How Do You Make A Cheap Wine Cellar At Home?

Maybe you’ve always wanted to build a nice wine cellar at home, but just thinking about the expenses makes you take a step back and put the plan at the least of your priorities. But if you’re a wine lover and you constantly store wine in your house, it’s more practical to make a dedicated storage space for them, mainly if your collection includes a few expensive and collector’s item bottles. 

Check out the following steps below to find out how you can possibly make your own wine cellar without breaking the bank. 

Wine Cellar Cooling 

First and foremost, the primary consideration to look into when creating a home wine cellar is the proper temperature when storing wine. It’s said that the recommended temperature should be at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit. Although anything cooler than that won’t ruin your wine, its development may be affected. 

If the temperature hits lower than 30 degrees, your wine could possibly freeze. On the flip side, anything above 65 degrees could negatively affect the wine’s quality the longer it’s stored. For this exact reason, most wine cellars are found in basements and other areas that are relatively dark or hidden.  

According to WineCellarHq.com in 99% of climates a wine cellar will need to be cooled. Each bottle requires special care, especially if you consider your collection an investment in more ways than one. 

You might be wondering how you can precisely measure the temperature of your chosen wine cellar spot. What you can do is take multiple readings using an old-fashioned thermometer. Make sure you have thermal readings on a cold winter night and a hot summer day. If you notice any large fluctuations, you can consider installing rigid foam boards to help insulate and protect the bottles from the changing weather. 

For more affordable insulation options, check the list below: 

• Mineral wool panels; 
• Insulating mats; 
• Spray foam; 
• Fiberglass batt; 
• Reflective foil; or 
• Bubble foil.  

These insulating materials can be easily found in your local hardware stores. You can check the costs of each option so you can determine which one will be most affordable for your wine cellar. Make sure you’re aware of properly installing your preferred insulation so it can fully serve its purpose. You can learn more about wine cellar cooling here so you can carefully pick the right cooling system.

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Pick A Location For Your Wine Cellar 

Wine cellars come in different varieties, sizes, and shapes. While building one can undoubtedly make you spend money, there are ways to be cleverer about it without sacrificing any of its essential components. For one, you don’t necessarily need to have a custom-built cellar at home. What’s more practical and even trendier these days is transforming any unused space of your house into a residential wine cellar. 

Any offbeat or extra space could be more helpful if you’ll consider using them as a spot for your cellar. It could be under the stairs, underground, or even in the basement. You don’t need to knock down a wall or any part of your home so that you can make way for the wine cellar of your dreams. 

You can be as wise and creative as you can when picking a location for your wine storage. Just remember to take note of specific essential pointers that could significantly affect the quality and taste of your favorite drink. For example, make sure your wine cellar’s location won’t be subjected to direct sunlight. Additionally, the temperature in that spot should be pretty regulated to prevent it from fluctuating.

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Go For Cheap Wine Racks 

Because your goal is to make a cheap wine cellar at home, you don’t need to look for expensive racks to store your wine. As long as the shelves serve their purpose, which is to hold the bottles together and protect them from breaking, you’re good to go.  

For this next step, the key is to ensure that the racks are sturdy and reliable. They should be effective in keeping the bottles from directly touching any ground surface. Most affordable wine racks can hold up to 50 bottles at once. If you’re looking for a sturdy option, metal wine racks would be the most viable choice. If you plan on buying several metal racks, you can place them side by side to make the cellar look neater and more organized. 

Another option is to make your own wine racks. You can quickly source materials from hardware stores and online shops such as wooden slabs, old pallets, and wooden crates. You can also consider repurposing some of the furniture pieces you have at home, such as an old dresser you no longer use. 

Making your own wine racks can add uniqueness and character to your cellar. You can also take pride in knowing you built them from scratch, and best of all, you can be sure of their sturdiness and quality.

Take Note Of The Two V’s: Vibration And Ventilation 

Lastly, vibrations and movements in the cellar can significantly affect the aging process of your wine. If the space has any unnecessary appliances or furniture that may affect vibration, consider taking them out. If your wine cellar is in the basement, make sure the upper floor is sturdy enough to handle heavy movements that could impact your storage. 

Proper ventilation is also critical when making a wine cellar at home. Consider adding a vent if the area doesn’t have one already to keep the air flowing inside. Stale and strong smells can influence the flavor of your wine, which is why you need to make sure the air is flowing properly. Ventilation can help in filtering smell and improving indoor air quality too. 

Cheap Doesn’t Have To Be Low Quality 

If you’re armed with enough tips and tricks, it’s possible to make a cheap wine cellar at home without sacrificing any essential elements. With a bit of creativity, you can even make it look in character and stylish to fit your tastes. A wine collection isn’t just any other collection you have at home—it’s an investment you can admire, consume, and be proud of. 

So, how do you make a cheap wine cellar? Hopefully, this question has been answered in the entirety of this guide. Start by picking a location that won’t require you to renovate or remodel any part of your house. Don’t forget to consider the importance of wine cooling, vibration, and ventilation. To complete your cheap wine cellar, look into different rack options to hold your bottles together as they age beautifully and tastefully.

Also Read:

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• Wine Basics For Everyone
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