Tips on building the best wine room in Arizona

A cool, relaxing space to forget about worldly cares could be considered a necessity in this day in age. An in-home wine room not only serves as storage for a growing collection, but a sacred retreat for lovers of the vine.

“Opening an easy-drinking red is as close to heaven as some of us get here on earth,” reports Brad McCallum, a contractor from Calgary, Alberta. “So, it’s not surprising that a growing trend in home design and planning is a dedicated space for a wine collection.”

A well-planned and constructed wine room will enhance the beauty of your home and ensure your prized collection is protected and properly showcased. Here are some tips for creating a great wine room in your home.

Determining location

You don’t necessarily need a big space to properly store your wine. If you are short on room, you can even repurpose a closet or storage area, writes Shawn Gauthier  in an article for houzz.com. While basements generally serve as a ‘go to‘ place for wine rooms, you could turn almost any space in your home into the perfect retreat with a well thought out plan.

Have a plan

You need to consider the number and size of bottles you will store. You might also want space to store full cases. Having a variety of wine racks is best to accommodate various bottle sizes. What ultimately makes your wine cellar stunning is how you store your wine, McCallum explains. “The best cellars showcase their finest wines while still finding ample room for everyday choices.”

Wine storage has specific and specialized requirements, so careful planning is a must. As an example, you don’t want the lighting to add heat to the room, so LED lights are a good option. Depending on how extravagant you plan to be, you might also consider adding or upgrading your home security system.

 

Control the environment

Temperature and humidity levels are the most important elements for properly storing wine. The ideal temperature should be 52 to 58 degrees. “Note that there is an acceptable temperature range — but once chosen, temperature must not fluctuate,” explains finewinereserve.com. “Temperature stability is the ‘holy grail’ of wine storage.”

Relative humidity levels should range between 60 and 80 percent, something not easily achieved in a desert environment. Lower humidity levels can dry out the corks, which allows too much air to reach the wine. Higher levels risk mold and mildew damage to the storage area and to the wine labels.

A vapor barrier and insulation are the most important aspects of a wine cellar to maintain constant temperature and humidity. The vapor barrier controls moisture while the insulation helps keep the room cool. Because you’ll need a refrigeration system and proper ventilation, this aspect of creating a wine room is best left to experienced, licensed professionals.

Tasting area

A dedicated wine room combines function with style. You want it to be cool, but you also want it to look cool. If space allows, you probably want to add a tasting area in or adjacent to your wine room. Don’t be afraid to get creative. For example, because you are already trying to add moisture to the atmosphere, McCallum suggests using an indoor fountain or waterfall. In addition to serving an important function, it can be a showpiece of your wine room.

You’ll want a table and chairs for relaxing, as well as space to store glasses, an area to open bottles and possibly space for collectibles, memorabilia, photos, décor, etc.

Ultimately, your wine room should feel like an extension of the existing style of your home, while still offering unique character and amenities. A great wine room will increase the value and appeal of your home. In fact, once it’s finished, don’t be surprised if it becomes the favorite room in the house.

 

Are you looking for a home with a great wine room or luxury appeal? Erich Sielaff  is a 14 year full service Real Estate Professional who also enjoys good wine and local music.  He hosted the AZ Music Cafe radio program from 2008-2011. Erich’s business affords him the opportunity to see thousands of homes throughout the Valley and has helped hundreds of Buyers and Sellers in their journey to the perfect home. Contact Erich for more information on the home featured in this article or for other luxury properties.