Remodel A Basement Into A Wine Cellar

Remodel a Basement Into a Wine Cellar

Wine aficionados delight in owning private downstairs wine cellars. Basement wine cellars are not only convenient, but with the space they provide you can buy by the case and save money. You'll need to assess your basement for water leaks, humidity and temperature. Leaks require abatement, and temperature and humidity levels should be low and fairly consistent to protect your wine. High humidity can breed mold on bottle corks, and high temperatures and strong lighting can cook the wine. Adequate shelving or wine racks are essential components while wine cellar décor is optional.

Instructions

1. Remove all furniture, junk and anything else that isn't tacked down to the floor. Remove unwanted shelving.

2. Clean the basement thoroughly. Brush cobwebs with a broom and wash ceiling, walls and floors. Inspect the walls, ceiling and floor for cracks and holes and signs of water leaks such as ringed stains. Check the outside of the basement and any window seals for signs of leaking. Seal leaks with an appropriate sealer. Fill holes and cracks with an appropriate filler such as cement, putty or caulking.

3. Consider applying a stucco façade onto the basement concrete walls and ceiling to provide a complete seal. Think about tiling floors for added cleanliness and coolness.

4. Measure the area of the basement that you want to use for wine storage. Use a tape measure and check measurements on the floor where shelves will sit. Decide on the rack height and measure accordingly.

5. Select shelving or wine racks that will accommodate your wine collection or future collection. Measure the dimensions of some wine bottles. For instance, Australian Shiraz 750 ml is distributed in bottles that measure almost 12 inches tall and will take up 3 inches when they lay on the shelf. Dessert wines are typically in smaller bottles, and Gewürztraminers usually in taller, thinner bottles. Some Champagne bottles hold over 2 liters.

6. Consider storing bottles that use synthetic corks bottles upright. Polymer wine corks are taking the industry by storm and may change the way we store wines.

7. Add an appropriately sized split air-conditioner system. Do not allow air to directly chill bottles, but rather position it away from bottles to cool and circulate the air and to remove moisture from the air. Set the temperature to 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

8. Keep a hygrometer on hand to check humidity levels, which should ideally remain between 55 percent to 85 percent. Keep bottles away from light as much as possible.

9. Sort your wine collection according to your taste and collection. Store rare bottles in a specially designated area on shelves and more frequently used wines within easier reach. Label shelves for easy stock take and to display your collection to your brethren of the grape.

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