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The theory behind wine cellars is simple: Cellars are intended to re-create the cool moist conditions found in the subterranean caves of Europe. The finest wines of the worlds, particularly reds, are typically powerful when young, due to the wine's tannins, which are derived from grape solids and oak barrels through the wine making process.
Fine wine is very sensitive to temperature in two ways. As the wine's temperature increases, two chemical reactions speed up. One which can be referred to as aging, the other is spoilage. The aging reaction is the beneficial maturation of the wine which improves the aroma, flavor and structure over time. At higher temperatures maturation of the wine happens faster, thus reducing optimum quality before you are ready for it, forcing early consumption. The spoilage reaction works to destroy the wine by cooking it, resulting in foul odors and off-flavors. It is well understood that a wine storage temperature should be at 55 degrees. At this constant temperature the effects of the spoilage reactions are negligible. In this controlled environment these wines are able to age slowly, allowing the tannins to integrate into the wine, thus softening the wine's overall impression.
Storing wine in a closet, basement or under the stairs in your house where the temperature can easily exceed room temperature, will accelerate the spoilage reaction dramatically.
For example, at 73 degrees the reaction is as much as 8 times faster than at 55 degrees. When above 73 degrees the detrimental effects are dramatically fast, increasing to as much as 56 times that of a proper wine cellar. The whole point of a wine cellar is simply to allow wines that are capable of such an evolution not to be spoiled by such environmental evils as heat, temperature swings, light, dryness and odors.
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Please note that the side staves were removed for picture taking only. Your unit will have all the staves (as shown below) as well as a wine rack on both sides from front to back.
This is true for the home wine maker as well. Often many weeks are spent making a great batch of wine only to have it start to taste "off" after a month or so. Given proper conditions, age worthy wines continue to improve for years, even decades, offering certain rewards to the consumer for their care and patience.
The model shown at the very top of this page is in a 6 foot diameter barrel 48" long. This unit will hold 13 cases or 156 bottles. The wine rack is round.
The newest barrel wine cellar (shown above) has wine racks running down both sides of the barrel. Each rack is custom made to address your needs and is usually 24" wide. You can store up to 110 bottles of wine every two feet with barrels available in lengths of up to 16 feet.
Portable and durable selected in the wood of your choice our wine cellars are a tasteful and important addition to your cottage, restaurant, pub, private bar, winery or home wine maker.
Priced in Knotty Western Red Cedar.
Also available in Red Oak to match a bar, Birds Eye Maple, Walnut, Teak or most any species of wood you request. Our most popular is the Western Red Cedar.
Carvings shown are sold separately
Air conditioning units also available and sold separately.
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