walls and ceiling

The walls of your wine cellar can be built in 2 x 4 or 2 x 6’s. Insulation must be between R20 and R30 to provide optimal temperature stability and maximize the humidity level in the room to ensure that it remains as inert as possible. Select the insulation materials in keeping with the restrictions of the room. Contact us.

vapour barrier

A vapour-barrier is essential to maintain a maximum level of humidity. A polyethylene film (multiple sheets must overlap and be secured with adhesive tape) must be placed between the insulation and the waterproof gyproc.

door

To ensure optimal wine cellar sealing, we recommend the use of a well insulated door and effective weather-stripping. Should you prefer a door with a window, install one that with thermal glass that has been treated against ultraviolet rays.

floor

Any type of floor covering that is humidity proof such as slated, ceramic or marble can be used. However, you should avoid using rugs and non-sealed wood that absorbs humidity.

lighting

In order to avoid useless temperature changes, we recommend the purchase of a lighting system that gives off little heat. Lights should not be left on indefinitely.

temperature control systems

In addition to cooling the air in your wine cellar, an adapted refrigeration unit will ensure a constant temperature between 12 and 14 oC. Moreover, a refrigeration system maximizes the relative humidity that must be maintained, if possible, between 50 and 80 %. The choice of a system will depend on the volume of the room and its location. There are different models of refrigeration units that can be adapted to the conditions and restrictions of your cellar. Contact us.

storage systems

Effective planning is required when you acquire bottle racks. Depending on your personal preferences, a number of storing methods are available: modular, (individual, bulk, irregular bottles) in red cedar and in red clay, customized storage units (available in a variety of woods), metallic, etc.

in summary…

Building a wine cellar requires that the following wine conservation conditions be met:

1. Constant temperature (preferably between 12 and 14 oC) ;
2. Good level of humidity (ideally between 60 and 80 %) – it is important to remember that low levels of humidity are only harmful (to the cork) in the long term;
3. No vibration;
4. Darkness (or very weak lighting) ;
5. An odourless (bad odours) environment – as cork is porous, any unpleasant odour in the cellar could be carried over to the wine

vinum espace cave…

For additional information, you are invited to come and meet a specialist in our boutique; appointments are not required.
We also do house calls
Resource person: jp.laroche@vinumdesign.com