It’s no accident that the French term for a wine cellar is “cave à vin”. Winemakers have been storing wine underground in natural caves since well before Roman times because they provide the ideal environment for aging wine—consistent optimal temperatures between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit; total darkness, which protects wine from damaging sunlight; enough humidity to prevent corks and barrel wood from drying out and little to no vibrations that would disrupt the complex chemistry of aging wine. In bygone eras, oenophiles who lacked access to a nearby cave would create one by digging deep into the ground to make a cellar. Estates required a large wine cellar for preserving both wine and foods using the natural refrigerating qualities of the earth. Often built under homes, cellars have evolved into basements and taken on new roles in modern life.
Create A Beautiful Wine Cellar
Today, wine lovers often choose to move their wine collection upstairs, taking advantage of modern technology to create elegant wine rooms that display wines like precious works of art. Showcasing wine in primary living spaces for both beauty and easy accessibility is a growing trend, as in this spectacular dining room at top right created by Purple Cherry Architects. In the image seen at the bottom right, the UV-protected glass and stunning framework of Wellborn & Wright grace one full wall within a large kitchen. To create these lovely rooms, expert contractors must still adhere to the basic principles of the wine cave. Wines need the consistent optimal temperature of ideally 55 degrees, the absence of sunlight or UV lighting, proper humidity and lack of vibration. With those needs met, the design of a wine room can take on any kind of beautiful aesthetic.
Designing a wine cellar or wine room is a dynamic way to express your creativity and passion for wine. Drawing on your own style, collect art that highlights Virginia’s gorgeous wine country along with mementos from your travels to other wine regions. In wine cellars, where more space is usually available, create seating for elegant home tastings, organize your wines by region or age and incorporate dramatic lighting.
Aging Bottles in the Wine Cellar
Your wine cellar or room is a space where your gold medal wines will age with grace to elegant perfection. According to expert Frank Morgan, Virginia’s gold medal red blends and Meritages can be cellared for five or six years, while our best whites should generally be enjoyed within two to three years on average. Some dessert wines, particularly fortified port-style wines, are good for cellaring and can last up to 50 years in proper storage. Hiring an experienced sommelier or wine consultant will ensure that your wine cellar is stocked with an expertly curated selection.
Wine enthusiasts may choose to use a spectrum of wine storage options in their homes. For example, you may store red wines for long-term aging in your cellar below ground, then showcase ready-to-enjoy red wines in a smaller glass-walled wine room upstairs in or near the dining room. A large, refrigerated wine cabinet in the kitchen or pantry may store your white wines, while a small bar wine fridge might work best for whites that are in use.
For the beginning collector, or if space is limited, start with a bar or full-sized refrigerated wine cabinet. This easy option will provide ideal conditions for your budding wine collection that will yield stunning wines in years to come. Then, as time, space and budget permit, you can begin the exciting process of designing the wine room or wine cellar of your dreams.
Designing Your Wine Cellar
From chic contemporary design to Old World flair, your wine cellar or room can celebrate your tastes, add value and make a fabulous addition to your home. Find the aesthetic that suits your decor, whether starkly modern or clad with natural stone and rich woods to evoke a warmer, more traditional look. The exquisitely detailed wine room at Boxwood Winery seen at left boasts dramatic tall walls, lined floor to ceiling with a priceless collection. An equally lovely decanting area is outfitted with crystal glassware.
Your gold medal wine cellar or room will become a faultless blend of style and function with time and creativity. Having the perfect space to properly preserve your valuable wine collection and proudly share it with guests will be a source of delight for years to come as you take part in the exciting wine movement underway here in Virginia Wine Country. ~
