Category Archives: custom wine rooms

Residential Wine Cellars in California: Essentials When Building One

There are lots of people who want to start their wine collection. If you want to start your own wine collection, you need to understand that you cannot begin without first making sure that you have a place to store them. Wines can’t just be stored anywhere because they need specific storage conditions for them age properly. The best place to store wines is in a residential custom wine cellar in Orange County, California.

A custom wine cellar in California can adequately provide the ideal conditions for your wines to mature tastefully. Learn about the basic elements to proper wine storage by reading through this article.

1. Lighting

It is imperative that when you have a custom wine cellar built in California, you keep it away from exposure to direct sunlight. There should be as little light as possible that reaches your wine bottles. There are various organic compounds within wine that are essential to its structure, aroma and flavor. Direct exposure to light, especially ultraviolet light, can potentially destroy these compounds and degrade the quality of your wines.

2. Vibration

Vibration isn’t really a big problem. It can occasionally be a problem when wines are exposed to too much of it like for example, when you keep your wine bottles on top of the kitchen refrigerator. Besides the risk of the bottles breaking, excess vibration can also prevent sediments from settling, and may affect the flavor of your wines. To protect your wine collection from vibration, store it in properly constructed custom wine racks in Orange County, California.

3. Humidity

Wines need to be kept in an adequately humid environment. Ideally, your custom wine cellar in Orange County should have a humidity level that ranges from 60% to 75%. Adequate humidity is necessary because too much and too little humidity can both damage your wine collection.

When humidity is above the ideal levels, moisture builds up and can ruin your wine bottle labels. Mold can form, too, and contaminate your wines. One way to prevent mold formation is by wrapping your wine bottles in saran wrap. Some people would use hair spray and other sealants, but these have unpleasant odors. Saran wrap effectively keeps mold out without having bad odors.

On the other hand, when the humidity is too low, corks may shrink and allow air to enter the bottles. When air comes in contact with the wine, oxidation happens, and this ruins the flavor of your wines. Wines that have been exposed to air often have a rusty taste to its flavor.

If your area has a very dry climate, or if your house is heated and cooled by central air, a good way to have humidity inside the custom wine cellar in CA is by placing a saucer of water inside.

4. Temperature

Temperature is the most important element to wine storage, and the most important consideration when building a home wine cellar in Orange County, California. Wines require a wine storage room wherein the temperature is maintained between 55 to 58 degrees Fahrenheit. There should be minimal to no fluctuations in the temperature level, because frequent fluctuations will negatively affect your wines. Have a quality wine cellar refrigeration system installed in your home custom wine cellar in CA, so that you can be sure that your wines are kept in the ideal storage temperature.

Types of Wine Racks in Orange County, California

Are you fond of wine? Are you planning to start a wine collection? Wine racks in Orange County, California are the safest place to store wines. There are different kinds of wine racks in California. They can be made of metal, wood or glass. Learn about these basic kinds of wine racks!

Metal Wine Racks California

Metal wine racks can be made from various kinds of metals. The most common metals used are wrought iron, cast, chrome and stainless steel. Compared to other kinds of wine racks, metal wine racks have more intricate bends, as well as twists and turns. This makes metal wine racks have more flexible designs. Metal wine racks are very strong and durable, but can be very heavy for table or counter top display. One concern is that temperature and humidity inside a custom wine cellar can damage the metal over time. Metal wine racks are great for those who store wines over a short period of time. If you consume wine frequently, metal wine racks are the choice for you.

Glass Wine Racks California

Engraved glass wine racks are very beautiful. They have a dramatic effect, and come in both intricate and simple designs. One common problem with glass wine racks is that they can easily be damaged by frequent changes in temperature and humidity. Glass wine racks are best for those who only want to display wines for a short period of time, or for frequent consumption.

Wooden Wine Racks California

Wooden wine racks in Orange County, California can be made of various kinds of wood. Most of these woods are mildew resistant. This means that they can withstand the moist climate inside a custom wine cellar in California. Wooden wine racks are also very beautiful, timeless and classic. This kind of wine rack is also good for long term wine storage.

Wooden wine racks in California are the best choice for keeping wine corks moist and secure in the bottles.

Custom Wine Cellar California

Custom wine cellars are the ideal place to store wines. As long as they are well insulated, have a vapor barrier installed and have a quality wine cellar refrigeration system installed, they are the best place for wines to age properly. Wine cellars by Coastal are among the most reliable storage places for wines. For more information on custom wine racks and other wine storage needs, visit Coastal at their website today!

The Importance of Wine Cellar Insulation

Custom wine cellars are the perfect place to store wines, because they are able to provide them with the ideal conditions, so that they age properly. Wine cellar insulation is an integral part of the ability of a wine cellar to do this. A wine cellar in Orange County that does not have proper insulation is practically useless. Some people build their own residential wine cellars without any vapor barriers. If you are a genuine wine lover, you need to understand the importance of proper insulation and vapor barriers.

Problems Caused by Poor Custom Wine Cellar Insulation

Many problems can arise from a poorly built custom wine cellar. You will have to deal with mold problems and/or the need for more moisture. Also, if your cellar is poorly constructed, your wine cellar cooling system will have to use up more energy to function. This will wear out the wine cellar cooling unit fast!

Moreover, a wine cellar in Orange County that is poorly insulated will have problems providing the right humidity for wine storage. Ideally, the humidity level in a wine cellar is 55 to 75%. Humidity is very important in a custom wine cellar in CA, because it helps keep the wine corks moist. Wine corks shrink when they become dry, and when they do, air can get in and ruin your wine.

Thermal Insulation, Air Barrier and Vapor Barrier

There are many kinds of wine cellar insulation. One of the best kinds is Closed Cell spray foam, which is also referred to as medium density or 2 pound insulation. This product is liquid that turns to foam and expands to 20-30 times its liquid size, creating an air-tight seal. Once it has expanded, it seldom needs trimming, with little to no waste. This type of insulation is very durable and is able to increase the shear and racking strength effectively. This product is a Code Approved Vapor Barrier and has a permeability rating 45ng. It is also a Code Approved Air Barrier and Thermal Insulation.

Other Factors That Help Creating Proper Wine Storage

Wine insulation is one of the most important things in creating the right storage conditions for wine storage. Along with good wine cellar insulation, you need to have your residential wine cellar designed and built by a professional. You also need an efficient wine cellar cooling unit to keep the temperature and humidity inside the storage room at the ideal levels.

Coastal Custom Wine Cellars provides more tips on how to create the perfect resting place for your favorite wines. They also have wine cellar professionals who can provide you with a free consultation and design of your dream custom wine cellar in Los Angeles, California.

Hosting Wine Tasting Parties in California Wine Cellars

So now you have a beautifully set up wine cellar with stunning wine racks holding your splendid wine collection. Besides taking an inventory of your wine and managing your collection, the best use for your California wine cellar is to host a wine tasting party!

Wine tasting parties are easy to organize and fun! But how does one go about planning for a wine tasting party?

Essential Tips for Hosting a Wine Tasting Party

Formal or Informal

Since you already have a wine cellar, you have at least one thing taken care of – the location. Now it’s time to decide whether you want the party to be formal or informal. If your circle of friends are wine connoisseurs in their own right, then you should probably host a formal party. But, if they are people who are just beginning to discover wine, or you just want have an entertaining and unique night with friends, an informal party is your best bet.

The Wine and Theme

The first and most important thing you should prepare is the wine. Choose at most five different varieties of wine because too many types might overwhelm the palette. It’s okay to have both red and white wines, but make sure you serve the lighter ones first. Make sure also that you take out the wine from storage for a bit of time before you start serving them.

Opt also, for a theme among the wines that you will be serving. Try selecting vintages that come from a particular region or wines of the same kind.

Wine Glasses

Next, let’s talk about wine glasses. If you’re serving both white and red wines, make sure your guests have two glasses each. Do not rinse the glasses in between tasting as even a tiny drop of water can dilute the wine and affect its taste. Make sure that you have wine cellar racks built with storage for your stemware. This will provide convenience for you as the host.

Typical of any wine tasting party, not all wines may be to your guest’s liking. Make sure you have a dump-away bucket for people to dispose of wine properly.

Food

Have water, bread, and crackers available. Not only does this provide refreshment and nourishment, they also function to cleanse the palate. Of course, wine is best paired with cheese. Make sure you serve a good selection of cheese that goes best with your vintages.

Music

With all these ready, take care of other touches such as wine coasters and music. You can personalize the wine coasters so that it matches the theme of your party. You can even use them as an invitation for your friends. Create a good playlist of mood music too, to set the right atmosphere for your party.

Wine Tasting Table

A wine tasting table is an essential part in your wine cellar. It is where you arrange the wines, food, and other accessories during a wine tasting party. It can also function as an extra storage space for keeping extra bottles and as a focal point of your wine cellar.

Do you want to host wine tasting parties but don’t have a wine cellar yet? Wine Cellars by Coastal is the name you can trust in wine cellar construction. They have completed several custom wine room projects in California and New Jersey. Request a FREE 3D wine cellar design by clicking here or visit their website at http://www.winecellarsbycoastal.com/.