The Wine Revolution
 Once
upon a time, luxury wine cellars were seldom found
outside of
exclusive
restaurants
and
clubs. Typically, a wine cellar one would find in the
home was merely a rack under the basement stairs. As
the cost and demand for fine wine has risen to unprecedented
levels, with a record $18.1 billion of wine sold in
1999 alone, this is no longer true.
Private wine collectors the world abroad have spoken
out about the importance of protecting one’s wine, and
about the economic sense a quality wine cellar makes. One
needs to only glance at the auction world to see fine wines
sell for exorbitant amounts of money. The old economic
principle of supply and demand play a key role here – if
you have to search for the supply, you’re going to
pay a premium; that premium dollar amount is going to land
in the pockets of people storing wine.
Having said this, collectors of all types are educating
themselves and learning what it takes to preserve their
wine investments, which has caused quite a shift in the
way they think. Becoming aware of the conditions necessary
to protect and preserve the fine wines they hold so near
and dear to their hearts has resulted in a change in
philosophy that has certainly been reflected in the rapid
evolution
of the in-home wine cellar.
Instead of finding merely a rack under the stairs to
store a few bottles of wine, it is not uncommon to find
vast
spaces converted into lavish wine cellars that would
cause the most luxurious of clubs to be envious. Accessories
such as spiral staircases, tasting tables, even wide-screen
televisions, have turned some of today’s in-home
cellars into fully functional entertainment rooms. When
you start building a cellar, it’s not uncommon for
a lot of aspects of your life to change. You start planning
vacations in wine countries, attending wine auctions, and
building relationships with other wine collectors who share
your interests. For many, their diets change as well, as
they begin to desire foods that will compliment their tastes
in wine.
These rooms are not just meant for the sophisticated
wine experts. Even the most inexperienced of wine collectors
can enjoy the fruits of such a high-end cellar. As is
the
case with any endeavor, it’s important to learn a
few things before taking on such a project.
Maintaining the correct environment for wine is essential,
especially if you are planning to store your wines
for an extended period. The correct environment is
one where a constant temperature in the 49 to 55
degree range is achieved, while humidity in the 70
- 80% range
is maintained. To maintain this environment, one
must isolate their cellar from surrounding sources
of temperature
and humidity different from these desired levels.
This is accomplished through the use of vapor barriers,
insulation and refrigeration systems. Remember, every
situation calls for different solutions, as no two
spaces are the same.
After having built the cellar to resist the outside
conditions, one needs to mechanically refrigerate
the space to the
proper 49-55 degree range. Design of all standard
air-conditioning systems dry out the air while cooling,
and are not
designed to perform properly in the 49-55 degree
range.
Because of this, using refrigeration systems
designed specifically for wine cellars to maintain
the proper
environment is essential. There are several options
from which to choose:
SELF-CONTAINED
The least complicated and least reliable system available
to refrigerate a wine cellar is a self-contained unit.
These function like “through the wall” air-conditioners.
This type offers refrigeration at a constant temperature
and has the ability to maintain a higher than ambient
humidity. Fluctuations in humidity will occur during
the year.
Life span: 5 to 7 years.
DUCTLESS SPLIT
Split-refrigeration units are commercial grade refrigeration
systems. These systems are built-up using an indoor fan/evaporator
located inside the wine cellar, and a remote outdoor
compressor. Again, temperature will be constant and a
higher than ambient humidity will be maintained. Supplemental
humidification can be used in conjunction with this system
type to maintain a more even humidity level.
Life span: 15 to 20 years.
SPLIT AIR-HANDLER
This system provides refrigeration via ducted air, and
frequently combines both humidification and dehumidification.
These systems are built-up using an indoor package
air-handler with a humidification device, a duct heater
and an outdoor compressor. These systems will maintain
a constant temperature and humidity year-round through
the use of low-voltage electronic controls.
Life span: 15 to 20 years.
ELECTRONIC CONTROLS
All refrigeration systems are controlled via electronic
thermostatic controls. The latter two systems can be
alarmed for high and low temperature, and high and low
humidity. Alarm notification can be local via an alarm/enunciator,
and can also be connected directly to the home security
system for remote 24 hour notification, or via remote
access through a modem connection.
Two more elements that affect your cellar environment
are doors and lighting. There are various options for
doors, but they all must be of exterior grade quality,
with a full weatherseal. Without a good weatherseal,
the cellar will not maintain the proper temperature
and/or humidity. While it is true low wattage lights
add little heat, they also add little light.
Many people treat their wine cellar as a work of art
and enjoy showing it to their friends. It is recommended
that you have sufficient lighting to make it an enjoyable
atmosphere in which to work and entertain.
Leaving your lighting on for long periods will affect
your cellar temperature; however, doing so for short
periods should not. Once your wine cellar has enough
wine in it that has reached the correct temperature,
including all of the construction materials inside, the
thermal mass should help maintain an even, constant temperature,
even if there is a short power failure.
The combination of the refrigeration and the large thermal
mass are sufficient to handle a good lighting system
if the lights are left on for extended periods.
It is recommended that you have a timer or a pilot light
to avoid leaving lights on by accident when you leave
your cellar. All lighting must be of the “IC” type,
must have a good vapor-seal, and must also be approved
for use in damp locations as set forth by local building
codes.
What type of finishing material should one use?
There are certain ones not to use, but after that, the
selection of finishing materials is really a function
of your taste and budget. A tile or stone finish floor
is attractive and practical.
Wood can be used but only in certain spaces, and space
must be left around the sides for expansion; otherwise,
buckling will occur when the wood absorbs moisture from
the air. Wood flooring must also have a good vapor barrier
to prevent damage from moisture from the floor below.
The most frequently used finishes for walls and ceilings
are water-resistant drywall, cement plaster and tongue-and-groove
paneling of cedar, redwood or mahogany. All work well,
and the choice should be dictated by taste, budget and
availability.
WINE RACKING /
CABINETWORK
Racking systems vary with taste and budget. Wood systems
outlast metal systems due to their inherent natural resistance
to moisture. One should probably use Redwood, Mahogany
or Teak. These species are highly resistant to the effects
of moisture. All racking components must be fastened
with galvanized nails to prevent future staining of wooden
components.
Mechanical engineers can design a proper type refrigeration
system that is best suited to your cellar needs. Sizing
of the refrigeration system will be based upon actual
calculated heat-loss, which is determined by the physical
construction methods, and materials used for your space.
Factors involved in this computation include wall sizes,
wall exposures, insulation values, lighting, layout
design, door sizing, glazing options and the number
of people occupying the room.
The most important thing to remember when planning
your custom wine cellar is this : THE SKY’S THE
LIMIT! LET YOUR IMAGINATION RUN FREE!
Article by Chad O'Kane
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ENVIRONMENT
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