Whether a custom wine room or a custom wine cellar, we can design a dream space for your Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, or Beaufort home that will be the envy of your friends.

If you feel that your wine deserves a place to call home, then you’re probably thinking you need a custom wine room or cellar. We couldn’t agree more, and if there is one thing we know for sure, it’s that you don’t need an expansive amount of space to create something to be proud of.

5 Considerations for Your Custom Wine Room or Cellar

  1. Size: Yes, we’ve custom designed and installed everything from small wine rooms to large wine cellars. Still, the size of your space is always a good place to start the conversation, because how much space you think you need is often a concern among our clients. Our recommendation: Do what you can to make your custom wine room or cellar bigger than you think you’ll ever need. Why? Because if you’re interested enough in wine to install a custom room or cellar, then it’s almost certain that your interest will grow once you have a permanent home for your collection.
  2. Access: Getting in and out of your custom wine room or cellar should not be difficult. This means designing the space so that it is easy to move about, with doorways that are full height and wide walkways. Wine cellars that are small and cramped may seem romantic at first – until you avoid going in because it is uncomfortable to do so.
  3. Storage: Your custom wine room or cellar should accommodate different types of storage. While loose bottles should be stored in racks, wines purchased in wooden boxes should be left in those original cases. Cases are easy to stack, and if you ever re-sell the wines, original cases retain their value better. With that in mind, it is important to dedicate some part of your space to case storage.
  4. Multiple Storage Areas: If your custom wine room or cellar is located on the other side of your Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, or Beaufort home, then it might make sense to add a wine fridge – perhaps in the kitchen – to keep some bottles close by. Grab-and-go bottles make life much easier than running to the cellar a few times a day during holidays and other busy periods.
  5. Temperature and Humidity Control: Sure, you can install a beautifully designed custom wine room or cellar, but unless the climate is properly regulated, the space won’t serve you well. Experts recommend storing wine between 55°F to 57°F (12°C to 14°C) with an average relative humidity of 60%, and achieving this level of consistency is as much science as it is art.

Before we begin designing your custom wine room or cellar for your Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, or Beaufort home, there are a few things we want to know.

What is the purpose of your custom wine room or cellar?

Will it simply be for functional, long-term storage or will it serve as a showcase for your wine? How many bottles and what types of wine will you be storing? Knowing the answers to these questions will help determine the size of the room or cellar that will meet your needs.

Where will your cellar be located?

Clients frequently ask, “Can I put a wine cellar anywhere in my home?” Yes, your custom wine room or cellar can be located anywhere in the home. You can convert a small room, closet, or space under the stairs into a wine cellar, but the most popular location for a wine cellar is the basement – if you have one – because it tends to be cooler. The location you choose affects the cost of building and maintain the cellar.

For instance, if you select a cooler, more humid location for your wine cellar, then you’ll be able to install a smaller cooling system, which means lower energy costs. Conversely, a warmer location for your wine room means the cooling system will run more frequently and a larger system may be required. This may also increase the cost of construction because additional insulation may be required.

Remember, the ideal wine cellar temperature is 55°F to 57°F and 60% relative humidity. The closer your wine room location is that climate, the more efficient your cooling system will be. If the temperature of your wine room tops 57°F, your wine will age faster; any cooler than 55°F will cause your wine will age slower.

What type of entry door do you desire?

While you may not have given much consideration to your cellar’s door, it is the door that allows your wine room to make a great first impression. As such, your door should be both functional and beautiful. That said, it is preferable – but not mandatory – to have your wine cellar door swing into the room. Why? Because the positive pressure in a conditioned wine room will push the inward-swinging door against the jamb and weather stripping, creating a superior seal. Just make sure that the door doesn’t interfere with your wine racks.

What are your wine storage preferences?

Will you mostly be storing individual bottles, or do you need room for wood wine boxes, large format bottles such as magnums, or split wine bottles? Are you looking to include wine display areas, tasting, and decanting areas? All these answers will factor into the design of your custom wine room or cellar.

What are your decorating tastes?

Whether your style is traditional, contemporary, modern, or rustic, you can achieve a unique look for your custom wine room or cellar by decorating it with elements you love. Choosing the details of your dream space is an exciting way to create a room that becomes a showcase of your style and taste.

Wine cellars are so much more than just storing your wine bottles; your wine cellar should also reflect the beauty and uniqueness of you and your wine collection.