Wine Cellar 101: Future-Proof Your Cellar

I received a call from a client this morning, at 7:30 on the dot.  We had installed a beautiful custom wine cellar in his basement in December – without a cooling system.  He was excited to tell me that he had received a self-contained cooling system as a gift to complement the cellar, and wanted to talk about fitting in to his racking.  Unfortunately, I had to remind him that he chose not to install a vapor barrier and insulate the room before we built the racking into the room.  After a painful silence, the realization that he’d neglected to future-proof his cellar set in.  If he installed the cooling unit now, without any of the necessary room prep, not only would his warranty be void and product life of the system be greatly compromised, he would be at great risk of mold infestation as condensate formed behind his walls.    He’s now in the unfortunate position of having to decide whether he’s going to tear down all of his racking and drywall, add a vapor barrier, insulate, re-drywall and then put the racking back in order to have the wine cellar cooled.

Our client’s pain could have been alleviated if he’d asked himself one question at the beginning of the project:  Do I think I will ever want cooling in the space?  If the answer is yes, regardless of whether you pull the trigger on the actual cooling unit right away, the cellar prep work should be done when building the room out the first time.  It is much less expensive and will cause a lot less grief if you address the requirements early.  If you think you’ll ever have regrets about not cooling the space, the time to run appropriate power, add a vapor barrier and insulate is now.  You can frame the cellar in such a way that if you want to cool the cellar in the future, all you have to do is cut out a predetermined section drywall and either drop the unit in if you’re using a self-contained system, or attach your ductwork if you’re going with a ducted split cooling system.  You can be cooling your cellar in a matter of hours with proper preparation.

Be sure to review our Wine Cellar Construction Specifications before you build your cellar, regardless of whether you’re planning to initially cool the space or not.  The guide can be found on our website:   http://www.luxewinecellars.com/construction-specifications

Contact Luxe with any questions early in your project plan so you can be sure you’re taking the proper steps to protect your investment now, and in the future.

Content Contributor this month:

Greg Minahan

Mr. Minahan is a sales and cellar design expert with Luxe Wine Cellars who can help you take your cellar project from a spark of an idea to a completed cellar.  Mr. Minahan has designed hundreds of installed wine cellars nationwide and can help you plan a cellar that best accounts for your wine collection, design aesthetic and geographical climate issues.

Commonly Asked Questions and Critical Wine Cooling Information

Wine cooling units are generally classified as either Self Contained Cooling Systems or Split Cooling Systems. Self contained cooling systems can be more economical and are designed for simple through-wall installation.  Self contained systems are a practical solution for smaller cellars; however, there are limitations in performance, sound and installation parameters when compared to split systems. Split cooling systems can have a higher initial cost but provide long term value with superior operational lifespan and their ability to require no direct venting. And perhaps most valuably, they can be configured to be virtually silent inside the wine cellar.  Click here to learn more about integrated cooling system options.

Self Contained Cooling Systems

Self contained cooling systems are an all-in-one unit, which make them easy to install and the right choice for some cellar applications.  By nature, these units generate hot and cold air, and associated noise, in one small space.  These factors present limitations in where these systems can be installed.  The exhaust side of a self contained system will give off heat and noise and generally has to be vented into a room that meets criteria such as a specific size in relation to the cellar and/or power ventilated rooms.  Certain units can be installed through exterior walls, however outside climate conditions may prevent this type of installation. Some units are ductable and can be installed in a wider variety of climates.

Luxe Split Cooling Systems

Luxe manufactures the largest selection of split cooling systems built specifically for wine storage.  Luxe split cooling systems are customizable, highly specialized and designed with the most advanced technology for wine storage applications. Only top quality, commercial grade components are used to provide the highest level of performance and reliability available in the marketplace. Custom venting options allow Luxe to optimize the system for your wine storage environment.

Comparison of Self Contained and Split Cooling Systems

Features	Self Contained Cooling Systems	Split Cooling Systems
Installation Location	Generally straddling a wall with the unit flush mounted to the external side of the cellar (the exhaust room) and the cooling side of the unit protruding roughly 1ft into the cellar.	Indoor unit (evaporator) can be placed inside the cellar or outside of the cellar with ducting into the room depending on the type of evaporator. The outdoor unit can be placed outdoors, in a crawlspace or in a vented mechanical room*
Location Parameters	The side of the unit that exhausts heat and generates noise must be on the external side of a wall bordering the wine cellar. The space can either be to the interior of the home where heat and noise are acceptable, and room size and ambient temperature requirements for proper operation are met, or to the exterior of the home.	The indoor unit may consist of a fan coil inside of the cellar, a ducted air handler in a remote location with air ducted into the cellar, or a ducted style air handler built into the racking or cabinetry of the cellar. The outdoor unit (condensing unit) does not have to be adjacent to the cellar and can be placed outdoors, in a crawlspace or in a vented mechanical room*
Noise in Cellar	Generally range in the mid-60 decibels for sound in the cellar when operating.	Evaporators with fan coils can range from the mid-60 decibels, while evaporators with ducted air handlers can range in the single digit decibel range. Specialized fan motors are also available to reduce the noise of most fan coils to the 50 decibel range.
Noise / Heat Outside Cellar	Noise ranges in the mid-60 decibels. The heat removed from the cellar and the equipment heat may cause the exhaust room to become extremely warm and affect unit performance, depending on the size and ventilation of the space.	Noise ranges in the mid 60 decibels. Heat removed from the cellar and the equipment heat can increase the temperature, depending on the size of the space. The outdoor unit (condensing unit) can be located away from the cellar in a area where heat and noise are acceptable – outdoors, crawlspace or vented mechanical room.
Ventilation Requirements	Units require direct ventilation out of the exhaust side of the system. Some exhaust rooms will require additional ventilation for optimal system performance.	The indoor unit (evaporator) requires no ventilation. The outdoor unit (Condensing Unit) requires ventilation.

The difference between Luxe Wine Cellar Split Cooling Systems and other refrigeration and air conditioning equipment

Wine cellar split and self-contained cooling systems are designed specifically to cool a space to near 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This equipment differs from other refrigeration and air conditioning equipment primarily in its targeted operating temperature. The standard operating temperature of refrigeration equipment for coolers and freezers is much lower than 55 degrees, and for air conditioners is much higher than 55 degrees. Freezers operate at sub zero temperatures, coolers are near 35 degrees and air conditioning systems are designed near high 60s to low 70s degree range. The non-standard temperature requirements create a need for equipment designed specifically for wine storage applications.

Understanding Humidity and cooling systems

Virtually all through-wall cooling systems and most split systems claim to control humidity levels, which is simply not true. Cooling systems can remove humidity as they operate but the only way to truly control, and predictably add, humidity to a cellar is with a humidifying device controlled by a humidistat. Sizing and run time cannot be used to control humidity to any reasonable level of precision. However, not all climates require humidity control as the natural climate may be acceptable. In the Seattle area where we are based, humidity equipment is often not required for the cellar to maintain proper levels; however, in either arid or humid climates it is a requirement. Luxe Split systems offer humidity control as an option which should be used according to your specific climate and local conditions. Contact a Luxe representative for information on your area.

Racking materials, suitable flooring types, room insulation and preparation, and other specifications and information are located on the Construction Specifications Page.

Our Experience is the Difference

Our refrigeration team has been designing, testing and installing wine cooling systems for over 40 years in both residential cellars and large scale commercial winery applications.  We have taken our knowledge and experience acquired over the years to develop a line of cooling systems that simply out perform any other products available in terms of quality, features and available options.  Differences in system design can greatly affect critical storage parameters such as changing humidity levels, run times, system maintenance, longevity and overall operation.

The system sizes offered are based on a generalized cubic footage capacity of the wine cellar using our proprietary sizing calculations, factoring in our prescribed room preparation specifications for insulation and vapor barrier requirements.  System capacities should only be used as a general guide and Luxe offers a complementary sizing analysis to ensure the system will fit the application it is intended for.  Relying on generalized capacity information without a thorough analysis of critical installation requirements and field conditions is one of the leading causes of cellar climate control system performance issues.

Why Luxe?

The Luxe Difference

Luxe views your custom cellar as a showcase for your unique personality and passion for wine collecting and will work collaboratively to build the ideal cellar for you and your wine. Luxe sets the bar in the custom wine cellar industry by:

• Providing a superior level of customer service. Our extensive knowledge of wine and cellaring techniques make it easy for Clients, Architects and Contractors to get accurate information and advice regarding protecting and showcasing their investment in wine. Luxe is a resource in the building community for wine storage practices and construction standards.
• Enhancing the client’s experience in their cellar by integrating customized split cooling systems that can be virtually silent and concealed within the racking.
• Traveling globally for project consultations and specifications.  We can travel to your site, evaluate your project, ship finished products and coordinate installation.
• Luxe can accommodate large projects with full and partial container shipments, installer coordination and overall project support. Regardless of your location, Luxe makes the process of designing and building a Custom Wine Cellar easy.
• Expanding beyond wine storage to offer assistance in wine acquisition, trading and organization.

Review of Luxe Wine Cellars

A review of Luxe Wine Cellars

http://perfectlypairedwines.com/luxe-wine-cellars-custom-storage

New 1,763 Bottle Cellar Video Tour

1,763 Bottle Cellar in African Mahogany w/ Dual Whisperkool Split Cooling

902 Bottle Cellar In Mahogany W/ Ducted Split Cooling

902 Bottle Cellar In Mahogany W/ Ducted Split Cooling

Northwest Regional Favorite – Cedar Planked Salmon

Northwest Regional Favorite – Cedar Planked Salmon

Recipe:

                Plank Preparation

                Soak ¼” Thick clean & smooth Western Red Cedar Plank in water for 30 to 60 minutes in cold water (Make sure to put a filled cup on top of plank to avoid floating)

Salmon Preparation:

Suggested Cut

2 LB center Cut Kenai or Copper River Fresh Wild Alaskan King Salmon (Serves 4 to 5)

Rinse and pat dry salmon with paper towel

Place on Cedar Plank

Hand Rub with Olive Oil and liberally apply Coarse Salt and Fresh Cracked Pepper to Taste (Apply more than you may generally think is required for optimal flavor)

Place plank on BBQ grill over indirect heat – Grill Temp or coals at medium temp (roughly 400 degrees F)

Cook to Taste, Sashimi Lovers – Pull off grill when soft to touch and white oils just start to appear, the rest of us (Medium Fans) pull off when Substainl white oils appear and fish is crusted from plank smoke and slightly firm to touch

Note: Always remove from grill by lifting fillet away from skin on plank, Discard of Plank and IMPORTANT let Salmon rest for at least 5 minutes prior to serving

Wine Parings (California & Washington)

Caymus Conundrum

Rating:

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Di Stefano Sauvignon Blanc

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New Sauna Design Kits Feature

Luxe Pre-Cut Sauna Kits

Pre-cut sauna kits are available in a wide range of standard room sizes as well as custom Packages.  Luxe kits are built with premium quality materials and heaters, with upgrade  options to personalize your sauna.  To find an ideal configuration for your space, please search our standard kits below.  Note that all saunas have a ceiling height of 84” for optimal heating.  All doors swing out for safety.

Check it out on Our website

https://www.luxewinecellars.com/luxe-pre-cut-sauna-kits

Custom 608 Bottle Wine Cellar Tour

in Mahogany & Black Vintage View w/ Dark Red Mahogany & Clear Coat w/ Intergraded Cooling

Custom 1,029 Bottle Cellar Tour

Custom 1,029 Bottle Cellar in Mahogany w/ Intergraded Split Cooling