to show you what can be done in a very small space.  The homeowner had a very tiny closet; it was only slightly over six feet wide and not quite two and a half feet deep.  He did the vapor barrier and insulation in the walls and the ceiling and we added VintageView metal wine racks.

Plan View - Wine Cellars Dallas Texas Project

                      Plan View – Wine Cellars Dallas Texas Project

VintageView Metal Wine Racks Plan View

                                     VintageView Metal Wine Racks Plan View

What you are seeing here are the plan views of the various elevations. Wall A is the side wall as you walk in to your left, the cooling unit above.  Here we were able to add one row of wine racks.

The back wall, we were able to add four rows actually and the short fifth wall under the wine cellar cooling unit. The right wall we had two rows floor to ceiling and the door wall has three rows floor to ceiling as well as space for three magnums above the door.

Antique Door for Wine Cellars Dallas Texas Griffith Project

Antique Door for Wine Cellars Dallas Texas Griffith Project

View of the Wine Cellars Dallas Texas

View of the Wine Cellars Dallas Texas

I want to show you some photographs of the completed wine cellars Dallas Texas. Here we are looking at the wine cellar door, and the homeowner used an antique freezer door which was reclaimed and it has very good insulation and seal.

As we open the wine cellar door and look into the cellar you can see that he painted the walls in deep red or burgundy color.  The black VintageView metal wine racks looks beautiful on the wall; it really creates a nice look for his small cellar.

CellarPro Wine Cellar Cooling Unit on the Left Wall

CellarPro Wine Cellar Cooling Unit on the Left Wall

You can see a little bit of the left wall here and part of the back wall as we move along this is the left wall and you can see the left wall wine racks and here is the cooling unit above is blowing down this is a CellarPro 1800 wine cellar cooling unit. We use this unit, it goes through the wall and has a rear duct kit attached which grows about another ten feet and vents into the hall way.

CellarPro 1800 Wine Cellar Cooling Unit

CellarPro 1800 Wine Cellar Cooling Unit

As we move along, you’ll see a close up picture of the CellarPro and you will notice that it is 61 degrees. That is because we have the door open in taking photographs so the temperature has risen a few degrees.

Back Wall of the Wine Cellar - VintageView Metal Wine Racks

Back Wall of the Wine Cellar – VintageView Metal Wine Racks

This is the back wall of the wine cellar from at the top and this is the back wall looking toward the floor.  This is the right wall looking back, you can see a little bit of the back wall, and the door wall as well as the right wall.

 

 

VintageView Metal Wine Racks - Wine Cellars Dallas Texas Griffith

VintageView Metal Wine Racks – Wine Cellars Dallas Texas Griffith

Right Wall - Wine Cellars Dallas Texas Griffith Project

Right Wall – Wine Cellars Dallas Texas Griffith Project

This is the close up of the right wall. Here are the vents in the hallway around the corner of the wine room where the wine cellar cooling unit is venting out.

Again we have the wine cellars Dallas Texas in a very small space that was created using the metal VintageView metal wine racks and the CellarPro wine cellar cooling unit. 

If you want to see another actual project that incorporates VintageView’s metal wine racks and the CellarPro cooling unit, here’s a living room installation featuring a small wine cellar design!

Give us a call today if you have a small area or a large area that you like us to help you with.

Facts About Wines Stored in Your Chicago Wine Cellar

Wine seems as old as time, but I have only recently become fascinated by it. It was not something that I planned, but let’s just say that I stumbled upon it and started to get curious. As with other things that took my fancy, I read up on wine and found many interesting facts that fueled my fascination and enthusiasm leaving me awed and amazed.

Wines are not just bottles filled with intoxicating liquid resting in one’s Chicago custom wine cellar. There is more to wine than what we usually see. Here are some interesting facts about wine:

1. Dionysius, a Greek god, is said to be the god of wine, agriculture, and fertility of nature. He is also Bacchus in Roman mythology.

2. Red wines are fermented with the skin of the grapes which gives the liquid its red hue. White wines are made from grapes without their skins.

3. Foot treading of grapes is still done to produce small amounts of port wine.

4. Wine is said to have medicinal value. It helps in the control of high blood pressure if a glass is taken daily. However, there is an increased incidence of developing certain forms of cancer.

5. Oak barrels are used to store wine. One oak barrel can last for years.

6. Most wines produced today are ready to drink and do not require aging. Very few (and expensive) wines are aged these days and reserved for special occasions. Those wine which are aged are stored in wine cellars or wine cabinets equipped with modern cooling systems.

7. Wines in weddings symbolize fertility and life of plenty. These are the basic wishes people have for the newlyweds.

8.The word “aroma” is used to describe the scent of a young wine. “Bouquet” is used to describe the scent of a mature or aged wine.

9. Wine that tastes watery is said to be diluted. It is believed that the grapes used for watery wine were harvested during the rainy season.

10. A wineglass is held by the stem to prevent the palm from warming the liquid in the glass.

11. There is nothing one can gather from smelling the cork. The cork is examined after opening the wine to check for molds or dryness of the cork. This will indicate if the wine was stored properly in the wine cellar, hence, maintaining the quality and superior taste.

12. In the old times, the host of any gathering takes the first sip before serving the wine to guests to check if the wine is poisoned.

13. The combination of type of soil, climate, sunlight, and slope affects the grapes grown in a particular region. These are the factors that make each grape varietal unique.

14. Red wines are served with red meat while white wines are paired with white meat and fish. Sweet wines are served with dessert.

15. Climate change is slowly affecting the wine industry in the current popular wine regions.

16. A wine cellar door both refers to the entry of a wine cellar and a winery’s tasting room.

17. Wine tasting is a tourist attraction in itself in most wine regions, not only for enthusiasts but also for those who are curious and willing to learn something new.

These are just few of the interesting wine facts I have come across as I read about my new favorite topic these days. I can see that there are more interesting facts that will catch my attention and fascinate me more. I may even start filling up a wine rack or a wine cabinet to start my own collection.

The Best Wine Storage Solution for You – Contact a Wine Cellar Builder

Are you considering your own custom wine cellar? Whether you are planning to have a residential or commercial wine cellar,  Wine Cellar Specialists will help you provide the best wine storage solution for your collection according to your budget and requirements. Contact them now at 866-646-7089 or click here to request for a specialist to contact you.

Wine Cellar Construction Dallas - Assemblying the Wine Racks

Custom Wine Cellar Construction Dallas Texas Dann – Part Two

Custom Wine Cellar Construction Dallas Texas Dann – Part Two (A Processed Video Transcription)

Custom Wine Cellar Construction Dallas Texas – Dann’s Wine Cellar
.

 

Dann Wine Closet Part 2:

Before Photo of Dann's Wine Cellar Dallas Texas

Before Photo of Dann’s Wine Cellar Dallas Texas

What you’re looking at is the pantry off the Dann’s kitchen before we began the wine cellar construction Dallas.  Mr. Dann wanted us to change this small pantry into a wine closet.

We took this pantry and I’m going to show you a few more before pictures.  This is the door of the pantry before, inside walls before.  We took this pantry completely, installed a vapor barrier insulation green board and painted the walls.

What you are seeing here are the walls when they are complete and ready for rack installation.  Here’s another shot of the walls and here you are seeing the wine cellar cooling unit as it is installed.  This is a RM 2600 Split System Wine Cellar Cooling Unit.

Condensation Pump - Wine Cellar Cooling Unit

Condensation Pump – Wine Cellar Cooling Unit

The red item that you see down below is the condensation pump because we could not run the condensation line at an angle with the gravity flow to get rid of the condensation.  We actually have to add the pump before it could go down.

Our drain lines and our split system lines are all going up and across the kitchen ceiling and into the garage.  Here again, is another picture of the wine cellar cooling unit.

Here is where we’re beginning to put together our wine racks.  Our custom wine racks come on a pallet on several boxes.  This is one of the boxes before we’ve opened it.  Here is where we are opening the box; this is one of the waterfall wine racks or half of it.

Wine Cellar Construction Dallas - Assemblying the Wine Racks

Wine Cellar Construction Dallas – Assembling the Wine Racks

Here we’re putting together some of the wine racks out in the garage area.  As we are putting them together we set them aside.  This is showing the backside of one of the custom wine racks where we are screwing in the back stabilizers.

This is the door came in the crate.  You can down below the automatic door bottom which we have to install on the bottom of the door.

This is once racks we’re installed.  What you are seeing here is a light that we put on the sidewall of the cellar.  These are LED lights that can be moved around and pointed in each direction.  Here is your waterfall rack on the left with the 2 1/4 inch crown molding above.

Waterfall Wine Racks

Waterfall Wine Racks

Here is the back wall.  We have a solid diamond bin on the bottom, the tabletop, and a horizontal display wine racks up above.  We have a better shot of the solid diamond bin down below and your horizontal racks and tabletop.  Another close-up shot.

Here is the other back wall with the 750ml bottles with a high reveal display row.  Here’s a little close up look of the display row and the upper section of this rack system.  We have it cut out so that the grill cover and box will fit right in here.

This is the corner section where you can see there is the display row again and we are seeing part of the right wall and the bottom section where a part of the right wall is showing.

Grill Cover and Box for the Wine Cellar Cooling Unit

Grill Cover and Box for the Wine Cellar Cooling Unit

Here we have the upper part of the right wall with the grill cover and box that hides that wine cellar cooling unit.  Below the grill cover and box are the horizontal wine racks that go all the way down to the floor, holding one row of horizontal bottles.

This is the doorway, a closed doorway.  What we did on this doorway (this is a Tuscan Door with arched glass, a square door) is we did a custom stain match to match their current kitchen cabinets, and we did a custom molding to match the other moldings on their home.

Here’s another shot of the door with it closed, the door open and looking in, and again looking in the cellar.  This is the compressor sitting out in the garage.

Mr. and Mrs. Dann with the Completed Wine Cellar Dallas Texas

Mr. and Mrs. Dann with the Completed Wine Cellar Dallas Texas

Mr. and Mrs. Dann with their completed wine cellar, that would be me and we’re just going to pass that picture, and this is the celebration with Moses on a Sunday morning, celebrating the completion of the Dann Wine Cellar Construction Dallas.

I hope you enjoyed the photographs of the Dann Wine Cellar created by Wine Cellar Specialists.

Watch part one of the video tour of Custom Wine Cellars Dallas Texas.

Types of Wine Cork & Preserving Wine in a Wine Cellar

Residential custom wine cellars are a place for you as an avid wine collector, to display your wine collection as well as to store and age your wines over time.  As your wine collection grows your wine cellar is likely to have a mix of wines from different regions, wines that you will want to age over the longer term and some that will be intended to be consumed over a much shorter period.

As part of the management of your wine cellar there are many factors that can influence the preservation and aging of wine.  In this article we are going to discuss the role different types of cork can play in this process.

Cork is used in a variety of products, the most common of which being the wine cork. It is considered the most suitable material for bottle stoppers on wine bottles because of its structure and component materials. The mechanical and physical properties that make cork the most preferred wine bottle closure include resiliency, low density, impermeability, flexibility, temperature and age stability, adherence and biodegradability.

Wine cork is essential to the graceful aging of wines in your wine cellar. It prevents oxygen from spoiling the wine in subsequent storage.

In order for cork to serve its purpose in wine storage, wines should be positioned in wine racks the right way. It is also essential to use the ideal wine cellar cooling units to ensure that the right humidity level in the wine cellar is maintained. This will prevent the cork from drying out and shrinking, thus reducing the possibility of oxidation, which causes wine spoilage.

There are different types of wine corks used by winemakers. The most well-known are the natural wine corks. These wine corks are derived from the best quality cork oak periderm or bark and are washed, carefully inspected for flaws, sterilized and printed.

natural wine corks

Natural Wine Corks are Perfect for Long-Term Wine Storage in Your Home Wine Room

Natural wine corks enable wine to mature slowly because they are able to seal it for a considerable length of time. They are most suitable for bold red wines intended for long term storage.

Corks which are popular for their affordability are agglomerated wine corks. They are low cost because they are made from clean natural cork grains. These grains are formed into dense corks by mixing them with food grade glue. They assure good sealing for wines intended to be stored from 12-18 months.

 

Agglomerated Wine Corks

Agglomerated Wine Corks are Ideal for Short-Term Wine Storage (12-18 months)

Another type of wine cork that fits ice wine bottles with a narrow neck is the ice wine natural cork. These corks are smaller than natural wine corks and are specifically sized to withstand high sugar content.

Pore-filled natural wine corks are called colmated wine corks. Their pores, or, lenticels, are preserved carefully with cork dust or cork grains. These grains are gathered and attached to the lenticels of colmated cork stoppers by using rubber glues (FDA authorized) or natural resin glues.

Colmated Wine Corks

Colmated Wine Corks are Pore-filled Natural Wine Corks

Synthetic wine corks are considered to provide a good seal to wines since they don’t harbor bacteria, which is why some wineries prefer to use this type of cork. The advantage of synthetic wine corks is their availability to be manufactured in different colors, thus allowing flexibility in packaging.

Synthetic Wine corks

Synthetic Wine Corks can be Manufactured in Different Colors

Double disc corks, also known as 1+1 corks or twin pop corks, are a combination of natural corks and agglomerated corks. The main advantage of this type of cork is the consistency in quality, density, price and function which make double disc corks widely used in bottling commercial wines.

Double Disc Wine Corks

Double Disc Wine Corks are a Combination of Natural Corks and Agglomerated Corks.

When selecting wine for long term preservation and aging of your wines in your custom wine cellar, take into account the type of cork that was used to seal the wine and when making this decision.  Wines that have been sealed with low-end porous corks are likely to be less suitable for long term storage.

What Type of Wine Rack is Best for Your Wine Collection?

More and more wine storage racks with different styles are being created and offered on the market. This may interest some wine enthusiasts, but can be bothersome for those who have difficulty choosing the best one for their storage needs.

Here at Wine Cellar Specialists, we offer various designs of custom wine racks to cater to different wine storage needs. Know which one suits your needs best.

Traditional Wine Racks

Our traditional wine racks offer the most design options. We offer them in 6’, 7’ and 8’ height, which are available in one-column to ten-column options.

You can choose our traditional wine racks with display rows if you want to showcase some of your favorite wines.

Cost-effective and stylish, our modular wine racks are actually Kessick Estate Design (KED) series. This type of wine rack features 4 groups of pre-designed wine racks, with each module having the same height (84 ¾ inches) and depth (12 inches), and varying widths. These modular wine racks include the following design configurations:

  • X-shaped wine storage binModular Wine Rack
  • Rectangular storage bin
  • Mahogany tabletop
  • Arched center
  • Hanging wine glass display
  • Display rows
  • Magnum bottle storage
  • Pre-installed lighting

Stackable Wood Wine Rack

If you want wine racks that can stand alone or be stacked on top of another, choose stackable wine racks. You can extend the height of a stackable wine rack by adding an extender rack.

Double deep wine racks have the same configurations as those of the traditional wine racks, except that they are

Double Deep Wood Wine Rack

23 inches deep. If you want to add more storage space in the future, you may purchase bin extenders or cubicle extenders separately.

We have also designed double deep wine racks for magnum and large Champagne bottles, as well as for split or half bottles.

Commercial Wine Rack

Commercial wine racks are specially created for wine storage at wine stores, wine bars, hospitality settings, restaurants and the like. The wine bottles are stored in such a way that the labels are easily readable and accessible, to allow buyers to determine their preferences.

Click here to view our wine racks gallery.

You may also check out one of our wine cellar projects installed in Atlanta, Georgia. We used various custom wine racks for this wine room, which produced a stunning result.

Sparkling Wine

Sparkling Wine – a Bubbly Wine in Your Wine Cellar

In the production of sparkling wine in every major wine-producing country in the world, the most important grape varieties used are Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Pinot Meunier. Different methods are also used by different winemakers depending on their preference and the laws of their region. Sparkling wines are mostly pink, white or red.   Sparkling wines’ sweetness varies from bottle to bottle and can be categorized as brut, extra brut, extra dry, sec and demi-sec.

It can be paired with a variety of foods including seafood, poultry and some desserts such as fruit salad, tiramisu, and chocolate mousse. It appears fizzy because of the significant levels of carbon dioxide (CO2) in it.

The most popular type of sparkling wine is Champagne which is only produced in the Champagne region of France. The first Champagne was made in the 17th century. It is called spumante in Italy, Sekt in Germany and Austria, cap Classique in South Africa and cava in Spain.

So what makes sparkling wine different from other table wines? It is the bubbles and the process used to make it bubbly. Many people love to drink sparkling wine, but only a few know the mystery behind its bubbles.

Sparkling Wine

Bubbly Sparkling Wine

In the first stage of making sparkling wine, base or still wine (no bubbles) is produced and blended until the desired taste and aroma have been created. During the second fermentation process in sparkling wine production, the bubbles are generated in either a specially designed tank or in the bottle.

The winemaker adds a small amount of sugar and yeast to the blended base wine, which is converted to carbon dioxide trapping millions of bubbles in a very small space. The carbon dioxide is released in the liquid to produce a “sparkle.”

If CO2 is released too fast, the flavor of the sparkling wine fades quickly. In order to preserve the carbon dioxide in the wine, you should not pour the liquid straight into the center of the wine glass. Instead, you should pour it down the side of a glass which is ideally at an angle of 45 degrees.

Storing sparkling wines requires extra care since they are more sensitive to light than other table wines. They should be stored in a wine cellar, wine refrigerator or any location where the temperature is around 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

This will prevent overly aggressive bubbles. Sparkling wines must be placed on the lowest shelf of the wine racks because they are susceptible to heat and light. Since heat rises, wines requiring the lowest temperature should sit at the lowest temperature. Unlike regular bottles of wine, they can be stored upright so that the carbon dioxide can form a ring at the neck of the bottle, thus protecting the wine from unwanted air.

Since sparkling wines don’t improve with age, they should be consumed within 1 year of purchase. When you are planning a celebration with your family and friends, keep the sparkling wine in a fridge for a day or two.

The serving temperature affects the rate at which bubbles are released. Sparkling wines should be served chilled, with the temperature between 42-52°F to steadily release bubbles.

When creating this special wine, winemakers have different preferences in sparkling wine styles. Some want a more delicate and less flavorful style while others prefer the strong flavors of oak, aged wine or yeast. The 3 key production methods used in the secondary fermentation are a traditional method, transfer method, and Charmat Method.

Next time you have a celebration, you will feel proud because you know why the sparkling wine in your glass is bubbly. Enjoy every tingly bubble in it!

Wooden Wine Cellar Racks – A Wine Collector’s Best Friend

Wine racks are a wine collector’s best friend. Why?  Because they house your most loved wines while they mature to perfection. With this in mind, whether you have a dedicated wine cellar or a more limited storage space, you know you want to get the best wine racks there are for your wine collection.

Wine is a type of beverage that’s very delicate and needs careful handling to preserve its quality for a long period of time. This makes wine racks a necessity for most, (if not all) wine collectors and those in the wine retail business.

Wooden wine racks are by far the most popular type of wine storage furniture. There are a lot of characteristics that make wooden wine racks ideal, not just for wine storage in dedicated custom wine cellars, but for proper wine aging as well anywhere in the home.

First is the customizability of wooden wine racks. You may start with a small wooden wine rack and as your collection grows in number, you add extra wine storage spaces such as wine bins, wine cubicles or an additional wine rack to match your existing wine rack. This allows you to spend only what you need at the moment, and invest later on additional storage spaces.

 

Wine Rack - Curved Corner

Curved Corner Wine Rack

Second, are the great design options. There are different types of wooden wine racks and the most in-demand are Pine Wine Racks, Mahogany Wine Racks, and Redwood Wine Racks. Here at Wine Cellar Specialists, we offer these three types of wood wine racks in different sizes, designs, shapes, and stain.

Each type of wood has its special features and benefits depending on the way it will be used. You do not want to use pine in a climate-controlled wine cellar as pine does not hold up as well in colder temperatures and high humidity as redwood or mahogany would.

Pine is mainly for storage at room temperatures in your home or in a commercial wine store.

Mahogany is best if you want us to add a stain to the racks. It has a smoother grain and takes stain well.

Redwood comes in two varieties. All Heart Redwood and Premium Redwood. The all heart redwood is from the heart, or center, of the redwood tree and is a rich reddish color throughout. Premium redwood is from the outer edge of the tree and is a light color with reddish streaks. If stain is added to the premium redwood, the result will be a more streaked stained look.

Third is cost-efficiency. Our pine, redwood, and mahogany wine racks are certified to be very cost-efficient because of their abundance and availability. They are distinct from each other in terms of wood properties, appearance, durability, resources, and cost. The best wooden wine racks do not necessarily have to be the most expensive ones.

The rule in choosing wine racks is to value quality over price. Cheaper wine racks do not mean that they have inferior qualities. Pine wine racks, for example, are cheaper compared to redwood and mahogany wine racks, but the manufacturing quality is still high. Your choice of wood should be based upon where the racks will ultimately rest and your preference at the final look.

When compelled to choose between wood wine racks and metal wine racks, always remember that the former is more versatile than the latter with the ability to add capacity and to create racks to fit most spaces.

Fourth is beauty. Wooden wine racks can be mixed and matched with the traditional look of your homes or wine store while projecting elegance to the room. They can be made to enhance your décor or to blend into the background in a regular room or be completely stunning in a purpose-built custom wine cellar.  We can add stain colors to the racks and/or add lacquer to give them a beautiful furniture finish.

Whether your style is contemporary, traditional or antique, whether you have a small space under the stairs, in the corner of a room, or are even able to convert a whole room into a wine cellar, there’s a wooden wine rack ideal for you!

For more information contact us TODAY!

Start Your Own Wine Collection – We are Here to Help

Wine collecting is an interest that is slowly gaining popularity among wine consumers of different social classes. There are two reasons why most people venture into acquiring their own vintages: one is for-profit as they can eventually sell their collection down the line, and second is a passion for great tasting wines wherein having their own collection allows them to personally enjoy a nice bottle or share it with friends at any given time.

Custom Wine Cellar – Perfect for Storage of your Wine Collection

Whatever your purpose is, Wine Cellar SPecialists is here to help you along the way. Here are some tips we’ve gathered for you:

Storing a few bottles is a great way to kick off your collection as you can gradually increase the number of your vintages in the long run. Proper wine storage is of great importance to your wine collection as this can spell the difference between preserving the quality of your vintages and spoilage.

When deciding where to store your wine collection, you should take into account the three factors that can greatly influence the condition of your wines: light, temperature, and humidity.

Bright lights can interfere with the chemical compounds in wines which can alter its quality and taste; hence it is essential to store them in places where they are left untouched by the damaging effects of rays of light.

Temperature and humidity levels should be maintained at 50-55°F and within 60-75% respectively. In addition, keeping your wine in areas free of vibratory motion is a must since the slightest motion can have adverse effects on your wine. Storing your wine collection in an ideal environment ensures that your wine retains its excellent quality and at the same time keeps its label in pristine condition.

There are several options available for storing your wine collection. Converting your basement or garage into a wine cellar is one of them, and by installing a wine cellar cooling system in the room guarantees that the right temperature and humidity levels are maintained at all times.

If building a wine cellar in your home is not within your budget, then you can invest in a good quality wine cooler. Wine coolers have ample space to store quite a few wine bottles and it can mimic the ideal conditions required for proper wine storage.

Purchasing wine racks is another option. Wine racks are constructed out of wood, metal, or steel. They also come in a myriad of impressive designs that can certainly complement any kitchen or room in your household.

Curved Corner Standard Wine Rack

Curved Corner Standard Wine Rack – Elegant Wine Storage Furniture for your Wines

If you want a professional to look after your wine collection, then professional refrigeration is the best choice for you. A wine storage locker can be leased for your convenience and a wine expert is in charge of maintaining your wine bottles, for a price, of course.

The safety of your wine collection should also be taken into account. Keep in mind that the value of your wine increases as it ages, therefore it is imperative to take the necessary precautions for the safekeeping of your vintages. Having your bottles of wine insured is one way of doing that.

Should you decide to expand your wine collection, there are wine retailers and vineyards that often grant buyers a reduced price when acquiring wines in bulk. However, it is recommended that you try one bottle first or, better yet, check out wine reviews online before you make a big purchase.

Furthermore, visiting different vineyards and signing up for their mailing list will avail you of discounts in the future.

What to Look for when Choosing Wine Racks

Download a PDF version of this Wine Racks - Features PageThere are many styles and quality levels of wine rack kits on the market today. Styles range from traditional wood wine rack kits, stack-able kits, double deep kits, metal rack kits to modular styles.

There are several things to look for when choosing wooden wine racks.
(Traditional, stackable, & double deep kits. This also applies to wood custom racks.)

  1. What is the niche size? 3 ½” niches will accommodate the regular sized 750 bottles. If you want to store Pinots or larger or odd-shaped bottles you will be out of luck. Look for wine racks that have a 3 ¾” niche size. You will then be able to fit most, if not all, of your 750s, even regular-sized champagne bottles. You will need a little larger niche for any Magnum sized bottles.
  2. Be sure you are choosing a quality wood that will hold up well in a wine cellar environment. Redwood and mahogany are two of the most popular woods in a climate-controlled room. They withstand the humidity and temperatures well without cracking, warping or attracting mildew. Do not use cheap woods such as poplar, fir or especially cedar. Even what they call “non-aromatic” cedar still has a smell that can go through your cork and taint your wine.
  3. If you want a curved corner in your wine cellar, be sure to look closely at the corners offered in your kit racks. Some companies only offer segmented corner racks. These do not have the beautiful look of a true radius corner.
  4. Look closely at the construction of the wine rack kits. The front spacer bars should have dados or notches cut into them for a cleaner look and structural integrity. Dado stabilizer bars on the top and bottom of each piece will also add strength. Many wine rack companies do not include the top and bottom stabilizers.
  5. Check the bottom portion of your racks. They should have a toe kick or base that brings the racks up off of the floor. You do not want racks where the bottom bottle touches the floor when you put the bottle into the rack. Imagine inserting a bottle and having it hit the floor and burst. What a mess that would create and you could lose a prized bottle. Who wants their wine stored on the floor anyway? A 1 ½” toe kick is sufficient.
  6. Make sure the bottle holders, or ladder rungs as I like to call them, are sanded smooth. Sharp edges on these pieces can cause your labels to tear when placing your bottle into the racks or removing them. A damaged label can make the value of your wine decrease. It can also ruin a great presentation when dining and wining with your guests.
  7. Beware of ugly screws, or plugs showing on the front of your racks. Look for a wine rack where all of the screws used to assemble the rack are on the back or in areas that do not show. Plastic and wood plugs that hide the screws are also unacceptable for a well-made rack.
  8. Look at the angle of the display rows. Display rows should be angled at a 15-degree angle. No more. A higher angle and the wine will no longer touch the cork. This could cause your cork to dry out and crack and your wine to get air into the bottle causing it to spoil.

Metal wine rack kits are a little easier to tell if you have a good quality rack.

  1. Look to see that the ends of the metal pieces that hold the bottles have a rubber or plastic tip. This will help to hide any sharp metal edges and give the rack a more finished look.
  2. Most metal racks will come in a choice of black or silver color. Some can be ordered in other colors as well for a more unique look to your cellar. Custom color racks will usually take longer to get.
  3. Metal racks can be wall-mounted or floor to ceiling mounted or free standing. Choose carefully what will work best for you.
  4. Be aware of how these racks will attach to your walls. Depending on what is behind your walls, you may need special screws to attach your metal racks. You may want to add ½” plywood behind your walls when attaching this style of the rack to the wall.

Modular wine racks are a completely different story

  • Modular wine racks can be made up of different components of kit racks of any variety. The best modular wine racks come pre-assembled. Modular means it is made up of groups of components. When people look for modular racks they usually do not want to assemble each piece on site. Pre-assembled modular racks are the way to go. Find a grouping that you like and that fits into your space. Easy installation and you will save money by not needing the racks themselves assembled.

  • Traditional styles and contemporary styles are available in modular racks. These pieces are more like furniture than your other “kit” syle racks. You can install them in your living room or they will also be at home in your wine cellar. They come in various sizes. 
  • Generally, you will have options to choose from. Many modular racks offer options such as lacquer, led lighting, and side and back panels. 
  • Because the units are pre-assembled, shipping is usually a little higher on modular racks than those that will need assembly on site. However, the cost of the assembly usually outweighs the added cost of the shipping. 
  • Be aware of the wood species used in your modular racks. The best modular racks use a Sapele mahogany. This wood has a naturally darker color than the Malaysian mahogany used in most kit racks. No need to stain these racks. Adding lacquer alone gives them a deep rich furniture finish. 
  • Look for modular racks where the lighting option is already installed in the racks. Purchasing and installing led lighting separately can get quite expensive. If you intend to add lighting to your racks, adding a lighting option, that comes pre-installed, to your modular package can actually save you money. 
  • Contemporary styles of modular kits come in a variety of styles and can be mixed and matched to make many different configurations. Some are attached to the walls while others have their own feet and stand on the floor.


To Summarize

Choose carefully when making your wine rack decision.  Look for the quality of the construction in detail.  If you do not want pre-sized units, you may want to choose custom wine racks.  Even then, you can usually tell the quality of the custom racks by the quality of the kit racks a company carries.  Ask the right questions.  Always use a company that specializes in wine racks.  A big mistake is thinking that your local woodworker or contractor can build wine racks correctly.  Decide if price or quality matters most to you.  You will be living with your wine racks for a long time.  Cheap is not always the best choice.

To see the quality kit, custom, and modular wine racks that meet the above specifications, visit our website at www.winecellarspec.com

Why Purchase Modular Wine Racks?

Kessick Estate Series

Why would I look at purchasing modular wine racks?

What does “modular” mean anyway?

How much installation is really required?

These are questions we hear every day from our clients who need to understand just what a modular wine rack really is.

The “Modular” in wine racks means that these racks come in specific components that are specific sizes and are pre-assembled.  Yes, pre-assembled. Unlike our other traditional kit and custom racks, the Kessick series modular wine racks do not require you to put them together when they arrive.  They may, however, require “installation”.  What that means is that you will need to attach the different components together and also attach them to your wall.  You may need to attach the crown and base moldings.  They may also need to be mitered on-site to fit.  If you have requested a led lighting option, those lights are already installed into the racks. Easy, Easy, Easy!

The Kessick series is made from Sapele mahogany.  Unlike the mahogany variety of our traditional kit and custom racks which is a light brown color, the Sapele mahogany is a much deeper brown in color giving it a deep rich look that will get even darker with age.  The lacquer option is suggested and will give your racks a beautiful furniture finish.

Kessick Modular Wine Racks come in two core styles.  There are the more traditional style or the Kessick Estate Design Series and the modern style or the Kessick Contemporary Series.

Kessick Contemporary Series

The Kessick Estate Series modular racks are higher priced than the traditional…. But… weighing everything in…. not having to add a stain to get a darker color, not needing to pay for assembly and installation of the racks…. AND the great price for the pre-installed led lights… and the lacquer… You may come out at close to the same price, if not lower.

The Kessick Estate Series wine racks are currently offered as a choice for a one wall design. If you have one wall to rack and your ceiling height is at least 85” high, this series may be perfect for you.

 

The Kessick Contemporary Series is unlike anything you have seen before. Sleek and modern, this series of 20 different rack groupings can be used with one grouping on a wall as a focal point or mixed with several groupings to create an entire wall of contemporary racks. Lacquered mahogany, black lacquer, and brushed aluminum (stainless steel look) finishes are found in the various modules.

Things to remember about our Kessick Modular racks:

  • Pre-assembled
  • Sapele mahogany
  • Lacquer option available
  • Estate Series side panels and back options available
  • Led lighting option available
  • Beautifully crafted
  • Traditional or contemporary designs

Grotto Custom Wine Cellars – Grotto Wine Racks

Need products that match products from the old Grotto Cellars company? Look no further!

A common question we are asked is, “can we manufacture and supply kit wine racks and even match racking for custom wine cellars consistent with the style and finish of previously purchased products from the late Grotto Cellars”.

The answer is, yes. Our factory has been exclusively manufacturing wine racks for over 10 years and has, for several clients manufactured products that are consistent with the old Grotto Cellars racking solutions.

Grotto custom wine cellars were a company that leads the custom wine cellar and wine rack market for many years before getting into financial difficulty in 2010, eventually filing for bankruptcy towards the end of that year. For people who previously purchased a kit or custom wine racks from them, it can, therefore, be a problem to source products that exactly match what they already have.

While Wine Cellar Specialists are in no way affiliated with the old Grotto Cellars company we are familiar with the designs, finishes, and styles of their wine rack products.

If you have previously purchased wine rack kits or had a custom wine cellar built by Grotto in the past, and wish to add to your wine racks or expand your existing wine cellar, by working with us at Wine Cellar Specialists you can be assured of a perfect match!

Simply call us Toll-Free at +1 (866) 646-7089 or complete a wine cellar design contact request form and we will be happy to help!

Custom Wine Cellars Seattle Washington Reynolds Table

Things to Consider Before Designing a Wine Cellar

Designing good looking and safe custom wine cellars does not need to be rocket science. You just need to be aware of a few basic things to ensure that you have the right set of racks and wine cellar design to store your favorite wine bottles safely and in an aesthetic manner.

Custom Wine Cellars Design Dallas Dave
Residential Wine Cellars TexasConsider your needs over time – How many bottles are currently in your wine collection and how much additional space will be needed for future storage. A good rule is to double your current bottle count for your wine storage.

  • Evaluate the wine cellar’s location and design with regards to potential enemies of wine – high temperature, humidity, vibrations. Will you be needing a climate control system?
  • Plan the design of the wine racks as per the size and shape of bottles that you want to store. 750’s, magnums, larger size bottles? Case storage, bulk storage, or individual bottle storage? Display rows with lighting?
  • Will you use your wine cellar for strictly storage purposes or do you want it to be more of a showplace?
  • What type of wine cellar cooling units will you be using? Will a unit or a fan coil be inside the cellar effecting where your racks can be placed?
  • How much are you willing to spend on your wine cellar? Discuss this with your designer so that he or she can more accurately design your cellar within your budget. Wood species, stain, lacquer, lattice or solid bins, carvings, many things can make a huge difference on the cost of your racks.
  • Do you want a rustic look, a furniture look, or perhaps something more contemporary? Many styles of racks are available from traditional, wine barrel, metal and more. Discuss your thoughts with your designer and share any photos of other cellars and racks that you have seen and would like incorporated into your design.

Custom Wine Cellars Dallas Texas Bottles

The dimensions of the room must be carefully measured before you complete your final wine racks design. Measure the length of each wall in the room. Measure the ceiling height. Measure exactly where the door will be placed. Also consider the space occupied by cooling units, soffits, or any other obstructions.

At Wine Cellar Specialists, we offer you personal guidance and help you to create a custom wine cellar that will compliment your style and home décor. Visit us at https://www.winecellarspec.com/ .

Essential Furniture for Texas Wine Cellars

You want to build a wine cellar, or maybe you already have one, and you’re thinking about how to fill it (with more than your wine collection, that is). Texas wine cellars are more than the racks you put inside, and of course you will needs racks, because bottles of wine should be stored at a 15 degree angle to make sure the cork doesn’t dry out.

Adding Furniture to Your Texas Home Wine Cellar

Some wine enthusiasts invest in furniture to add a decorative touch to their wine rooms, enhance the wine drinking experience, provide convenient access to wines, or add space for serving and decanting wine.

Wine Tables

wine cellar table

Functional Wooden Wine Table in a Texas Wine Cellar

Did you know that some modern wine cellars also have tables inside that can serve as a tasting station?

Or, in some homes, the wine cellar is where dinners begin and end. How fun, to select a bottle of wine out of your collection in front of the people who will enjoy it.

A wine table is similar to any other table in your home. However, remember, if your wine cellar is climate controlled, it will be approximately 55 degrees in the cellar.

You will probably not want to sit around your table while you casually drink your wine. You may use it to sit a case on when unpacking your wines. You may use it to sit your bottles on when selecting which wine to drink.

When you pick a wine table, look for the same features as you would any other table. The table should be a comfortable height, size, and the material of your table should be sturdy and match the rest of the décor. It should hold up well in a high humidity. A wine table is not the place to splurge on bells and whistles. You don’t want your table to overwhelm the room.

Your table should compliment your racks, which should be easy, as most racks come in materials that tables also come in. If you are going with a modern look, then pick a wood or metal table that will look good next to metal wine racks.

wine barrel table

Eco-Friendly Wine Barrel Table

At Wine Cellar Specialists, they create wine tables made from wood or metal. For eco-friendly homeowners, a wine barrel table is recommended.

Since it provides a unique space for serving and tasting wines, hosting wine tasting parties can be more memorable.

Pairing furniture in your Texas wine cellar is as much art as it is science, and like pairing a good wine with a good meal, you should think about what you’re doing before starting out.

Wine Cellar Stools/Chairs

The table won’t be complete without some stools or chairs around it. These pieces of furniture can be made of hardwood or metal. Texas home wine cellar builders also recommend stools or chairs made of reclaimed wine barrels.

It is ideal that the material of your stools or chairs complement the wine racks.

It should also be chosen according to the size of your Texas wine cellar, your personal style and budget.

Wine-Rolling Ladders

Wine Cellar Rolling Ladder

Wine Cellar Rolling Ladder

Another furniture element to consider is installing a ladder, if your racks are high enough to warrant a ladder. Not only can a ladder make reaching those hard-to-reach bottles easy, but it can probably roll out of the way when not in use, leaving plenty of room to move around it.

Dragging a chair in each time you want to reach those top shelves isn’t really an option, nor should it be an option. Think about your current and future wine collection needs when designing your custom wine cellar, and when deciding how to furnish it.

Make sure the ladder will roll well on the flooring you pick for your cellar. Use a solid wood or tile floor when installing a ladder.

Pick the layout that will work and look the best for you. Remember, no two wine cellars are the same. Yours should reflect you and your collection.

At Wine Cellar Specialists, they offer straight and bent wine cellar ladders. They offer wood and metal library ladders. Wooden rolling ladders are made from quality hardwoods: Mahogany, Cherry, Birch, Alder, Red Oak, Maple, Walnut, or White Oak. The wood can be applied with your chosen stain, or can be left unfinished.

For the metal wine cellar ladders, you can choose between matte, white, gloss black, colored powder-coated, metallic beige, or standard milled aluminum finish.

Learn more about rolling ladders for Texas wine cellars.

How to Match your Custom Wine Cellar with the Right Furniture

wooden furniture for custom wine cellars by wine cellar specialists

A traditional custom wine cellar featuring wood furniture, wine racks, and wine shelves.

Before picking out your furniture, here are some points for you to consider:

  1. What type of wine cellar do you own? 
  2. What is your color scheme? 
  3. Do you prefer metal or wood furniture? 
  4. What shade or stain do you want for your wood furniture? 

If you’re having trouble answering these, check out our portfolio of projects and get inspired by other custom wine cellar owners. You can also browse by type: modern, traditional, and transitional wine cellars!

Complement Your Wine Room with Furniture

The furniture you use inside your wine cellar will depend on how large your wine cellar is as well as how many racks you have for wine. Keep in mind that your cellar should not only accommodate your current collection but also grow with you.

Furniture may get in the way of such growth, so make sure that you choose items that will work with your future needs. No matter the direction you go, your decisions should be right for you and your needs.

Need help? Wine Cellar Specialists can help find the furniture that will complement your wine storage space. Don’t have a Texas wine cellar yet? Contact Wine Cellar Specialists at +1 (866 ) 646-7089.

How to Make the Most Out of Your Texas Home wine cellar

So you’ve decided to build a home wine cellar. Or, you already have one. Great. You know you’re a serious wine collector when you have a wine cellar in your home. Not only do you have a safe place in which to let your collection age and gain in value, but you also have a great place to take guests coming over for dinner. Let them wander in your cellar, maybe even select the wine you’re serving with dinner. Or, rather, select the wine with them.

Proper Wine Storage Tips

proper wine storageBut as with anything, there is good storage and there is bad storage.

Good storage can help protect your wine while bad storage and destroy your wine in no time at all.

Make sure that doesn’t happen to you by following these simple rules for storing wine in your home (whether in a home wine cellar or in your kitchen).

Wine Should Not be Exposed to Excessive Heat

Wine should be stored in dark places. Don’t let the sun’s damaging ultraviolet rays get to your wine.

These rays can damage your wine and, in some cases, make it undrinkable. That’s why most experts suggest storing wine in a Texas home wine cellar, or, lacking that, on a rack that you’re able to keep in an out-of-the-way place.

Your wine storage space must be installed with the proper lighting system. Seek the help of an expert to ensure that your wine cellar lighting does not emit too much heat.

Keep Wine Away from Vibration

Believe it or not, vibrations (like what you’d feel in a room abutting a garage with a door that opens and closes electrically) aren’t good for your wine. Where you store your wine should be as free of vibrations as possible.

Too much vibration can accelerate the chemical reactions in the wine. It can disturb the sediments in wine and may ruin the complex flavours and aromas of the wine. Building a wine cellar near any equipment, machinery, or appliance is not recommended.

Temperature and Humidity Must be Regulated

temperature and humidity in Texas wine cellarsThe temperature and humidity of the place where you store your wine are critical for best protecting it. If you can use or have access to a hygrometer, great.

The humidity in the room where you store your wine should be between 50 and 75 percent. If you realize that the humidity is low, do something about it. Install a humidifier, if you’re storing wine in a room as opposed to a cellar. And if you’re storing wine in a climate-controlled cellar, your unit will already get rid of excess humidity.

Keep in mind that wrong humidity levels can cause moisture build up in your Texas home wine cellar. When this happens, your wine room can be a breeding ground for moulds and mildew. These fungi can damage your wine labels, the quality of your wines, as well as the integrity of your racking.

In the rare cases where you need to add humidity, a wine cellar humidifier can be installed or use the poor man’s method… add a small container of water across the room from the cooling unit. The moisture will be drawn up through the air as the unit tries to rid the room of excess humidity. Problem solved.

As for temperature, your wine should be stored in at approximately 55 degrees. Make sure you can control the temperature in the space where you are storing your wine. Most climate control systems come pre-set at 55 so you do not have to adjust.

When the temperature is not regulated, wine cannot preserve its desirable characteristics. Very low or very high temperatures can cause unpleasant tastes in wine.

Choose Quality Wine Racks Manufactured by an Expert

Florida wine racks

Beautiful Wine Racks System

The way you rack your wine is also important. Did you know that if you have a display row where your wine is stored at an angle, it should be at no more than a 15-degree angle so the cork stays moist? If you buy pre-made racks, make sure this is possible.

If you’re having racks built, make sure your builder knows what he or she is doing. It is best to hire a company who specializes in wine cellars. Even then, be aware that all of the manufacturers do not make their racks with the same quality or specifications.

Also, make sure that your wine rack system is designed with features that will enhance your drinking experience with family and friends. Your chosen builder should assess all your functional and aesthetic requirements. This will help them create a Texas home wine cellar that will store and display your favourite vintages safely and beautifully.  See quality wine racks offered by a master builder.

Organize Your Collection Effectively

wine invenntory system Texas eSommelier

e-Sommelier Wine Inventory System

Finally, you have to keep your wine storage organized. The organization is key to a good wine storage system. Store your wine by category or by collection. Keep a written record of what you have and where you are storing it.

Depending on your collection, you may be doing this for insurance reasons anyway. If you have a large collection you might want to invest in a computerized inventory control system. It really is the best way to make the most of your storage system.

A Wine Storage Specialist Can Build a Safe and Attractive Wine Room for You

With the help of a master builder, you can have a Texas home wine cellar designed to store your collection properly. Planning to start your wine room project? Wine Cellar Specialists can help you! Contact them today at +1 (866 )646-7089 or request a 3D wine cellar design for FREE!

 

What’s the best custom wine storage for you? | Wine Racks vs. Wine Cellars

Depending on your wine storage needs, as well as the space you have available in which to store wine, you may need to decide between a simple system comprised of wine racks, or you may opt to build in your home a custom wine cellar, which would include wine racks as part of its overall construction and usability.

Choosing the Best Wine Storage Solution for Your Needs

Every wine collector has different functional, aesthetic, and financial requirements. It is for this very reason that you should work with an experienced Dallas, Texas wine cellar builder. At Wine Cellar Specialists, they offer effective wine storage solutions that cater to their clients’ needs.

Depending on your needs, you can invest in wine racks or a wine cellar.

Wine Racks

Wine racks can fit in your kitchen. And that may be just what you’re looking for. Racks are inexpensive and can easily store a few bottles of wine. If you’re not a serious collector, or if you’re not planning to hold on to the wine you buy for any length of time, then go with a rack. There are several great options out there, and most of them require little time on your part. In fact, if you find a premade rack that works for you, even better.

wine racks Dallas Texas

Wooden Wine Racks

Wine Cellar Specialists, a wine storage expert in Dallas, Texas, offers wine racks built with efficiency, durability, and appeal. You may opt for wood or metal wine racks.

Wood Wine Racks

One of the most versatile wine rack design, wooden wine racks can be used in traditional and modern wine cellars. It’s available in various styles and sizes. You can even use a black stain for a contemporary look to show off your collection! The different types of wooden storage racks are stand-alone, wall-mounted, modular, stackable, and custom wine racks.

Metal Wine Racks

custom modern floating black wine racks

Modern floating wine racks

The popularity of modern design for custom wine cellars has been growing consistently, along with the rise of technology. No need to keep your wines in the dark, show them off with these minimalistic metal wine racks. 

Wine racks designed to mount on the wall are highly recommended for small wine storage spaces. Stackable wine racks are ideal for a growing wine collection since you don’t need to modify your racking if you want to add more bottles.

 

Wine Cellars

home wine cellar Dallas Texas

An Elegant Wine Cellar Installed in Dallas, Texas

Just like other wine collectors, racking alone is probably not for you. Valuable red and white wines should not be stored in the kitchen, not if you expect them to increase in value and remain robust. Building a wine cellar in your home is probably the right option for you.

The wine cellar you build should regulate humidity and temperature since both are essential to protecting your investment.

Dallas, Texas wine cellars are designed to maintain the optimum conditions need in the proper ageing of wine. They are equipped with a wine cooling system that can keep the temperature and humidity at the ideal range. Without an efficient climate-control system, your collection will go to waste.

See other blog posts about the right temperature and humidity in which to keep your wine.

If you want, you can also install a refrigerator in another part of your home. Never put a wine refrigerator inside your wine cellar. The motor on the unit will give off heat and make it harder to keep your room at a constant temperature. Your cooling unit will be fighting the heat coming from the refrigerator. You can use the refrigerator to chill the white wines you intend to drink soon. But for storage temperature, your white wines and your red wines can be stored together in the same wine cellar.

More Tips from a Wine Cellar Expert in Dallas, Texas

residential wine cellar Dallas Texas

Home Wine Cellar with Wine Barrel Racks

Wine Cellar Specialists provides the following tips to help you determine the right storage solution that suits your needs.

When planning your home wine storage system, whether using a cellar in your home or racks in your kitchen, long-term thinking requires you to think about durability. Don’t just go with a wine rack that looks strong. Make sure your rack can stand on its own and can handle the number of bottles of wine you’d keep on it at one time. Don’t plan for the least possible situation. Make sure your rack can handle anything you may want to use it for.

Consider the way your home looks before buying your wine racks. If your home is more modern and metal, then go with a metal rack, but if there is a lot of wood in your home, then go with a wood rack. There is also the possibility of reclaimed wine barrel racking. This is a more costly way to go but, if you can afford it, it truly makes for a magnificent look. It also has the smell of a winery when you walk into the room as the wood used for this racking was originally used for barrels that held wine. That wine smell is still in the wood.

Your wine storage system can be as individual as your specific taste in wine. No matter the vintage, and no matter your choice, storing your wine is as important as pairing it with the right meal and for the right dinner guests.

Need help? Contact Wine Cellar Specialists today at +1 (972) 454-0480.