The ideal temperature range for proper wine storage is between 45 and 65 degrees Fahrenheit. Wines should also be kept in a place wherein the humidity is kept at around 70%. There are many ways to store wine through which these specific conditions are provided, but the ideal place is in a residential custom wine cellar in Orange County, California. Custom wine cellars come in 3 different types:
1. Above-Ground Custom Wine Cellars in California
Above-ground custom wine cellars in Orange County, California are quite difficult to build because among all the other types of wine cellars, these require more insulation. Above-ground cellars should have insulation with a rating of at least R-13 for their walls, while the floor and ceiling should have at least R-19 insulation installed. Vapor barriers should also be properly installed on the above-cellar walls.
Wooden wine cellar doors may be used for above-ground custom wine cellars, but an R-30 insulation should be tacked at the back of the door. Ideally, a more efficient kind of wine cellar door should be used for above-ground wine storage rooms.
There are no specific wine rack requirements for above-ground home wine cellars. The important thing is that the wine racks chosen should be able to keep the wine bottles in a horizontal position, and slightly slant to keep the corks in contact with the wine. Wine corks need to be kept moist, otherwise they shrink and allow air to get in the bottle. When air gets in contact with the wine, oxidation occurs. Oxidation causes wines to taste like rust.
Above-ground custom wine cellars in CA should be constructed in shady areas so that the cooling systems inside will work more efficiently.
2. Underground Residential Wine Cellars in California
Underground residential wine cellars in CA are one of the most common types of wine cellars. The easy way to build this kind of wine storage room is by buying a pre-built one with lighting, racking, and a cooling system. The more difficult route is by hiring a contractor to build the underground custom wine cellar under your house.
Insulation and vapor barriers should be installed in this kind of wine cellar. The amount of insulation to be installed varies depending on the climate and soil of the region. The climate and the soil of the place can affect how well your home wine cellar can effectively cool your wines.
3. Closet Home Wine Cellars in California
Closet home wine cellars are a good way to maximize space. If you have limited space available, you do not need free-standing wine cabinets and wine fridges. All you need is to turn one of your closets into a wine rack. Simply measure the dimensions of the closet that you plan to turn into a custom wine cellar. Decide on what kind of wine racks you intend to use, like diamond bins, rectangular bins, or square bins. You might also want to have shelves for case storage.
Wine Storage Solutions: Seek Professional Advice
Whichever residential custom wine cellar in CA you choose to have constructed, it is important that you first seek the advice of a professional wine cellar designer and builder, so that you can be sure that your custom wine cellar is efficiently capable of providing the ideal conditions for wine to age tastefully.