Sold on the idea of a wine cellar

Today, a very pressing matter: wine. Or rather, the lack of it. My so-called wine cellar is depressingly empty – and depressing, full stop. The blame for the empty part can probably be apportioned directly to me. The depressing part is the sheer dreariness and make-do-ness of the empty space.

traditional wine cellar design by san francisco architect Ward-Young Architecture & Planning

I dream of an inviting area where friends can gather and snack on lovely things while we “taste”. There’ll be no such things as spitting in my cellar though, I consider that a complete waste!

Ideally, my cellar would look like the one above. (Note the “in vino veritas” sign – truth in wine. A few sips certainly loosen my tongue …) Instead, it’s a dusty, mouldy, spider- and gecko-infested nook under an outside staircase that I would never under any circumstances show to a friend. Ever. Unless of course she volunteers to get the next bottle.

contemporary wine cellar design by phoenix general contractor R.J. Gurley Custom Homes

I suppose the advantage of my “cellar” being where it is, is that my meagre collection is pretty well insulated from Durban’s heat. I remember reading somewhere that “room temperature” is loosely based on the interior temperature during winter in Europe – in other words, where it is considerably cooler than SA in summer. Thus, I find it completely acceptable to add ice to my braai red.

Purists, however, would probably prefer to install temperature control in their wine rooms. I’ve just googled the correct temperature for storing wine – 10 to 16°C. Another google search reveals that if a wine is served too warm “the alcohol tends to evaporate quickly, unbalancing the wine and causing it to lose structure and body”.

Now I don’t know about you, but I’d rather be the unbalanced part of the equation when it comes to wine.

modern wine cellar design by san francisco architect Fulcrum Structural Engineering

Browse luxist h for more tips on quaffing with finesse.
Of course, like most of my décor dreams, the lounge-around cellar will in all probability never become reality. I’d happily settle for an under-counter wine cooler though. Wine Essentials has some great options.

traditional wine cellar design by louisville kitchen and bath Sarah Pryor of Etown Kitchens + Baths

Décor Fairy, if you’re listening, this set-up would also do quite nicely:

contemporary wine cellar design by chicago interior designer jamesthomas, LLC

I guess though, when all’s slurred and done, is that it really doesn’t matter how or where you store your wine. The important part is that you enjoy it responsibly with family and friends over many a laugh. With or without ice.