Tag Archives: wine cellar cooling

Does a Custom Wine Cellar Increase Luxury Home’s Value?

Increase Your Luxury Home’s **Future and Current** Value: Invest in a CUSTOM WINE CELLAR
Are you a builder or contractor of homes? Does a custom wine cellar increase the resale value of a home? Whether you are new or an expert in the construction industry, it is important that you know the advantages of building wine cellars in residential properties.

An Elegant and Climate-Controlled Residential Wine Cellar Can Be a Deciding Factor for Homebuyers

An Elegant and Climate-Controlled Residential Wine Cellar Can Be a Deciding Factor for Homebuyers

Build Functional and Exceptionally-Designed Custom Wine Cellar for a Higher Resale Value

Many of the contracting partners we work with understand this fundamental truth: Building custom wine cellars in luxury homes does increase the value of those properties—which is why we see such enormous growth in the industry.

Contemporary Home Wine Cellar Built by Wine Cellar Specialists

This contemporary home wine cellar was built by Wine Cellar Specialists. They used US Cellar Systems’ Rack Mount (RM3600) ductless split wine cooling unit.

When you build a wine cellar in a smart way, adding a high-quality wine cellar cooling unit, insulating the space correctly, you can increase the value of the homes that you are building. And homeowners will want to buy and install these wine storage systems knowing that when it comes time for resale they’ll make more on their investment.

Why Home Buyers Love Wine Cellars

A custom wine cellar with a compelling design upgrades the lifestyle of the buyer because the new space gives them joy and comfort. It can be a great place for entertaining friends while sipping a glass of wine. It adds a strong emotionally connected area to a luxury home. Homebuyers are motivated to purchase based on emotion. Wine Cellars become the emotional lynchpin to a home’s design, often becoming the focal point of the entire residence.

What the Realtor Will Advertise to Potential Buyers

Custom Wine Cellar with Unique Features

Custom Wine Cellar with Unique Features

Beautiful Wine Rack Design by California Master Builders

Beautiful Wine Rack Design by California Master Builders

Standard residential real estate thinking suggests that the amenities that entice homebuyers are the pool, gym, home theater, and entertainment area.

However, most realtors will most likely introduce or advertise the space in the home that is most elegant and intimate. Homebuyers are looking for a home with sentimental value, built with passion. Renovating an attic will have no significant impact on the resale value of a home.

An effective way to enhance the value of a home is to add a custom space, like a personalized wine cellar, that will add a “wow” factor to your residential property. A well-designed wine storage space will attract buyers because they add a luxurious appeal to homes.

A Beautiful and Effective Wine Cellar Built by a Master Builder Will Generate Word of Mouth

The finished doorway to the residential custom wine room in Dallas. Iron door flanked by glass window panes opens up into the new wine room.

Building a custom wine cellar is not as easy as 1, 2, 3. US Cellar Systems, a wine cooling expert in California, collaborates with builders and contractors of wine cellars. We always want to ensure that every client’s wine storage room is built properly with passion and creativity.

We don’t just want our customer’s wine cellars to last for many years. We know that a well-built wine cellar can be the deciding factor for potential buyers, making it a priority in the construction process.

Common questions that visitors ask about a residential wine cellar include:

  • How is it was constructed?
  • What are the types of wine stored in it?
  • Total wine storage capacity?

Create Buzz in Your Luxury Home!

Contemporary Home Wine Cellar Built in a Small Space Under the Stairs

Contemporary Home Wine Cellar Built in a Small Space Under the Stairs

When guests have gathered relevant information, and are impressed about it, they will share that information with their family and friends. More and more people will be interested in coming to that home and seeing its unique features. This causes “buzz” around a luxury home on sale, the ultimate goal of anyone trying to sell a property.

Transforming an Underutilized Space into an Attractive Wine Display and Storage Area

You can build a wine cellar in many underutilized areas in a home—in the basement, living room, garage, kitchen, or under the staircase.

When remodeling a luxury home, builders in California usually recommend adding a custom wine cellar. The cost of homes is high compared with the expense of a wine cellar addition, making it a smart upgrade.

Keep in mind that the location of the wine room plays an important role in the overall appeal of the home. Upscale buyers can be amazed to see a wine display and storage area as soon as they enter the door. This demands a higher selling price for people who are planning to buy a home with a dedicated wine cellar.

How an Efficient Wine Cellar Cooling System Can Affect a Home’s Value

Home Wine Cellar with an Efficient Refrigeration System

Home Wine Cellar with an Efficient Refrigeration System

A savvy luxury homebuyer who is looking for a wine cellar in a property will want to know if the room is designed and built to achieve the correct environment required for wine storage. A wine cellar without an efficient refrigeration system installed in it can be useless. It will not have a significant impact on the resale value of a home to make its addition worthwhile.

Wine requires stable storage conditions for proper maturation. It’s number one enemy is heat. When the temperature and humidity levels in a wine room are not regulated, the wine will deteriorate easily, resulting in a waste of time and money.

Remember, people buying a home that will want to buy a wine cellar are often passionate about collecting wine. Giving them logical reasons to purchase your home, with customized, high-quality wine cellar refrigeration will inspire the passion you’re trying to generate in every home you build and sell.

Give Homebuyers Something to Talk About

Building a wine cellar with a high-quality cooling unit will give the salesperson offering the home a great topic to discuss with homebuyers, a subject many customers will find fascinating, fun, and inspiring a purchase.

We only Sell the Best Wine Cellar Cooling Units

Efficient Wine Cooling Units California US Cellar Systems

Efficient Wine Cooling Units California US Cellar Systems

At US Cellar Systems, we provide flexible and custom wine cooling solutions to contractors and builders nationwide. All of our cooling units are commercial-grade split refrigeration systems.

We have a wide array of selections that will cater to the specific functional, aesthetic, and financial requirements of every construction project and client’s needs.

Customer Service for Wine Cellar Contractors

Our customer service is unparalleled. We provide in-depth assistance from the beginning of the construction process, until after the project is completed. Find out why contractors, interior designers, and architects love working with us.

Learn more about the products and services we offer.

Need a Partner in Building a Home Wine Cellar?

Climate-Controlled Home Wine Cellar California

Climate-Controlled Home Wine Cellar California

If you are a contractor or designer of luxury homes interested in increasing your construction company’s profits? Whether you build new homes or focus on remodeling/renovations, adding a refrigerated custom wine cellar will benefit your clients by increasing the resale value of their property. And it will get them excited about buying from you. Create more emotional energy in the construction projects that you’re working on today.

Add wine cellar construction to your line of customized products and services. Contact US Cellar Systems today to learn more about adding wine cellar construction as a specialty to your company. And begin making more money on each luxury home sale!

Wine Cellar Cooling Unit Installation

Project Bel Air Los Angeles Wine Cellar Cooling Unit Installation (RM 4600) with M&M

Wine is being taken more and more seriously by collectors as time passes. This is why wine storage solutions are not just recommended, but required, especially for those who plan on growing their vintage collection.

The best way for managing, organizing, and showcasing your valued vintage wine collection is to have a wine cellar right inside your home. Your wine room will be where your wine ages properly, while giving you convenient access to your collection at any time.

Having a residential wine cellar will add to your house’s aesthetic appeal while keeping your wine collection safe and secure in a temperature-controlled setting.

Regardless of the design of your wine cellar, you will need a professional wine cellar builder and a specialist for your wine cellar cooling unit, and both must understand the technical aspects of building a wine cellar while keeping the design.

Bel Air Los Angeles Wine Cellar Cooling

Bel Air Los Angeles Wine Cellar Cooling

Proper insulation, sealing and a good wine cellar cooling unit — these are the secrets to achieving and maintaining the optimum storage environment for aging your wines. Wine cellar refrigeration systems are designed to stabilize the storage condition for your wines. Wine must be kept at a temperature between 55-57oF and at 60% RH (relative humidity).

When it comes to wine cellar refrigeration systems, US Cellar Systems can provide you with the best options — from wall cabinets to wall-mounted and ducted wine cellar cooling units.

One of US Cellar System’s dealers is M&M Cellar Systems, which is among the best wine cellar refrigeration systems experts in California and nearby states. This company does not just provide you with a wine cellar cooling option but gives you a wine cellar cooling unit based on your specific needs. They specialize in refrigeration and heating installation, from service and maintenance to taking care of wine cellar cooling equipment. This company also provides a wide array of solutions for wine cellar cooling for small cabinets or large commercial displays for your wine collection.

One of M&M Cellar Systems’ latest works is the installation of one of the wine cellar refrigeration systems in Bel Air Estates in Westside L.A. An RM4600 refrigeration model was installed in the 10 x 10 x 8 wine room of the residence. This model is from the RM Series — rust-proof, and with insulated aluminum housing.

RM4600 Wine Cellar Refrigeration Systems

RM4600 Wine Cellar Refrigeration Systems

The RM Series is from US Cellar Systems. The RM4600 is a split-system type of wine cellar cooling unit. This aspect allows you to hide its evaporator unit on the ceiling or behind your cellar’s walls, separated from its condensing unit.

The condenser is actually a noisy component, but since the model belongs to the split-type wine cellar refrigeration systems, the condenser can be set up in a different location, to promote a quiet environment for your wines.

Split-type cooling systems may be ductless or ducted. The former consists of a set of lines, including electrical wirings and copper tubings, which serve as the connection between the condenser and the evaporator units. The latter, on the other hand, utilizes air ducts to let cool air into your wine cellar and to let warm air out.

For this Bel Air Los Angeles wine cellar cooling, the two evaporator units were placed on the ceiling, concealed by a customized grill cover made of redwood. To connect the evaporator to the condenser in the mechanical room outside the house, a line measuring 50 feet was used.

Your wine cellar will never be complete without the wine cellar cooling unit. Among the most trusted manufacturers of wine cellar refrigeration systems is US Cellar Systems. M&M Cellar Systems partners with only the best in the wine cellar industry. US Cellar Systems and M&M Cellar Systems are a tag team in providing efficient and reliable solutions for quality custom residential and commercial wine cellars in Los Angeles California.

 

Wine Cellar Cooling Unit Installation

Wine Cellar Cooling Unit Installation

Find a Local Wine Cellar Dealer

Wine Cellar Cooling System and Air Duct Cleaning

Everybody loves a fine glass of wine, perhaps with their dinner or while socializing with friends. These days, people want to take it a step further by actually building a wine cellar right in the comfort of their own home. Because of innovations in the wine industry and the availability of advanced technology, residential wine storage has now been made more convenient and accessible for everyone.

Wine racks are essential for wine collectors who just have a small number of wine bottles and limited space and budget. If you want to invest in a custom wine cellar, a proper wine cooling unit is crucial. Let’s understand first the function of a wine cellar refrigeration system.

Wine Cellar Cooling Units Preserve Wine’s Quality

Wine cooling units are basically cooling systems that you install in your wine cellar to ensure the proper aging and storage of your wine. Wine is a very complex liquid, and it needs everything to be just right in order for it to age in the best way possible.

Maintaining a constant temperature will result in graceful aging of wine. A wine cellar cooling system regulates the temperature level in your wine room, making sure it doesn’t fluctuate. If there are constant temperature changes, wine has a tendency to go bad. The best temperature for wine storage is 55-57 degrees Fahrenheit.

Another thing that the wine cooling system controls is humidity. If humidity is too high, the glue on the label of the wine bottle melts and molds grow on the bottle. On the other hand, if the humidity is too low, the wine cork dries up and may crack which can lead to wine leakage and wine faults.

After choosing the wine cellar refrigeration system suited to your needs and budget, it is vital that you have the air duct cleaned regularly to ensure that your cooling unit is working efficiently.

Why Air Duct Cleaning is Important for Wine Cellar Cooling Units

Have Your Wine Cellar Cooling Unit Air Ducts Cleaned Regularly

Have Your Wine Cellar Cooling Unit Air Ducts Cleaned Regularly

Over the course of time, air ducts can gather dirt, dust, pollen, bacteria, and even dead insects. When these contaminants block your air duct, this can affect the level of the temperature that your wine cellar needs, which can lead to wine spoilage. Aside from this, your wine cooling system might pick up the dirt, allergens, or bacteria from the blockage and carry it into your wine storage room which can potentially harm not only your wine collection, but your health as well.

These are the reasons why it’s crucial that you regularly get your air ducts cleaned. It should be a top priority, and it would be best to have it professionally done.

Do you have any questions about wine cellars or wine cabinet refrigeration systems? Please feel free to contact US Cellar Systems at the following numbers:

Office: (562) 513-3017

Fax: (562) 513-3017

They serve several wine cellar dealers, builders, architects, designers, and contractors to create the perfect wine cellar environment for both residential and commercial custom wine cellars. Click here to learn more about their products and services.

Wine Cellar Cooling & Wine Cellar Refrigeration Units – Installation Digital Controllers Wiring

Wine Cellar Cooling and Refrigeration Units – Installation Digital Controllers Wiring (A Processed Video Transcription)

 

Installation of Digital Controllers for Wine Cellar Refrigeration Units
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Hello.  My name is Dan Philips, owner and technical adviser for US Cellar Systems.  Today we are going to be covering the installation of our DC Controller for wine cellar refrigeration units.

When you order a controller, items you’ll receive are the controller, the mounting clips and the temperature sensors.  Then if you want them, we have the option of a DCP mounting plate, which will allow you to mount it into a standard 20 or 23 cubic inch electrical box.

Digital Controller Wiring Installation - Wine Cellar Refrigeration Units

Digital Controller Wiring Installation – Wine Cellar Refrigeration Units

 

We also offer an optional 25′ wiring harness for your wine cellar cooling unit.  When installing the controller, you place it through the plate and then push your mounting clips onto the back of it.  That mounts the controller to your digital controller mounting plate.

Mounting the Wire - Wine Cellar Refrigeraion Units

Mounting the Wire – Wine Cellar Refrigeration Units

Then bring your wires in through the back of your electrical box wherever you have it mounted.  Be sure you follow code when you do this because this is a high voltage system and you’re wiring will most likely have to be run in conduit.

You’ll also want to bring your temperature sensor in through the back of it and be sure it does not come in at the same place as the high voltage electrical wiring because the magnetic field of the high voltage wiring can distort your readings on the low voltage wiring.  So when you’re making your connections at the back of the controller with the standard wiring harness, you’re going to have two black wires, a white wire, and a red wire.

You’re going to need a small screwdriver in order to work the screws on the back of the controller.  Your first black wire will go into the connection at number five on the back of the digital controller.

Your second black wire goes into number two on the back of the controller.  Your white wire goes into number four and the red wire will go in to number three.

Digital Controller - Wine Cellar Refrigeration Units

Digital Controller – Wine Cellar Refrigeration Units

Once those connections are made and tightened down, your wire for your temperature sensor will go in to number ten and number eleven.  The best location to put the sensor itself is as close to the return air as possible of your wine cellar cooling evaporator coil.

If the 5′ lead that it comes with is not long enough, you can extend this up to 50′ with 18 gauge thermostat wire.  Once all of your connections are made and the digital controller is slid into the box and the screws tightened down, that finishes the installation of the digital controller itself for wine cellar refrigeration units.  After that, we’ll be ready to go on to the wiring of the evaporator coil.  Thank you.

Wine Cellar Cooling & Proper Wine Storage Conditions after Wine Production

Written by Comments Off on Wine Cellar Cooling & Proper Wine Storage Conditions after Wine Production

Vitis Vinifera - Wine Making and Wine Storage

Vitis Vinifera – Wine Making and Wine Storage

The production of wine begins with the harvesting of grapes.  The grape variety used in making wine is the species Vitis vinifera.  Once gathered, the grapes go through a ‘destemming’ process that removes them from the rachis.  This is followed by crushing, wherein pressure is applied to squeeze grapes into mush (wine must).  The next stage is fermentation.

Fermentation is the process wherein yeast consumes sugar and turns it into alcohol.  Wine fermentation has two stages:  primary and secondary.  During primary fermentation, the fermentation tank is exposed to air for three to five days.  Exposure to open air encourages yeast cell reproduction.  During secondary fermentation, air exposure is reduced.  At this stage, yeast stops multiplying and begins to produce alcohol.

Wine Storage in Oak Wine Barrels

Wine Storage in Oak Wine Barrels

After fermentation, the wine is transferred to another container in order to separate it from residual yeast and other sediments.  Wine is then drained into oak barrels, concrete or metal vats, or carboys for further aging and enhancement of flavor.  Wine needs to be aged for the right amount of time before bottling.  White wines should be aged at least half a year and red wines for at least a year.

Wines that are newly bottled should be allowed to sit upright for three days.  After three days, wine bottles are laid on their side to allow the cork to come in contact with the wine.  Newly bottled wine should be aged for a few months more before consumption, as this will give it time to improve and attain its full potential.

After the production process, wines are sold and distributed to various wine merchants.  Although wines get better over time, they can easily deteriorate as well.  In order to maintain their quality, wines should be stored in an environment wherein there is minimal to no fluctuation.  There are five factors to consider regarding proper wine storage:  temperature, humidity, light, vibration and odor.

Temperature and humidity can be constantly maintained at their ideal range with the help of wine cellar cooling systems. The ideal wine storage temperature is between 50 and 60 degrees Fahrenheit, and the right amount of humidity is within a 60% – 75% range.

If the level of temperature is unstable, it can hasten the aging process and ruin the quality of wines.  Humidity is essential to wine storage, but it needs to be regulated because it can cause mold growth or dry out the corks when left to its own accord.

Wine Cellar Refrigeration Systems for Custom Wine Cellars

Wine Cellar Refrigeration

The purpose of wine cellar refrigeration systems is to provide balance and stability in wine storage rooms.  Most wine cellars are installed with wine cellar cooling units, to help regulate temperature and humidity levels inside the storage space.  In addition to wine cellar refrigeration systems, wine cellars are also designed with proper insulation and vapor barriers to help maintain the required climate conditions for aging wines.

Continuous light exposure can also be damaging to wines.  Hence, wine cellars need to have just the right amount of light in order to find the appropriate wine bottle, to move about the room, and to view wine labels.  Installing additional features like dimmer switches and light timers can help reduce exposure of wine bottles to light sources as well.

The storage environment should be free of unsavory smells, and secured against vibration.  Odor and vibratory motion can negatively impact the chemistry of wines.

Keep in mind that storing bottled wines is as meticulous as the wine making process.  When the proper methods of wine storage are applied, the preservation of the finer qualities of wine should last for a long time.

Visit US Wine Cellar Refrigeration Systems to check out the effective wine storage equipment they offer.

Wine Cellar Cooling – Functions and Types of Wine Cellar Cooling Systems

Check out US Cellar Systems Wine Cellar Cooling Units now!

US Cellar Systems Wine Cellar Cooling Units

Proper balance of temperature and humidity levels inside the wine cellar is essential to

View US Cellar Systems Wine Cellar Cooling Units now!

US Cellar Systems Wine Cellar Cooling Units

protecting and preserving the quality of wines.  The appropriate temperature allows wines to mature nicely, while the right amount of humidity keeps the cork in good condition.

Wine cellar cooling systems are designed to control and regulate the climate inside the wine storage room.  These cooling units help maintain the temperature between 50 and 57 degrees Fahrenheit and humidity within 50% – 60%.

Effective wine cellar cooling units should be able to stabilize the wine cellar environment with less interference and minimum energy consumption.  Installing proper insulation and vapor barriers in the surrounding walls is required in order to influence the efficiency and consistency of wine cellar cooling systems.

There are different types of wine cellar cooling units on the market that can meet various requirements and style.  Each cooling unit has its own unique features and capacities, and offers an array of installation options.  The three types of wine cellar cooling systems are self-contained through the wall units, split systems, and ducted units.

Self-contained Through the Wall Cooling Units

Self-contained through the wall wine cellar cooling systems contain both the evaporator coil and compressor in one compartment.  Their function is similar to that of a window air conditioning unit:  cool air is supplied into the wine cellar while hot air is exhausted into an adjacent room that is well-ventilated.

However, it should be noted here that a window air conditioning unit is similar in look and construction but it is not the same as a self-contained through the wall wine cellar cooling unit.  This means that using a regular window air conditioning unit will be very detrimental to your wine collection and will probably end up ruining the whole collection.

Through the wall wine cellar cooling systems are the least expensive of all climate control units.  These wine cellar cooling systems are space efficient because they are mounted on the wall, and they also provide ease of installation.  The downside of using self-contained through the wall cooling units is that they operate noisily, which can disrupt the aging process of your wines.

Split System Wine Cellar Cooling Units

Split systems come in ducted or ductless models.  They are named as such because they consist of two separate components:  one houses the evaporator coil and the other includes the compressor, condensing fan, and coil.  Both components are connected together via refrigeration lines.

The evaporator coil is installed in the wine cellar, while the condenser is placed in the attic, mechanical room, basement, or outdoors.  If installed outdoors, the cooling system would require an outdoor kit to protect it against harmful weather elements.  This cooling unit offers quiet operation and numerous installation options, because it can be ducted from up to 50 feet away.

Ducted Wine Cellar Cooling System

A ducted cooling system is a stand-alone unit in the sense that the evaporator coil and compressor are contained in the same housing.  But unlike through the wall systems, this cooling unit can be ducted a few feet away, removing noise and vibration within the wine storage area.

This type of cooling system also saves more space for wine storage. Venting ducts are used to introduce cold air into the wine cellar and expel warm air outside.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Wine Cellar Cooling Unit

Important factors that need to be considered when choosing a wine cellar cooling unit are the location and dimensions of the wine cellar, intended number of wine bottles, the racking system used, the type of glass door and window used, and the amount of insulation.

Dual paned glass door is recommended to prevent condensation. Take note that thick glass is not the same as dual pane.  If the room is not sealed properly single pane could get condensation on the glass.

Consulting with professional wine cellar experts is highly recommended, since they can help determine the cooling system that is well-suited to your needs and requirements.  Check out US Cellar Systems website at https://www.winecellarrefrigerationsystems.com/ to view their wine cellar cooling systems and ask for assitance.

You can also read this blog posts to learn more:

Basic Types of Wine and Their Required Wine Storage Temperature

Click here to learn about wine storage!

Wines, Grapes and Wine Storage

Wines are produced by converting grape juice into alcohol through the process of fermentation.  Yeast strains are responsible for turning sugars in grapes into alcohol and carbon dioxide.  Wines are usually made with grapes from the Vitis Vinifera grape genus varieties.  Different grape varieties and yeast strains can yield different types of wine.

There are over a hundred varieties of wines, but they can all be classified into five types:  red, white, rosé, sparkling, and fortified wines.  Each type has its own unique characteristics, and requires different wine storage temperatures.

 

Wine Storage Temperature for Red Wines

Red wine is an alcoholic beverage made from black grapes.  Its distinctive red and deep purplish color comes from grape skins which are included during the fermentation process.  The color of red wine may vary depending on the grape variety and the way it is fermented.  The ideal temperature range for storing red wines is 50 – 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Learn more about proper wine storage here!

Red Wines – Proper Wine Storage

 

Common types of red wine are Bordeaux, Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Merlot, and Zinfandel.  The flavor characteristics of red wine improve

further when allowed to aerate before serving.  They are best served below room temperature or between 60 – 65 degrees Fahrenheit.

 

Wine Storage Temperature for White Wines

Learn More Proper Wine Storage Techniques here!

White Wines – Proper Wine Storage

White wines are made from black-colored or green-colored grapes.  When red grapes are used, the skins are removed before fermentation in order to keep the clear white color.  They are best paired with white meat, such as fish and poultry.

 

The optimal wine storage temperature is 45 degrees Fahrenheit.  Some well-known types of white wine are Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, Riesling, and Petite Arvine.

Wine Storage Temperature for Rose Wines

Rose Wines - Wine Cellar Refrigeration

Rose Wines – Wine Cellar Refrigeration

Rosé wines have a pink color, derived through the skin contact method, wherein grape skins are allowed to come in contact with the juice for a

very short period before being discarded.  This type of wine can also be produced by combining red and white wines.  The temperature range for Rosé wine storage is between 45 – 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

 

Wine Storage Temperature for Sparkling Wines

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Sparkling Wines – Proper Wine Storage

Sparkling wines have a bubbly and fizzy texture produced by significant amounts of carbon dioxide. This carbon dioxide is usually produced

during the process of actually making the wine.  A very popular type of sparkling wine is Champagne, from the Champagne region of France.

 

The sweetness level of sparkling wines can be described as brut (dry) or doux (a term used to denote the very sweetest of Champagnes).  The required storage temperature for sparkling wines is between 43 – 47 degrees Fahrenheit.

 

Wine Storage Environment for Fortified Wines

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Fortified Wines

Fortified wines are also known as dessert wines.  They are produced by adding a distilled beverage or spirit during fermentation.  Fortified wines are quite sweet which is why they are best paired with dessert.  Unlike other wines, they do not require storage in a controlled environment.  Port, Sherry, and Madeira are some of the most popular types of fortified wines.

 

Proper wine storage is important in maintaining the taste and flavor of wines.  The right storage environment should have minimum temperature fluctuations and the right level of humidity.  Installing a wine cellar cooling unit inside the wine storage room will help maintain the desired climate conditions.

 

Regardless of the types of wine you have in your collection, wine cellar refrigeration systems will make sure that the temperature range stays at 50 – 57 degrees Fahrenheit, and humidity levels remain within 50% – 60%.  A climate controlled environment is integral to preserving the quality of your wine collection over time.

 

To view the various types of wine cellar refrigeration systems that you can use for your wine storage room, click on these links:

 

Various Features of Ducted and Ductless Wine Cooling Units

If you invest in wines, proper storage is important in maintaining their taste and flavor.  This means storing them in conditions where temperature and humidity remain at constant levels.  Wine cellar cooling units are specifically designed to control the climate conditions inside your wine storage room.

These cooling systems are not the typical AC units commonly used in households and offices.  Wine cellar cooling units are engineered to regulate the wine cellar environment, in order to make it conducive for storing and aging wines.

The two common types of wine cellar cooling units are ducted and non-ducted.  Each cooling unit comes with its own unique features and functionality.  Deciding which cooling system to install in your wine cellar depends on your preferences and storage constraints.

Generally cooling systems for wine cellars are made up of two components:  the evaporator and the condenser.  Condensers tend to generate a lot of noise, which is why they are installed away from the wine storage room using ducting kits.

 

Ducted Wine Cellar Cooling Units

Ducted cooling units use ducting to link a cooling system to a wine cellar.  They are installed at a remote location and can be ducted up to 50 feet away.  Employing ducting kits not only removes all noise from the wine room, it also leaves more space for storage.

 

Click here to see more wine cellar cooling units

Ducted Wine Cellar Cooling Unit

Ducted wine cellar cooling units can be used for both self-contained systems and split systems.  A self-contained system has both the evaporator and condenser housed in one unit.  A split system houses its evaporator and condenser in separate compartments, and needs to be installed by a licensed HVAC professional.

A self-contained ducted unit is usually mounted into the wall, and most models of this unit can only be ducted on one side.  You can choose to use ducting kits to supply cold air to the wine room, or duct warm air away from the storage area and into an adjacent room or outside.

A split system ducted unit is costly to install but provides plenty of advantages for your wine cellar environment.  Since the cooling unit is installed away from the wine room, it offers more storage space and provides a quiet atmosphere.

 

Ductless Wine Cellar Cooling Units

ductless wine cellar cooling unit is ideal for wine cellars with cramped spaces or that have space restrictions that can hinder a ducting

Ductless Wine Cellar Cooling System

Ductless Wine Cellar Cooling System

installation.  This unit can also be used for both self-contained systems and split systems.

The most common example of a self-contained, non-ducted unit is the through the wall system.  As the name implies, this cooling unit is mounted through the wall.  It is considered the least expensive of all cooling systems for wine cellars.  One major disadvantage to this unit is the noise it generates inside your wine storage room.

Split systems that are non-ducted do not require venting into an exhaust room.  The evaporator is placed inside the wine cellar, while the condenser is installed outside.  Both units are connected by copper piping and electrical wiring.

When you’re deciding on a cooling unit for your wine cellar, you should take into consideration these important factors:  location, size of your wine storage room, and ambient conditions.

Wine Cellar Construction and Commercial Wine Cellar Cooling

If you embark on a wine cellar project, there are several essential things that you need to consider before you begin your wine cellar construction.  To start with, you need to choose a location that is not exposed to direct sunlight, like your basement.

Custom Wine Cellar

Custom Wine Cellar

 

If you don’t have a basement, you can always build your wine cellar above ground.  Make sure that the location you choose has an adjacent room where exhaust from the cooling unit can be discharged.

Wine Cellar Insulation 

Your wine cellar should be properly insulated to help maintain the desired conditions.  Vapor barriers should also be installed on the warm side of your cellar walls in order to prevent moisture build up.

When you pick out your flooring material, it is best to use solid surfaces.  Sealed hardwood, ceramic tile, and stone work are some of the popular choices.  Don’t ever use carpets since these can cultivate mold and mildew growth.

Doors and windows should be exterior grade since this will most definitely keep the cool air in.  Your wine cellar door should be weather stripped and installed with a bottom sweep.

If you prefer glass doors, it is recommended that you use double or triple paned glass that is well-insulated.  Should you choose to have windows in your cellar so that your clients can view the wines you have on display, make sure your cellar windows have a good sealant and high quality framing.

Wine Cellar Lighting System 

When it comes to your lighting system, always choose from a low wattage source.   The lighting system in your wine cellar should just be enough to read the wine labels but not too much as to introduce heat in the environment.

Commercial Wine Cellar Cooling Systems  

Your wine cellar should also have a climate controlled environment.  This is made possible by installing a wine cellar cooling system.  This unit maintains temperature between 50 and 59 degrees Fahrenheit, and humidity between 60% and 70%.  Regardless of whether you own a home or commercial wine cellar, cooling systems are an integral part of your wine storage room.

High Static (HS) Wine Cellar Cooling System

High Static (HS) Wine Cellar Cooling System

In order for a commercial wine cellar to maintain optimal conditions, it should be equipped with a high quality wine cellar cooling unit.  Commercial wine cellar cooling systems have various features that can complement any wine cellar design, either private or commercial.I  t is important to keep in mind that these cooling units are not at all like regular air conditioning units.

Commercial wine cellar cooling systems are specifically designed for commercial wine cellars.  These cooling units regulate temperature and humidity inside a wine storage room in order to provide the right conditions for wines to mature nicely.

The three common types of cooling units on the market are through the wall systems, self-contained units, and split cooling systems.  When picking out a wine cellar cooling unit, you need to consider the dimensions of your storage area as well as the number of wine bottles in your inventory.

Split cooling systems are usually recommended for commercial wine cellar cooling because these units can be ducted away from the wine cellar and they are unobtrusive.  With that kind of set up, noise and vibration are reduced, and it leaves your wine storage with enough space for more wine bottles.

Advantages of Using Ducted Wine Cellar Cooling Units

In order to maintain the desired temperature and humidity levels in your wine cellar, you need to install a wine cellar refrigeration unit.  These units are designed to control the climate in your wine storage room to make sure that your selection of fine wines mature at optimal conditions.  A wine cellar cooling unit keeps temperature between 50 to 55 degrees Fahrenheit, and humidity between 60% to 70%.  Without the presence of a cooling system in your wine cellar, there’s a great chance that the quality of your wines will deteriorate due to exposure to fluctuating conditions.

When choosing a cooling unit for your wine cellar, you need to take into account the size of your storage room, as well as the number of wine bottles in your inventory.  A larger wine cellar would require a unit that has a powerful cooling capacity in order to control the climate.  There are various types of wine cellar cooling systems available on the market, which can make the selection process a little difficult.  Familiarizing yourself with the different features of each wine cellar cooling unit, as well as taking into consideration the size of your wine cellar and inventory, will help you narrow down your choices.

Wine cellar refrigeration units are classified into two:  self-contained and split systems.  They can either be ducted or non-ducted.  Each cooling unit consists of an evaporator and condenser.  Keep in mind that the condenser is the part of your cooling unit that generates noise and requires ample space for ventilation.  Each unit may vary in terms of features, price, and size, but all are capable of regulating temperature and humidity levels in your wine cellar nevertheless.

If you want to make the most out of your money, you can go for ducted wine cellar cooling units.  A ducted unit for wine cellar cooling helps reduce noise and vibration inside your wine storage room because they are installed away from the wine cellar.  You can mount a ducted wine cellar cooling unit in a remote location in your home, such as the basement, attic, or an adjacent utility room.  Cool air is introduced into your wine storage room through ductwork and heat is exhausted in the same manner.

Ducted Wine Cellar Cooling Units - High Static Series

Ducted Wine Cellar Cooling Units – High Static Series

Single ducted units contain both a condenser and an evaporator.  In a split ducted unit, the evaporator and condenser are housed separately.   These units reduce the level of noise and vibration in your wine storage room because they are ducted away from the wine cellar.  Installing a ducted wine cellar cooling unit is an advantage because it does not take up space and it generates less noise and vibration.  It nurtures your wine collection by stabilizing the climate and it also provides a quiet environment.

These cooling units also come with electronic controls and digital displays that allow you to monitor the climate from the outside.  It is worth noting that your wine cellar should be properly insulated so that your wine cellar refrigeration unit can do its job efficiently.  Vapor barriers should also be installed on the warm side of the cellar walls to prevent moisture infiltration.

Coastal Custom Wine Cellars is one of the best wine cellar builders in the industry and we partnered with them in providing the best wine cellar cooling equipment for wine cellars. You can check out their webpage that talks about our wine cellar cooling units at this link http://www.winecellarsbycoastal.com/uscellars-wine-cellar-refrigeration-units.aspx.

You can also view some of their custom wine cellar projects where they have installed our various lines of wine cellar cooling systems.

Give Your Wines Optimum Care with the Right Wine Cellar Cooling System

Wine tastes better when aged with the appropriate wine cellar cooling system. If you are a wine collector, it is essential to invest in a reliable wine cooling unit that will help preserve your finest wines properly.

Reliable Wine Cooling Unit

Preserve Your Wines with a Reliable Wine Cellar Cooling System

The main function of a wine cooling system is to protect wines from external factors such as temperature and humidity, thus it is the most important feature in a wine cellar. When choosing a wine cellar cooling system, there are certain factors that must be taken into account.

Through the Wall Wine Cellar Cooling System

Through-the-wall wine cellar cooling system is ideal for small wine cellars.

The space of your wine storage room or wine cellar must be determined before buying a wine cellar cooling unit. You can buy an economical cooling system if you have a small space without compromising quality. A through-the-wall, self-contained cooling system is best for small cellars.

In addition to your wine cellar space, the quality of the wine cellar cooling system must be prioritized. A wine cooling unit must be built with components that meet reliability and safety standards.

It should provide the right environmental conditions in your wine cellar for the graceful aging of your precious wines. The temperature in a wine cellar must be maintained between 55-57 degrees Fahrenheit and the humidity levels must range from 50 -70 percent.

Safety features include timers, which are used to prevent short-cycling of the unit. To protect the compressor, the cooling unit should also feature high and low refrigerant switches.

Many wine collectors also prefer a quiet cooling system, so as not to disturb their home’s ambiance. Many manufacturers are creating quiet cooling systems to meet their clients’ needs.

The condenser of a split wine cooling system can be placed outside, thus reducing noise in your wine cellar. Through-the-wall systems are noisy, because they require mechanical equipment that needs to be placed inside the wine storage room.

Split Wine Cellar Cooling System

Split Wine Cooling System reduces noise in your wine cellar.

You can save extra money if you use a cooling system that is flexible and easy to install. Self-contained through-the-wall units can be installed without much difficulty, while split systems require a professional for proper installation, which will cost you more money.

Before the installation process of the cooling system, it is important to ensure that your wine cellar has the proper seal, insulation and vapor-barrier. You wine cellar door will affect the performance of your cooling system, so it is important that you choose a high-quality door with proper doorjamb, bottom sweep or threshold to ensure that it is properly sealed. An improper door seal will keep your cooling unit running, thus increasing energy consumption.

Wine Cellar Door

Your wine cellar door will affect the performance of your wine cooling system.

You invested a good amount of money for your wine collection so it is a good idea to protect them with a reliable and high-end wine cellar cooling system. This will help your wines age well and protect their desirable characteristics.

Proper Sizing of a Wine Cellar Cooling System is Critical to its Efficiency and Longevity

Take Me Straight to the Wine Cellar Cooling System - Heat Load Survey Form

Take Me Straight to the Wine Cellar Cooling System – Heat Load Survey Form

Most wine cellar cooling systems companies offer only a few sizes of wine cellar refrigeration units. These are often matched to a sizing standard of cubic feet. A very useful starting point when determining the volume to be a climate controlled wine storage area. However, this does not include ANY details specific to the Custom Wine Cellar.

The cubic feet method assumes basic standards in construction, usage, and operation. It assumes minimal insulation is used. Not more or NONE. That is generally the only consideration included. It does not account for many very common variables that can be incorporated into a Custom Wine Cellar which are calculated when using an actual heat load survey.

What are these variables that affect a wine cellar cooling systems choice and why are they important?

– Glass

Windows, doors, or walls are NOT considered when sizing by cubic feet.

Any glass in a Wine Cellar or Wine Cabinet is hugely important to compensate for when sizing. The insulation value of dual pane glass is ~R2. This allows a good deal of the cooling to be transferred through the glass. Increasing the amount of equipment required to keep the temperature stable. If it is not considered and smaller equipment is used the chance it will keep up with the needs of the space are slight. However, it is very likely that the equipment will run all the time. This will cause additional problems of very low humidity, extremely high cost of operation, or premature equipment failure not covered by the warranty.

Single pane glass should be avoided like the plague! The slightest leak in a door seal can cause your beautiful cellar to look more like a restaurant pie case. When the cold and warm air mix the water vapor instantly condenses to water droplets. This causes a ‘fog’ on the glass and can eventually lead to staining of the surrounding areas if left unattended. It is not the fault of the equipment and cannot be compensated for. It is a construction issue.

– Insulation

R value, above or below grade, ambient temperature all makes a difference.

Cubic feet estimates R11 insulation as the only factor in the equation. Obviously if there is no insulation to be used this estimate will be wrong. No company ever suggests it is acceptable to use no insulation in a Wine Cellar. Just the same it happens all the time. If a wine room like this is insisted upon by the client, even against better judgment, at least plan for it. Just the same as underestimating glass a larger system will be required or there will be problems.

On the other hand, if more insulation is being used a smaller system may be recommended. This is especially true if the Wine Cellar is to be below grade. Ground temperatures tend to be considerably lower than normal “ambient temperatures” or the conditioned air surrounding the cellar. Therefore much less equipment is required to maintain a stable temperature.

Over-sizing can create problems of a different kind. If the refrigeration system is too large it will only need to run a fraction of the time it should to keep temperature. This may sound great at first but it is not. Commonly known as “short-cycling” will damage the equipment causing failures that may not be protected under the warranty. In addition, the equipment running a predetermined cycle is how the humidity is balanced in the room. If the equipment runs too little the wine cellar’s humidity will increase. Condensation could occur especially if there are defects in the construction. If left alone labels could fall off bottles, water staining wood surfaces, and mildew and/or mold will grow.

– Lighting

Type, # of fixtures, hours used impact the heat of the Wine Cellar.

It used to be quite common to use can lights in a Wine Cellar. Anyone who has ever changed a light bulb knows lights can get very hot, pretty quickly. Imagine you intend to leave these on so you can show off your beautiful Custom Wine Cellar at a summer dinner party lasting several hours. Maybe you just want to leave it on to enjoy it yourself for a few hours each evening after a hard day’s work. Now think of that heat that the refrigeration has to overcome. This is another question in the heat load survey that should be answered as accurately as possible.

If in doubt USE LED LIGHTING! It produces so little heat it does not need calculated into the heat load. Modern LED lighting is now available in many designs, colors, and shapes. It does not have to look like a disco or a Christmas tree. Bulbs can fit in standard fixtures and even work with dimmers or remotes.

– Set Point

Activity, recovery and thermal mass are all things to consider when committing to a “Set Point” temperature for a Wine Cellar.

It is agreed by most experts that 55f is the ideal temperature to store wine, red or white. Both are SERVED at different temperatures. White wines or champagnes should be served preferably below 45f and reds at room temperature. Long term storage warmer than this can accelerate or damage the aging process, colder can slow or even stop it.

Wine Cellar Cooling Systems – Whites Wines & Champagnes

Some Wine Cabinets are designed with the intention of using a serving temperature for whites and champagnes. This would not be allowable with a cubic feet estimate alone. Especially since most Wine Display Cases like this are primarily glass and in hospitality locations. In a restaurant it is very possible that during peak hours the doors will be opened many times per hour. This requires a careful choice of which system is best suited to improve the recovery time and bring the Wine Storage Unit back to normal temperature.

Wine Cellar Cooling Systems – Thermal Mass

Thermal mass describes the temperature of the liquid within the bottles, cases, or even barrels stored in a Cellar. Thermal mass adjusts about 75% more slowly than air temperature does. If there is a lot of room temperature wine loaded into a cellar at one time it is perfectly normal to take up to several hours for the refrigeration to gently bring the temperature to where it is set. Once that is achieved the thermal mass reacts to changes slowly and will assist the stabilization in the room. The equipment will return to normal operation. Setting the thermostat to go colder WILL NOT make it go FASTER. It will put unnecessary stress on the equipment especially if a lower set point was not used in the heat load survey.

Sudden and drastic changes to the temperature of wine are far more detrimental than having it too cold or too warm for a short while.

– Additional features

Refrigerators, TV, Electronics, Fireplaces

Many designers like to add unique features to custom cellar designs. It is important to note that all appliances and electronics give off heat. These things should be considered carefully and are strongly discouraged.

H2: The USCS Heat Load Survey Form

Click here to go to the USCS Heat Load Survey Form. This information should be collected as accurately as possible and sent to us for a free load calculation and estimate. It will help us provide to you the correct equipment options for each unique design.

It will save you the money, time, and aggravation of improperly sized equipment.

Wine Cellar Cooling Units – How Do They Prevent Mold Growth?

 

Mold growth in wine cellars? That is a big no-no.

Wine cellars typically have a cool and dark environment, a condition that molds love as it favors their growth.

Molds rapidly grow in moist environments, most especially indoors, and they create a foul odor within their surroundings.  In wine cellars, they commonly thrive on carpets, wooden fixtures, ceilings and even on wine labels.

Wine cellars must maintain an environment which is ideal for the optimum aging of wines. Environmental factors such as temperature, lighting and humidity are the most important considerations in building and maintaining wine cellars.

Among the three factors, humidity has the most major influence on mold growth. This means that humidity must be controlled to prevent molds from accumulating inside the wine cellar.

Humidity levels must be maintained at 60-75%, an ideal range for optimum wine aging and best to prevent mold growth as well. If humidity goes too high the moisture will peak as well, and this can trigger the growth of molds. If humidity goes too low, the cork may be damaged which can lead to air entering the bottle and cause oxidative changes to wine.

Thus the relative humidity must not fluctuate beyond these levels in order to ensure that your wines, wine labels and wine cellar furniture and accessories are well protected.

This is one of the reasons wine cellar cooling units are critical for every wine cellar. The type of wine cellar cooling unit that you choose for your wine cellar must be able to constantly maintain the ideal humidity levels.

Here at US Cellar Systems, we offer wine cellar refrigeration systems that are highly efficient in creating an environment that favors proper wine aging while simultaneously preventing the growth of molds. Our wine cellar cooling units are designed to complement the style of every wine cellar and function with high efficiency to ensure that your wines are well protected from different environmental factors.

Consider, for example, our High Static Series Wine Cellars Cooling Units.

High Static Wine Cellar Coolers

High Static Series Wine Cellar Cooling Units

 

It is featured with a factory installed automatic expansion valve that ensures humidity balance. Humidity balance is one of the most important features to look for when planning to purchase a wine cellar cooling system for your residential wine cellar or commercial wine storage.

To check out other wine cellar refrigeration systems with this kind of feature, visit these sites:

https://www.winecellarrefrigerationsystems.com/dq-wine-cellar-cooling-unit-spec.aspx

Wine Cellar Cooling Units – How To Choose The Best

Wine is a beverage that needs to be stored properly if you want to enjoy it at its best. Wine needs to be stored in ideal conditions with minimal fluctuations so that it can age tastefully. Besides a well-built custom wine cellar, you need a quality wine cellar cooling unit in order to achieve these ideal conditions. By making sure that your wine storage conditions are well-controlled, you can be sure that your wines will age properly so that you and your family and friends can enjoy them at their best.

There are lots of wine cellar cooling units available on the market. The challenge is finding the right one for you. In this post, you will learn a few of the qualities to look for when purchasing a wine cellar cooling unit.

Capacity To Cool Your Wine Room
When choosing a wine cellar unit that can effectively cool your wine cellar, it is important to consider the size of your wine storage room. The size of your cellar cooling unit is dependent on many factors including the size of the wine room. If you have a large room for instance, you will need a unit with a larger compressor and more BTUs. A cooling unit needs to be more powerful in order to properly cool a large room. Remember the ideal temperature for wine storage is 55 to 58 degrees Fahrenheit.

No matter how capable the wine cellar cooling unit is in cooling your wine storage room, there are other factors that can affect the temperature in the room. Other factors include such things as the way the room was insulated. If the storage room is not properly insulated, the temperature will never be kept within the ideal range all the time. Therefore the custom wine cellar should be properly insulated and ideally have a good vapor barrier in order to keep excess heat or cold out of the room.

Capacity To Control Humidity Effectively
Temperature is only one of the many variables that need to be controlled effectively in order for wine to be stored properly. Another variable that a good wine cellar refrigeration unit should be able to regulate is the humidity. The ideal humidity for proper wine storage is between 60% to 70%.

If the humidity is too high in the wine cellar room, wine corks will have the tendency to mold and this can lead to contamination of the wine inside the bottle. On the other hand, too little humidity can lead to wine cork shrinkage. If the wine cork shrinks, air can get into the bottle and spoil the wine inside.

Other Features Are A Bonus
Even if you live in California, once your wine cellar cooling unit is installed, you will want to be able to check the temperature and humidity inside the room. It’s not a good idea to constantly open the wine cellar room because this can cause fluctuations in the temperature and humidity levels. It would be a bonus if the cooling unit you buy has an accessory wherein you can check the temperature and humidity levels from outside the wine cellar room.

Another good feature would be something that would allow you to change or adjust the temperature and humidity settings from outside the custom wine cellar.