We find that most homeowners and wine lovers need little convincing on whether or not to install a custom glass wine cellar…the questions really start when they begin to consider all of the options that lie before them. Endless customizable options mean that glass wine cellars can be designed to fit any home’s needs and budget.
For starters, I strongly prefer wine cellars that are installed in the frameless fashion, using ultra-clear glass. The all glass look a frameless wine cellar provides is clean, modern, and breathtaking look! Using ultra clear glass, it is nearly invisible. The ultra-clear glass is held in-place in a slim u channel. All of the attention is focused on your collection.
Now, lets answer some of the most common questions I get.
WHAT TEMPERATURE SHOULD WINE BE STORED AT?
Although a storage climate of to 12- 18 degrees will work for all varietals, some experts claim that your cellar can climb up to the early 20s without negatively affecting certain wines (as long as you plan on drinking them within a few years). However, keeping your wine at a constant 14-16 degrees is best for bottles that you want to age for decades, since any exposure to raised temperatures over the long-term could result in a cooked wine that tastes flat. Similarly, if your cellar dips below 10 degrees, you could also ruin your wine. Air becomes dry at lower temperatures, which causes the cork to shrink and the wine to leak or oxidize. The basic guideline is as long as your cellar is under 20 degrees and above 10 degrees, your wine should be safe over the short-term (a few years).
DON’T I NEED INSULATED GLASS IN MY CLIMATE CONTROLLED WINE CELLAR?
Insulated Glass, also known as double pane, is two pieces of glass with an airspace between them. Insulated glass is the standard choice in cooler climates, where the goal is to keep the cold out of the space. Insulated glass, combined with low- e coatings does an excellent job of keeping the cold out of a home. More important than the glass type is the air leakage around the glass. Framed glass obviously eliminates this. Frameless glass needs to be measured and installed with the proper channel and fit. The glass measurements and tolerances are very important. Clients rely on our expert glass wine cellar design and installation to ensure their wine cellar glass is done properly.
IN SUMMARY-
With proper refrigeration, the 12mm glass will maintain the same climate control properties of the framed insulated glass– each are capable of maintaining temperatures ideal for wine storage –12 °C to 18°C.
Again, Finding the right Refrigeration company is important. Make sure they have installed refrigeration in glass wine cellars before. An experienced refrigeration contractor will ensure your wine room stays at your desired temperature. Refrigeration for a frameless glass wine storage will need to be beefed up. Expect to spend more money on the refrigeration to ensure your all-glass wine cellar is temperature controlled, but you will save dramatically on the cost of the glass. Insulated glass wine cellars require a clad framing.
WHAT ELSE SHOULD I CONSIDER FOR MY GLASS WINE CELLAR?
Framed vs. Frameless is just the beginning. Clients pose many of the same questions when considering the installation of a glass wine cellar. Here are some of the design questions we get.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO BEGIN PLANNING A GLASS WINE CELLAR?
Ideally, the installation of your glass wine cellar will occur during new construction. This allows for a completely frameless look as all hardware is installed prior to the finishing of walls and flooring. It also allows you to plan and install refrigeration with minimal disruption and expense and to coordinate all of your glass wine cellar styling options with the décor of your new home.
The second option is to install a new glass wine cellar during a remodel. Much like installation during new construction, this allows you to coordinate styling of the wine cellar to the new décor of the room and – depending on the level of the remodel, hide channels to further achieve a frameless look.
Small wine collections do not require much storage space. We have installed beautiful glass wine cellars under stairways and placed shallow wine cellars that run the length of a blank wall – contributing beauty and elegance to the room without closing it in or monopolizing valuable floor space.
WHAT TYPE OF RACKING SHOULD I CONSIDER?
There are many options to consider when selecting wine racks. We are proud to represent some of the finest suppliers in the UK. o We love the label forward design of Vintage View Racking. This allows you to see your wine collection. Label forward racking is clean, contemporary and convenient. Vintage View is the epitome of functional design.
Modern Customizable metal racking provides endless options.
The modular design of metal racking makes it an ideal option for glass wine cellars of all configurations. Bottles are displayed label forward for easy viewing and accessibility. Label forward racking allows all of the attention to be focused on your collection. Wall mounted metal racking is available in single, double or triple deep showcase-style.
Metal racking is available in wall-mount, free-standing and floor-to-ceiling options. The aluminum racks are available in a variety of finishes. We also love the Vino Pins from Vintage View. You can feature your favorite bottles with Vino pins as a showcase wall. Vino pins are available in metal or acrylic. The acrylic are amazing! The bottles appear to be floating on the wall.
The acrylic is a favorite of ours for a floating appearance. Acrylic are only available in single bottle depth. Metal Vin Pins are available in single, double and triple bottle depth.
Cable Wine brings the elegance of glass to the interior of your glass wine cellar.
The metal cables create a beautiful, sophisticated look that is clean and elegant. You can accommodate collections of all sizes, also easily scale-able, to grow with your collection. Suspended racking is customizable for single, double and triple deep storage options. Rod or Cable systems can
be combined with integrated glass shelving. With a cable system, creative layouts can be achieved while featuring the beauty of each individual bottle.
The bottles appear to be floating in the air. The glass enclosure further enhances the modern, and minimalistic price- Cable wine storage does come at a higher cost. Cable systems require 4 fittings per bottle. The majority of the cost is in the fittings. The cost per bottle is, therefore, greater than the cost per bottle of the metal racking. Installation is intricate as well.
Wood shelving is ideal for storing cases and cartons.
Many glass wine cellars include a mix of shelving to allow the storage of both individual bottles and cases or cartons. Treated Redwood shelves resist humidity and the development of fungus or mildew that can occur in temperatures that are ideal for wine storage.
In addition, wood shelving can be modern or rustic, depending on the variety and coloring of the selected wood, making it an easy choice for any style.
How about mixing wood and metal?
These fantastic systems can be made to fit your space and look amazing
What about my door options?
Full-glass, frameless doors create a sleek silhouette when paired with a frameless, glass wine cellar. The appearance is striking when combined with an over-sized ladder-pull handle. In addition, Larger pulls add to the luxury look and fit with the overall design of the room. We recommend selecting a ladder-pull handle that is at least 24 to 36 inches in height and has a thick diameter for a dramatic and contemporary look.
Finally, if security is a concern, consider using a locking handle. Glass-to-glass locks fix the wine cellar door to the glass panel wall, while extra-long Ladder Pulls secure the door into the floor.
Locking hardware, installed close to the floor is another great option. The Floor lock is subtle and out of the sightline.
Or why not choose a fully framed double glazed unit. These can be powder coated to any colour you like and look amazing.
glass framed wine cellar
Glass wine cellars increase the overall value of your home while providing a compelling entertainment space that will be enjoyed for years to come. Showcasing your praiseworthy wine collection in a stunning, custom glass wine cellar is sure to make you the envy of the town.