Not only does a wine cellar offer a dedicated space for wine storage, aging and enjoyment, but the space also provides optimal conditions for wine preservation. As an added bonus, a wine cellar will also add value to your luxury home.
Your property inspiration
The wine cellar in this sophisticated Sandton home has it all: wine storage, trendy seating that transforms wine tasting into a social event for connoisseurs and artwork on the wall to create a fashionable ambience.
According to property practitioners Philip and Kirsten Myburgh, wine cellars can be a great conversation starter and use of dead space. “For instance, in this home, the wine cellar is under the stairs,” explains Kirsten. “This creates an extra feature that buyers in the luxury market are looking for.”
Make your wine cellar a feature of your home
Whether you’re new to the world of wine or whether you’ve been building your collection for years, every oenophile should have a private wine cellar in his or her home. Here are some great ideas to help you get started.
How do you make a wine cellar?
First things first: choose a suitable location for your wine cellar. Ideally, it should be in a cool, dark area of your home where minimal temperature fluctuations are experienced. Think about how much space you’ll need and how many bottles you will consider storing, making sure to plan for future growth.
Proper insulation is crucial to maintain correct temperatures and humidity levels in your wine cellar. You’ll need to have the walls, ceiling and floor insulated, and install a vapour barrier to prevent moisture buildup.
When installing lighting in your wine cellar, use LED or incandescent bulbs, as they emit less heat than other alternatives. To further reduce heat generation, you could consider installing timer-controlled or motion-sensor lighting.
When it comes to selecting your wine racks or storage units, choose ones that both suit your style and accommodate the number of bottles you plan to store. Make sure your racks will accommodate different bottle sizes.
Wine cellar designs for small spaces
Having only a small space available doesn’t mean that you can’t have a wine cellar. It just means that you need to be extra smart in its design. If your floor space is limited, consider using wall-mounted wine racks or shelving. You can also get creative with your wine storage, using compact solutions like sideboards or bookshelves. Depending on the configuration of your small space, under-counter wine fridges can work well.
How do you make a wine cellar in your living room?
The first step to creating a wine cellar in your living room is to assess the space you have available and choose an area where you can create your wine cellar. In making this decision, think about factors like temperature control, accessibility and aesthetics. Choose wine racks or shelving units that are well suited to your space and can accommodate the number of bottles that you plan to store.
Your home should inspire you
In the words of the late great British wine critic, Michael Broadbent, “drinking good wine with good food in good company is one of life’s most civilised pleasures”. Having a wine cellar in your home adds an air of sophistication and gives the connoisseur in you a place to indulge. If you’re looking to buy or rent a home that has a wine cellar, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team from Lew Geffen Sotheby’s International Realty, the best real estate company in South Africa.
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