Ask Joshua - Is Having a Modern Wine Cellar or Wine Wall in the Main Living Area a New Trend?

Hi Joshua,

Recently, my wife and I had the pleasure of attending a dinner at my friend's newly renovated house. What caught our attention was their brand-new wine cellar integrated into an alcove, right next to their kitchen and dining area, displaying their wine behind glass panels. I hadn’t seen that before so I did a little sleuthing on real estate website and found a number of homes in our area have similar wine cellar setups. We like our wine and I have been thinking about getting into it a little more seriously. I’ve never thought about building a wine cellar before, we don’t have a basement, but we do have space in our living area that could be transformed into a smaller scale version of what I’ve been seeing.

My wife and I have been wondering though if this would be a worthwhile investment, not just for our hobby, but as a feature in our home and maybe a selling point for resale value. I’d like your thoughts if this is a recent trend I should pass by or look into further.

Thank you,

Laura - Brentwood, California

Modern wine cellar built into an alcove. AI generated via Imagine.

Hi Laura,

Thank you for sharing the story of your recent discovery regarding a modern take on a wine cellar at your friend's house, along with your insightful questions! I couldn't agree more; it seems that having a modern wine cellar or wine wall in the main living area has indeed emerged as a design trend lately. I've taken the initiative to conduct some research on this topic and explore the potential advantages and disadvantages of incorporating a wine cellar into the heart of the home.

Before delving into the details, I'd like to address a common misconception. There's a prevailing notion that a wine cellar should solely be relegated to the confines of the basement. This tradition originated without modern climate control and the basement provided the ideal cool environment for storing wines, a practice that predates the invention of refrigerators and freezers. Naturally enough; hence wine “cellar”. Even as modern appliances became commonplace, wine cellars retained their appeal, often gracing the homes of the affluent as a symbol of luxury because of the space they took up and the potential expense investing in the wine itself, which could be significant depending on the vintage. In the present day, the landscape has evolved. Not only do grand residences and sprawling mansions feature wine cellars in their basements, but contemporary homes are also joining the trend with options that span a range of budgetary means. These newer homes showcase wine cellars on the main level, although frequently situated away from the primary living spaces.

Intriguingly, the modern iteration of the wine cellar has taken on a new persona, stepping out of the shadows and into the limelight. Its heightened visibility as a focal point, conversation piece, and functional installation as decorative piece has garnered the attention of wine enthusiasts, adding an extra layer of allure to the experience. As a result, we find ourselves presented with a broader spectrum of options for storing wine bottles within the confines of our homes, unbound by the confines of the basement.

The concept of a modern wine cellar does entail utilizing a portion of the main living area. If you're apprehensive about sacrificing a chunk of space to accommodate this addition along with it’s climate control, rest assured, there is an alternative - the wine wall. This more simple creation features column-like wine holders that can hold multiple wine bottles per column. Stretching from floor to ceiling, it can house an impressive collection of bottles, maximizing the available space with less footprint required and reduced dollar spend. The addition of glass screen or door imparts an air of sophistication to the arrangement. Approximately 1 to 3 feet of clearance from the wall is typically required to allow for an optimal display. Interestingly, this concept brings to mind a dining room project I collaborated on with an e-design client just last year(see below)..

California Casual bar station and wine wall for the dining room designed by Joshua Jones, JJones Deisgn Co. Rendering by Stuccco.

I wholeheartedly believe that this emerging trend will enjoy a considerable lifespan, although it may not resonate with everyone. It's important to acknowledge that not everyone shares the enthusiasm for wine, and considerations like child-friendliness (unless a protective measure is integrated), potential increased maintenance demands, and the desire to allocate the extra space for alternative purposes might influence the appeal for some individuals.

Allow me to emphasize a crucial consideration: the installation of a cooling system within the wine cellar to maintain the wines at an optimal temperature might necessitate both a substantial investment and a fair share of inconveniences. This is optional though since a wine wall can be as simple as a more thoughtfully designed way to showcase wines than a counter top wine rack.

This modern take on the wine cellar, whether in the form of a dedicated room or a wine wall, unquestionably contributes to the overall value of a home. Presently, a wine cellar continues to epitomize a touch of luxury. Given your evident passion for the concept and the prospect of finally realizing a dream of having a personal wine cellar at home, I'm inclined to offer a resounding endorsement: go for it! Your enthusiasm is contagious, and this addition could genuinely enhance your living space. Cheers to indulging in your wine-loving aspirations!

Best of luck!

Joshua Jones

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