Author Archives: Holly Peters - Custom Wine Cellars Vancouver

Mistakes in Wine Cellar Construction that can Affect the Wine Room’s Effectiveness

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Wine cellars, whether for residential or commercial purposes, need to be designed and built by an expert. Wine cellars are not mere storage spaces. They area safe haven for wines, and ensure that their quality is preserved and that their aroma and flavors develop. If there are mistakes in the construction of a wine cellar, or if there are important elements that are overlooked, the result can be disastrous for wines.

The Need for Proper Wine Cellar Construction by a Wine Cellar Expert

More and more people understand the need to invest in a wine storage solution. You cannot start a wine collection without having a storage space for them to age within. The problem is that there are still many people who think that they can have their wine cellar built by a carpenter, or worse,try to undertake the task themselves.

It is imperative to understand that a wine cellar has many wine cellar construction specifications that must be met in order for it to become an effective wine storage solution. This is why a wine cellar should be designed and built by a wine cellar expert.

A wine cellar expert will make sure that the essentials of a wine cellar are covered. They help you determine what wine racks will look and work best in your wine cellar. They also give advice on what type of wine cellar door is best suited for your storage room,recommendations on the type of wall and ceiling treatment most appropriate for your wine cellar,and suggestions on the style of wine cellar floor. All of these elements are important in the construction of the cellar, and largely influence its price.

5 Common Mistakes in Wine Cellar Construction

Proper wine cellar construction is needed to avoid problems in the wine storage room’s capability to provide the ideal storage conditions for your wine collection. The problems that arise in a wine cellar can be linked to these 5 common mistakes in the construction process:

1. Mistakes in the Construction of the Wine Room Walls and Installation of Proper Insulation

When having a wine cellar constructed in Vancouver, Canada, you should pay attention to the walls and the insulation. A common mistake is the improper installation of the vapor barrier, which results in humidity problems, and ultimately mold and mildew growth in the wine room. The temperature and humidity inside a custom wine cellar in Vancouver, Canada should be significantly different from the temperature and humidity outside it. This is why it has be completely sealed off with 6 mil polyethylene film: to make sure that no moisture can enter the room. The film should be installed on the warm side of the wall, between the studs, wrapping the entire room and ceiling . Insulation is to be installed after.

Proper insulation selection and correct installation are critical to your wine storage room’s efficiency,aiming to keep a space cooler than its surrounding spaces. The most commonly used material is fiberglass insulation with the highest R value possible. For 2 x 4 studs, R 13 is recommended, while R 19 is suggested for 2 x 6 studs. In the installation of the insulation, small nooks and crevices are often overlooked. These spaces, if left unprotected, can become a pathway for heat and moisture. Use a spray insulating foam sealant to seal these spaces.

2. Wrong Wine Cellar Cooling Unit Size

Wine cellars in Vancouver, Canada should not have just any wine cellar cooling unit. The unit should be the appropriate size for the particular space. A wine cellar cooling expert can help you determine the right wine cellar refrigeration system size for your wine storage room. There are so many things to be considered in order to determine the size and type of wine cellar cooling system best for your cellar. If you base the wine cellar cooling unit solely on the cubic feet of space in the room, you could end up under sizing the unit, and subsequently cause it to run excessively and there by shorten its lifespan. A few of the things checked in order to determine the appropriate unit include the type of insulation used, the type of wine cellar door, the amount and type of glass windows in the room, the types and wattage of the wine cellar lighting, the number of people most often inside the wine cellar room, etc.

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Basic Wine Accessories for Every Wine Collector in Vancouver, Canada

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Genuine wine lovers not only invest in wines to add to their collection, they also invest in wine accessories, to help them experience their wines better. Learn a few basic wine accessories in Vancouver, Canada that every wine enthusiast should have.

Wine Collection 101: Wines are an Investment

Wine Collection

Quality Wines in Canada are an Investment

In the past, wine collection was something that only the elite could do. In fact, there was a time in history when only those with a royal background could enjoy wine. Today, almost everyone has access to wine, and virtually anyone can start a wine collection. But even with these changes, wine is still perceived as something very valuable. Most people still bring out wines only on special occasions and celebrations. Moreover, quality wines are quite expensive.

To start a wine collection, therefore, one must be willing to invest. When you begin collecting wine, you must invest in an effective wine storage solution, with an efficient wine cellar cooling unit installed. Furthermore, you must be willing to invest in things that can enhance how you enjoy wine. A few of the things that can enrich your wine experience are wine accessories.

There are many wine accessories in Vancouver, Canada, and a few of the basic ones that every wine collector should have include the following:

1. A Corkscrew.

A corkscrew is the most basic of all wine accessories. Most wines are sealed with a cork. How could one enjoy wine without being able to open the bottle? A good wine collector needs to invest in a dependable corkscrew. A good corkscrew is one that is stainless, handy, and that allows you to remove wine corks easily. Most wine experts recommend keeping more than one corkscrew, just in case one gets lost or misplaced. You also need an extra one to bring for travel, for picnics, etc.

2. A Wine Stopper.

Ideally, once a wine bottle is opened, the content should be consumed. But there are times when(for example, if a wine bottle is opened for dinner), there is still a lot of wine left. Since wine does not come cheap, you wouldn’t want to throw away the remaining wine. But you also wouldn’t want to leave an unfinished bottle of wine open, because the wine would develop an unpleasant taste. You need a wine stopper with which to cover the wine bottle after it has been opened. With a wine stopper, you can prolong the life of your wines. Wine stoppers are available in Vancouver, Canada, and can be made of cork, metal, plastic, or glass with a tight rubber seal. There are wine stoppers on the market that have designs on them, too.

3. A Chilling bucket.

Various Wine Serving Temperatures

Different Wines have Different Storage and Serving Temperature Requirements

One of the wine accessories that every wine lover should have is a chilling bucket. Wines need to be served at the ideal serving temperature. Each wine has a different serving temperature, and this serving temperatures is different from its ideal storage temperature. A chilling bucket is where you can place your wine, to cool it to the ideal temperature while waiting for it to be served. A chilling bucket is similar to an ice bucket, but it usually is bigger. You can opt to have your initials monogrammed on the outside of the chilling bucket.

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Various Wood Types Used for Wooden Wine Racks in Vancouver, Canada

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Wine racks can be made from a variety of materials, such as metal, glass, plastic, and wood. The most popular among these materials is wood. There are various options of wood species to use for wooden wine racks. Learn about the most popular wood choices for your wooden wine racks in Vancouver, Canada.

Wines Need to be Kept in a Wine Cellar with Quality Wine Racks

Wines are very sensitive beverages. This means that if they aren’t stored in the ideal climate conditions, they can be damaged. A genuine wine enthusiast will invest in a good wine storage solution for their wine collection. The most ideal wine storage solution is a wine cellar. When having your wine cellar designed, one of the things to consider is the wine racking.

Why Choose Wooden Wine Racks in Vancouver, Canada?

Wine racks are an integral part of a wine cellar. They are where your wines will rest, and be allowed to mature properly. Subsequently, you want to make sure that your wine racks are made from durable materials, so that your wine collection is kept safe. You also want it to be designed beautifully, so that you can flaunt your wines to your guests.

Wine racks in Vancouver, Canada can be made from a variety of materials, but the most popular material used is wood. Wooden wine racks are a trend in Canada, and the following are a few of the many reasons they are very popular:

1. Customizability of Wooden Wine Racks.

Wooden wine racks are a popular choice in Vancouver, Canada, because unlike other types of wine racks, they are easily customizable. You can start with a small wooden wine rack, and then, when your collection expands, you can add extra wine storage spaces, like diamond x bins, wine cubicles, or wine racks that match the existing racking. This easy customizability feature allows you to spend only on what you need at the moment. If you need to add more storage spaces, then you can invest in that later on.

2. Wooden Wine Rack Come in a Wide Array of Design Options.

There are various kinds of wood species to choose from for your wooden wine racks. Each wood type is different in color, style, durability, and cost. The most popular types of wood include Pine, Mahogany, and Redwood.

1. Pine.

Among the 3 most popular wood choices, Pine is the least expensive. It is also chosen because of its rustic appearance and the simplicity of its light vanilla color. When a stain or a finish is applied, more attractive colors are produced. It is also important to consider that Pine is light in weight and is moderately soft. It is known for having weak bending capacity and low show resistance. Pine is also known for frequent dimpling.

2. Mahogany.

Mahogany is one of the best choices of wood for wine racks because it is very durable. It is known for its prominent color schemes and takes stains very well. Mahogany is also known for its non-aromatic property. You won’t have to worry about any smell that might affect the flavor of your wines. There are many subspecies of Mahogany available, and the most popular ones are Genuine Mahogany, African Mahogany, and Malaysian Mahogany.

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Wine Cellar Lighting Fixture Options for Wine Cellars in Canada

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Wine cellar lighting is an important part of a wine cellar’s design. It completes the wine storage room’s aesthetic appeal. There are various kinds of wine cellar lighting fixtures on the market, and it is important to choose the right ones, because some types of fixtures can have a negative effect on the climate conditions inside the wine cellar. Learn about a few of the most popular options of wine cellar lighting fixtures in Vancouver, Canada!

Reasons Why Proper Wine Cellar Lighting is Important

When planning for a residential custom wine cellar’s design, wine cellar lighting should be given importance. Wine cellar lighting is an important part of wine cellar design because:

1. Proper Lighting is Essential for Protecting Wines

Among the different kinds of wine storage solutions, wine cellars are the most popular option, because they can provide the ideal wine storage conditions. These ideal conditions should be maintained, and fluctuations in their levels should be avoided, so that wines can age properly. The type of wine cellar lighting installed in a wine storage room can cause fluctuations in these ideal climate conditions, because some wine cellar lighting fixtures can emit too much heat. It is imperative that you ask a wine cellar design professional about the most appropriate lighting fixtures for you wine storage room.

2. Proper Wine Cellar Lighting Provides Ample Light to Read Labels and to Move Around the Room

The basic purpose of installing lighting fixtures is for illumination. For wine cellars, lighting fixtures are needed because they provide ample light for you to move around the wine storage room. This is particularly important if you intend to conduct wine tastings inside your wine cellar.

Besides general illumination, wine cellar lighting also provides adequate lighting in the wine labels. Wine labels not only contain the brand or type of wine in a bottle, but also the value of a wine. If you take pride in your wine collection, you will want to show it off to your visitors, and therefore, you should make sure that the wine labels can be visible. Proper wine lighting provides just the right amount of light to read the labels, without producing too much heat that can damage the wines.

It is also recommended that you have a dimmer switch installed in your wine cellar, so that you can easily raise or lower the level of lighting as needed.

3. A Proper Wine Cellar Lighting Fixture Creates a Beautiful Ambiance

Wine cellar lighting can help create a beautiful ambiance inside a wine storage room. A lot of wine cellar owners invest in quality wine cellar lighting fixtures, to make the design of their wine storage room more appealing to their guests.

Most Popular Wine Cellar Lighting Fixtures in Vancouver, Canada

There are so many types wine cellar lighting fixtures on the market. Here are a few of the most popular kinds in Vancouver, Canada:

1. Recessed Can Lights

Recessed can lights are among the most popular choices of wine cellar lighting in Vancouver, Canada. These fixtures are simply mounted on the wine cellar ceiling. You can opt to position them to highlight certain areas in the wine cellar only. In most home wine cellars, recessed can lights are used as the main source of light. Recessed can lights come in various sizes, shapes and styles.

2. Halogen Lighting

Halogen lights are actually a type of recessed lighting system. These fixtures have baffles, which are necessary to control the brightness and minimize the glare. When halogen lighting systems are used in wine cellars, they need to have a UV protective coating to prevent them from producing too much heat, that can otherwise damage your wines. Additionally, make sure that your halogen lighting fixtures are placed at least 18 inches off the cellar walls, so that they are kept away from the wine racks.

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Wine Cellar Flooring Options in Vancouver, Canada

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Your home custom wine cellar in Vancouver, Canada should not only be functional and durable, but also well-designed. One of the ways you can make your wine cellar look aesthetically pleasing is to have beautiful wine cellar flooring. Learn about the many options available for wine cellar flooring in Vancouver, Canada.

Wine Cellar Flooring Contributes to Your Wine Storage Room’s Aesthetic Appeal

A residential custom wine cellar is not just a storage place. It is also a place to display your wine collection for your guests to see. Since it is where you can brag about wines, you want to make sure that your storage place is worth bragging about, too. Wine cellars should have a beautiful design. Each part of a custom wine cellar contributes to the overall beauty of the storage room. When choosing a design for your residential wine cellar, one of the things that you need to consider is the wine cellar flooring.

Basic Tips on Choosing Custom Wine Cellar Flooring Materials

In Vancouver, Canada, there are various options in materials that can be used for residential custom wine cellar flooring. You can choose whichever suits your personal preference, but there are a few rules to keep in mind.

1. Why NO to Carpeting?

Never use carpeting for your wine cellar flooring. The environment inside a custom wine cellar is cool and humid, because this is what is required for wines to be age. With these conditions, mold can form in the fibers of carpets. Mold is not only unsanitary, but will also ruin the aesthetic appeal of your wine cellar. Moreover, carpet should not be used in wine cellars because it is difficult to maintain. If wine spills on the carpet or if a bottle breaks on it, you will have an immensely difficult time cleaning it up.

2. Seal Concrete and Install a Vapor Barrier

It is common for wine cellars in Vancouver to be constructed in the lower levels of a home, and because of that, the flooring materials are often installed over concrete. In cases like these, the concrete must first be sealed, and a vapor barrier must be installed, before laying out any flooring material. This is especially important because you will be installing a wine cellar refrigerator in the space, so that the humidity and temperature will be maintained in the ideal levels constantly. Generally, the vapor barrier is installed on the warm side of the wall.

3. Consider the Weight Load that the Material Can Take

When choosing what material to use for your custom wine cellar flooring, it is important to check the weight load that a material will be able to take. Wine bottles are very heavy. Add to that the weight of the cabinetry, racking, etc. The wine cellar flooring material that you need therefore depends on the overall size and components of your wine cellar, and the size and type of your wine collection. The material you choose should be able to withstand pressure.

A Few Options for Custom Wine Cellar Flooring in Vancouver, Canada

There are various options of wine cellar flooring materials to choose from. Regardless of what material you choose, it should complement the overall design of your wine storage room. It should also reflect your personal style. Here are a few of the most popular choices:

1. Wood

Sealed hardwood is the most common material used for wine cellar flooring. When constructing a custom wine cellar, proper preparation should be done before laying the hardwood. Hardwood wine cellar flooring in Canada also comes in various designs, such as detailed patterns, mosaic, and inlaid medallions. If you want to apply a stain or sealing agent to the wood flooring, make sure that you use a product that has low to zero toxicity, so that it does not negatively affect the flavor of your wines.

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