Wine Cellar

Wine Racks & Wine Cellar Reel October 2024

Beautiful bespoke wine racks and wine cellar projects

A&M Wine Racks UK continue to the the popular choice for hand crafted bespoke wine racks and wine cellar.

Here is our first attempt at putting a video showreel together for the type of projects we are commissioned to deliver.

What is lovely to see is the range of wine rack solutions, from small in-built racks that hold maybe 150 bottles of wine, through to large commercial wine rack projects that hold thousands and then the highly stylised home wine cellar where beautiful aesthetics is the priority.

I hope this shows the range of work, and our capacity to work with home owners, businesses and interior designers.

If you are thinking about how best to house your wine collection, or spirit collection, then please get in touch.

Tel: 0115 9441434

See more projects on: wine cellar inspiration

See our: wine rack photo gallery

Posted in Metal Wine Rack, Under Stairs Wine Rack, Wine Cellar, Wine Rack Design

A new Wine Cellar completed

AM Wine Racks UK is enjoying a very busy late Summer and Autumn. Our team of designers, planners and carpenters are working hard to have new wine walls, wine cellars and understairs wine racks ready for Christmas.

This project was a simple but perfect installation of a walk in wine cellar with a rounded ceiling.

This new wine cellar is a combination of wine shelves, to stores boxes of wine, along with the traditional wood and metal wine rack, all done in a dark oak finish.

Being a cellar the designers made sure to assess the humidity and temperature, then specify the right conditioner unit to create the perfect wine storing environment for many trouble free years.

Looks great, but will look even better once it is filled with wine.

Posted in Wine Cellar

Planning a well rounded wine cellar collection

I recently read this article on ft.com titled Nine Ways to Build an Affordable Wine Cellar which I thought was a really helpful guide.

Our customers may have fabulous wine cellars, wine rooms and wine storage solutions, but the idea of filling it can be a little daunting. Many customers really know their wines, other will just buy what they like (that’s what I do!) or perhaps you just want a well rounded collection for event event and meal, both for guests as well as yourself.

Here are some thoughts about starting a 300 bottle wine collection

Set a Budget

  • Before you start buying, decide on a budget. Wine collecting can be expensive, so it’s important to set a limit on how much you want to spend per bottle and overall.
  • A good strategy is to allocate your budget across different price ranges. For instance, you might spend more on high-quality wines intended for aging, while also including more affordable, everyday wines.
Wine-collection-budget

Diversify Your Collection

  • By Region: Include wines from different parts of the world. Classic wine regions such as Bordeaux, Burgundy, and Champagne in France, Tuscany in Italy, Rioja in Spain, and Napa Valley in the USA are essential. Also, explore emerging regions like Australia, South Africa, and New Zealand.
  • By Grape Variety: A diverse collection should include a mix of red, white, and sparkling wines, each made from different grape varieties. Consider classic varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, and Riesling. Don’t forget to explore lesser-known varieties such as Grenache, Sangiovese, and Chenin Blanc.
  • By Vintage: Include wines from different years. Some wines are meant to be enjoyed young, while others can be aged for decades. A range of vintages will give you wines to enjoy now and wines to look forward to in the future.
  • By Style: Make sure you have a variety of wine styles—light-bodied, full-bodied, sweet, dry, and sparkling. This ensures you have something for every occasion and every guest’s preference.

Focus on Quality over Quantity

  • While it might be tempting to fill your cellar quickly, focus on acquiring high-quality bottles rather than just accumulating numbers. Quality wines, especially those from reputable producers and regions, are more likely to impress your guests and will often age better.

Consider Age-Worthy Wines

  • Include some wines that are known for their aging potential, such as Bordeaux, Barolo, and certain Burgundy wines. These wines can develop complex flavors over time, adding depth to your collection.
  • However, also include wines that are ready to drink now, so you can enjoy your collection as it grows.
Champagne-collection
Wine rack in Surrey
solid oak vaulted wine cellar 1

Invest in Proper Storage

Temperature Control

  • Consistent Temperature: The most crucial factor in wine storage is maintaining a consistent wine temperature. Fluctuations can cause the wine to expand and contract, potentially damaging the cork and allowing air to seep in, which can spoil the wine.
  • Avoid Extremes: Temperatures above 24°C can cause wine to age prematurely and lose its flavour. On the other hand, temperatures below 10°C can slow down the aging process too much, preventing the wine from developing its full character

Humidity Control

  • Maintain Humidity Levels: Wine should be stored in an environment with a humidity level of around 60-70%. Proper humidity prevents the cork from drying out and shrinking, which could lead to oxygen exposure and spoilage.
  • Avoid Excessive Humidity: While some wine cellar humidity is good, too much can encourage mould growth on the corks and labels.

Darkness is Key

  • Protect from Light: UV light, especially sunlight, can cause wine to degrade, leading to unpleasant aromas and flavors.
  • Invest in UV-Resistant Lighting: If your wine storage area requires lighting, consider UV-resistant bulbs or LED lights, which emit minimal heat and UV radiation.

Stable Environment

  • Minimize Vibrations: Constant vibrations can disturb the sediments in wine, especially in older wines, and accelerate the aging process in an undesirable way.
  • Dedicated Wine Storage: For optimal stability, consider investing in a dedicated wine fridge or wine cellar.

Wine Racks and Shelving

  • Horizontal Storage: Store wine bottles horizontally to keep the cork moist. A dry cork can shrink, allowing air into the bottle and spoiling the wine.
  • Custom Wine Racks: As your collection grows, you may want to invest in a custom wine rack to fit your cellar or storage area perfectly.

Wine Fridges and Cellars

  • Wine Fridges: If you don’t have the space or budget for a full wine cellar, a wine fridge (also known as a wine cooler) is an excellent alternative.
  • Wine Cellars: A well-designed wine cellar will maintain the perfect environment for your wines and can be a stunning feature in your home. Whether you convert a basement or build a custom cellar, this investment will protect your collection for years to come.

Balance Collecting and Drinking

  • As you collect, don’t be afraid to open and enjoy your wines. Part of the fun of collecting is sharing your wines with guests and discovering what you like. Regularly tasting your collection will also help you refine your palate and make informed decisions about future purchases.

Keep Track of Your Collection

  • Use a wine inventory app or a simple spreadsheet to keep track of what you have, including details like the purchase date, price, and ideal drinking window. This will help you manage your collection and ensure you’re drinking your wines at their best.

Seek Advice from Experts

  • Don’t hesitate to ask for recommendations from wine merchants, attend wine tastings, and join wine clubs. This can introduce you to new wines and help you make informed purchases.

Stay Informed

  • Keep up with wine trends, new releases, and vintage reports. This knowledge will help you spot great wines and make your collection more current and exciting.

Have Fun!

  • Lastly, remember that collecting wine should be enjoyable. Collect wines that you love and are excited to share with others. The best collections are built with passion and curiosity.
Posted in Wine Cellar, Wine Recommendations, Wine Storage

Cellar Temperature using cellar conditioners

This article provides the information you need to make sure your wine cellar, or wine room is kept at the perfect temperature. In particular, we look at the importance of cellar conditioners.

Cellar Conditioner Experts

If a cellar conditioner is needed, and for perfect wine storage it usually is, you need to understand what a cellar conditioner does and how it works.

At Wine Racks UK we have nearly 50 years of perfecting the storage of prestige wines for our very discerning clients.

If you are wanting the best place to store your collections call A&W Moore Wine Racks UK.

Tel: 0115 9441434

fondis sp100 cellar conditioner

What is a wine cellar conditioner?

A wine cellar conditioner is a specifically designed system for achieving and maintaining the the perfect atmosphere for your wine cellar and the wines in it. They operate like an air cooling systems, with built in monitors, refrigerating system and an evaporator.

Why should I buy a cellar conditioner rather than a regular/ standard air conditioner?

There is a significant difference between a cellar conditioner and a regular air conditioning for a cellar. We strongly advise to use the former and will explain what a cellar conditioner does and how it works.

What is the main difference between a standard or regular air conditioner and a proper wine cooling system/cellar conditioner?

Lower demand for temperature. Slower rate of cooling. All year running and humidification function.

How a cellar conditioner works

The cellar conditioners that sit in the wall have a fan that runs and circulates the air inside  the cellar. The air entering the unit is cooled if it is above the desired temperature and the same air is returned to the cellar. There is a heat exchanger and the units operate within a 2C  range so that the cooling side of the unit is not constantly  being turned on and off. If the unit is set at 12C it will run between 11-13˚C.  The warmth created by the unit is then expelled out of the back of the unit. Some people think that the warm air coming out of the back of the unit is the same warm air that went into the front of the unit from the cellar which is incorrect. The air in the cellar is recirculated. As the air in the cellar is cooled it will produce a small amount of moisture.

Damp with Normal Air Conditioning

What tends to happen is that when the units are first turned on they will produce a small amount of water and then settle down to produce very little water if any, providing that the cellar has no damp problems and that the door has a proper seal and is not being continually opened. The units are not designed to be a dehumidifier for a damp cellar. The water that is produced is recirculated back into the cellar to keep the humidity at a reasonable level. Excess water is drained off.

The split systems work in a very similar way except the warmth created by the unit in the cellar is transferred to a liquid which is pumped to the outside of the building and the heat is expelled into the atmosphere.

The importance of using a cellar conditioner

We have often been asked, particularly on new build projects, whether the company doing the air conditioning for the house can put a standard conditioning unit in and programme it to operate at 14˚ C . For example, Panasonic make a wall mounted PACi that can be programmed to operate at low temperatures. 

There has been problems with the standard units as the ones that we have used in our cellars have a special coating on the internal parts so that it helps to prevent corrosion.

Cellars often have relatively high humidity levels compared with normal living accommodation. When moisture comes out of brick work or concrete it can form efflorescence salts. When this is combined with water it produces acid which can destroy the standard air conditioning.

Efflorescence salts damage normal air conditioners

The above picture shows efflorescence salts on the brick work. This was a new build cellar and the owner employed a company that did not have experience in fitting cellar conditioners.

The Advantage of Cellar Conditioners

Unlike a cellar conditioner, a standard unit has no corrosion protection so it failed after a few months of operation. After having a new cellar built it is a good idea to use a dehumidifier for a few weeks so the bricks and concrete can be thoroughly dried out. Often concrete will look and feel dry but it is still emitting moisture which can cause wood to warp. It is easy to tell when the cellar is properly dry as the dehumidifier will no longer be extracting water from the air.

Good humidity as well as temperature

Standard air conditioners also tend to dry the air in the cellar as when the air is cooled moisture is removed and they have a drain to take this out of the cellar. The result is that the air can become very dry and can damage the corks by drying them out. It is not uncommon for the moisture content to be reduced to 50% humidity which is far to low for a wine cellar.  Proper cellar conditioners such as the Fondis units retain the water so that it can be sent back into the cellar to maintain a reasonable humidity. If there is excess water in damp cellars the units do have a drain to remove the excess.

Need help with your wine cellar? Contact the experts on 0115 944 1434!

Posted in Wine Cellar, Wine Storage

Avoiding damp when building a wine cellar

When building a wine cellar you need to know about, and get right, the four vitally important factors to good wine storage namely; humidity, temperature, light and the correct storage system.

This article covers humidity and damp.

The wine cellar experts

A & W Moore Wine Racks UK are often contacted after a wine cellar has been built and asked what they need to do to rectify problems and faults.

Below we aim to share some of our nearly 50 years of experience and give you some advice of how to avoid the pitfalls and the correct procedures.

Better still, give us a call and our experienced craftsmen will know how best to deliver the perfect wine cellar project.

Tel: 0115 9441434

Humidity

Generally the British climate is never too dry to store wine and the need for a humidifier is not needed provided that the cellar does not have an excessive amount of ventilation. There are many more cellars that are too wet rather than too dry.

When building an underground cellar it is important that it is constructed to a grade 3 standard where no damp or seepage is acceptable.

Unfortunately we have come across many cases where the home owner did not take proper specialist advice and their builder was inexperienced in building under ground cellars/basements.

The grades for waterproofing underground structures:

Grade 1A – Seepage and damp areas from internal and external sources are tolerable if they don’t affect the intended use of the space.

Grade 1B – Seepage is not tolerable, but damp areas from both internal and external sources are (free water can’t enter, but damp patches can occur).

Grade 2 – Seepage is not acceptable, but damp areas may be tolerable if resulting from condensation or moisture in the air (this may require management measures).

Grade 3 – No seepage or damp is acceptable.

Wine Cellar Damp Problems

Grade 1B states that seepage of water is not tolerable, but damp areas from both internal and external sources are (free water can’t enter, but damp patches can occur).

The problem with this standard is that when the water table rises considerably as it can during very heavy rain fall the damp patches turn to being extremely damp and wet. It is very difficult to construct grade 2 structure that does not turn into a Grade 1 structure after persistent heavy rain.

The result is a wine cellar with a humidity above 80%, mould is likely to form or grow on wooden surfaces and if wine was to be stored the labels and corks will grow mould as shown in the picture below.

This example shows where a new build cellar was built to grade 1B.

Solutions to Damp

If you have a cellar that is too damp there are many waterproofing products available that can be used to turn a very damp cellar into a perfectly usable one. The type and method will have to be assessed on an individual basis depending on the wall structure and the depth below ground level. The water pressure below ground rises the deeper the cellar is and this needs to be taken into account when deciding upon the remedy for a damp cellar. We have come across a case where a leaking cellar was successfully tanked, but after a period of heavy rain, the water pressure cracked and lifted the concrete floor.

Construction Chemicals

Construction Chemicals Ltd provide a range of products that can be used to solve the problems of a damp cellar and they offer good advice on which product should be used. https://www.constructionchemicals.co.uk/ The products can be applied by a local builder. Other solutions involve lining the wall with a water proof membrane so that the water drains into a sump and a cellar pump to take away excess water.

Cellars that are built above ground level should be built with a vapour barrier to the floor, walls and ceiling and care should also be taken to ensure that they are well insulated.

Need help with your wine cellar? Contact the experts on 0115 944 1434!

Posted in Wine Cellar, Wine Storage

Solid Oak Wine Rack in an Old Cellar

This client came to us in the hopes of transforming their old, empty cellar into a luxurious, state-of-the-art wine room. With an eye for detail and elegance, our team here at Wine Racks immediately knew that a solid oak design would be the perfect choice.

Solid oak wine racks are one of the premium options of our bespoke cellar design service. With oak’s durability and excellent strength, they not only make for impressive room to store prized collections of wine but will also last a lifetime.

A cellar such as this is particularly ideal for a wine room because it is out of any sunlight, and the climate of a cellar is kept at a consistent temperature and humidity, though for this project we added a a Fondis air conditioner to ensure the wine cellar was the perfect the temperature 365 days a year. These excellent air conditioners can be use to keep the correct temperature for an above-ground wine rooms.

Craftmanship

Our team of craftsmen first set out working on measuring up the spacious cellar, designing the layout, consulting and advising the client, and then crafting the solid oak into traditional wine racks, shelves and storage units to pair alongside the original brick walls of the cellar.

With such a great space to use, we were proudly able to fit over 400 wine bottle compartments, in addition to over 50 shelves for boxed wine.

The outcome? Rustic and retro meets sophistication and style – a truly impressive use of space that’s sure to make an unforgettable impact on guests, friends and family.


For consultation on your very own wine rack project, please contact us on 0115 944 1434 or fill out our wine rack contact form.

Posted in Wine Cellar, Wine Rack Design

Handmade mahogany wine cellar for private residence

We recently had the privilege and pleasure of building a beautiful handmade mahogany wine cellar for a private residence, based in the Chanel Islands.

The client came to us via a recommendation from one of his friend who had previously commission Wine Racks UK to build their bespoke wine cellar racking, so the pressure was on to justify the recommendation.

Wine Cellar Design and Build

The new client was looking for a full service, to include; site visits, measurements, design consultations, material selection, a detailed quote and building the project.

The main task for this client was not entirely the capacity of the new wine cellar capacity, but they wanted to make a feature room for their wines, one with beautiful aesthetics.

For the design process we needed we be sympathetic to the existing décor of the main house, which had wooden fixtures made out of mahogany. To match this beautiful house we created a bespoke wine cellar design that would need to be entirely hand made, as mahogany is a non standard wooden for typical wine cellars.

In additional to the handmade wine racking system we designed and then built, we incorporated some extra features such as stainless steel pins for holding wine on display as well as mirrored units lit up with LED’s.

To further enhance the appearance of this room, and the collection of wine it held, we chose to use wine fridges, rather than air conditioners unit. This approach delivers maximum visual impact without compromising the look, or the storage of wine with unsightly air conditioning units.

Wine Cellar Capacity

The completed handmade mahogany wine cellar has a capacity of around 1500 bottles with space for magnums and other formats also as well as space for 12 bottle wine boxes and cases.

To help plan your wine cellar capacity why not try our wine rack calculator.

Posted in Case Studies, Wine Cellar

A wine cellar to store investment wines

Wine is being seen by more and more people as an alternative asset, especially when traditional investment opportunities may not be returning sufficiently attractive returns. Investing in wine can be done as a means of diversifying an investment portfolio, as well as providing a great reason to invest more time in pleasurable hobby!

As a business that specialises in designing and building wine racks and installing cellar air conditioning units for storing personal wine collections, Wine Racks UK can help and share our expertise.

An introduction to Investing in Wine

This is by no means advice, but if you are interested in the idea of investing in wines here are the basics and links to some good articles.

As with any investment the process to investing wine is;

  • Research what to buy
  • Choosing when to buy
  • Deciding where you are going to store your investment wine
  • Understanding how long to hold on to your investment
  • Final the call on when to sell and at what price

A good place to start is Vin X, a specialist wine investment service.

Another good article on investing in wine include can be found on Unbiased.

How to store investment wine at home

Wine investors will not be surprised to hear about the importance of proper wine storage. Good storage of investment wine collections is paramount to success.

You can store with third party, professional warehouses, which might be the safest place if you are not 100% sure on how best to keep your investment wine at its optimum quality. However there will be a charge for this service.

You can store your collection in a home cellar but we strongly advise getting it professionally built.

As a guide your investment wine storage needs

  • The perfect temperature for each wine type
  • As near zero UV light as possible
  • Cellar wine storage racks at the right angle
  • Reduce dampness for long term storage
  • Seal the room as best you can.

The professional at Halleck Vineyard have written a good article on building a home cellar to store wine.

In for the long haul

Wine is a slow-return investment that needs patience and long term planning.

Make sure that whatever you wine investment storage plans are, that they can last for many years.

Posted in Wine Cellar, Wine StorageTagged in

We are the company to design and build large wine racks

Wine racks come in all shapes and sizes, but there’s no denying there’s something extra special and especially eye-catching about a large wine rack, if done right.

Large wine racks are most commonly found in commercial premises like hotels, restaurants, bars, brasseries and pubs, and indeed most of our large wine racks are made to order for these kind of spaces. But that’s not to say that they’re the sole preserve of these establishments. Far from it. Large wine racks have long been a popular and attractive option for our private clients too, right from our inception back in 1977.

It’s worth pointing out that there isn’t an exact definition of what constitutes a large wine rack, but for our purposes we’re talking about the size and type of storage you’d need for a wine cellar – so a space which could potentially hold thousands of bottles of wine. Speaking of wine cellars, if you want to know why they’re the best place to store your wine, please check out this recent article on wine cellars[1] .

Options for large wine racks

There are several things to consider when you’re going through your large wine rack options. The importance you place on each factor depends on your specific requirements, but the obvious starting point is the size and dimension of your wine cellar space, and its location within your property. A wine cellar isn’t necessarily situated below ground level, it’s simply the place where you keep your wine.

The more spacious your area, the more flexibility you’ll have. You may even be planning to use your cellar as an area for socialising, beyond its main purpose as a place to store wine. But whatever the size of your cellar, smart decision making will result in a more effective use of the space at your disposal. We’re of course here to advise you in any way we can.

Perhaps you already have an idea in mind for the kind of large wine rack you want, and how you imagine it looking once installed. The material you decide on – from various wood or metal options – depends on whether you favour a traditional or more contemporary design. This of course is a matter of personal taste, but you might also wish to consider how the style of your cellar and the large wine racks within it would complement your property’s existing interior design.

Further reading on large wine racks

The articles below can help your decision making:

Whether you’re a serious collector or an enthusiastic amateur, we can promise you a unique, bespoke solution made to measure and precision fitted for your specific needs – this is what we do, so please get in touch when you’re ready and we’ll get the ball rolling.

Why a Wine Cellar is the Best Place to Store Your Wine

Wine Cellar Ideas

Large Wine Rack

Traditional Wine Rack Calculator
Posted in Wine Cellar, Wine Storage

Wine Racks According to Artificial Intelligence

I have been fortunate to have been able to spend a little bit of time chatting to one the world’s leading AI chatbot about wine racks, and I have to say I was very impressed (if not a little perturbed!).

This AI not only has amazing programming, but it is constantly ‘trained’ by individuals, much in the way I did. You ask a question and, like a pupil at school, you mark the response and I think it scored very well.

Here are its thoughts on Wine Racks. What do you think of the answers?

My AI conversation about Wine Racks

I am interested in wine racks

ChatBot

Wine racks are storage systems for wine bottles.

They can be made from a variety of materials such as wood and metal wine racks, or even plastic, and come in a range of styles and sizes to suit different needs and preferences. Some popular types of wine racks include freestanding wine racks, wall-mounted wine racks, and modular wine racks.

They can be used to store a few bottles or several hundred, depending on the size and design of the rack. Wine racks can also be used as decorative pieces, adding a stylish touch to any room in your home. You can find them in many home goods stores or online.

Do you know the biggest wine rack in the world?

ChatBot

I don’t have the most recent information, but as of my knowledge cut off in 2021, the largest wine rack in the world is located in the E. & J. Gallo Winery in Modesto, California, USA.

The rack system, which is made of steel, holds an estimated 3.5 million bottles and covers an area of over 843,000 square feet.

The rack is used to store and age wine, as well as to facilitate the bottling and shipping process.

The rack system is not open to the public but it’s considered one of the most impressive and innovative wine storage facilities in the world.

Do wine bottles need to be stored on their side?

ChatBot

Yes, it is generally recommended to store wine bottles on their side. This is because the cork, which is the natural barrier that keeps air out of the bottle, needs to remain moist in order to maintain its seal. When a bottle is stored upright, the cork can dry out, which can lead to spoilage of the wine. When a bottle is stored on its side, the cork stays in contact with the wine, which helps to keep it moist.

Also, when wine bottles are stored on their side, the wine is in contact with the cork which helps to keep the cork from drying out, shrinking and allowing air to enter the bottle. This can cause the wine to oxidize, develop off-flavours, and lose its freshness.

Keep in mind that some wine bottles, like sparkling wines, have a crown cap closure, in this case, the bottles can be stored upright without problem. It’s also important to note that if you are going to store a bottle for a short period of time, say a few days, you can store it upright, but for long-term storage, it’s best to store it on its side.

Is there anything else I should consider when storing wine the best way possible?

ChatBot

When storing wine, there are a few other important factors to consider:

  1. Light: Wine should be stored in a dark, cool place, as exposure to light can cause the wine to spoil. Light can cause wine to become light-struck, which can cause off-flavours and aromas in the wine.
  2. Vibration: Vibration can cause the wine to become agitated, which can lead to sediment being disturbed and can cause the wine to age prematurely. It’s best to store wine in a place that is relatively still and quiet.
  3. Airflow: Proper airflow is important for wine storage because it helps to keep the air in the cellar fresh, and it helps to prevent mould and mildew from growing. Make sure that the wine cellar has adequate ventilation.
  4. Humidity: As previously mentioned, a relative humidity of 60-70% is ideal for wine storage. If the humidity is too low, the cork can dry out, which can cause the wine to spoil. If the humidity is too high, mould and mildew can grow, which can also cause spoilage.
  5. Label-facing: It’s good practice to store wine bottles so that the labels are facing forward. This way, you can easily identify the wine you have in storage and ensure that it’s stored in the correct conditions.

By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your wine is stored in the best possible conditions, which will help to preserve its flavours, aromas, and overall quality.

Posted in Wine Cellar, Wine Facts