Tag Archives: Custom wine cellars

Identifying Wines for Long Term and Short Term Wine Storage

Written by Comments Off on Identifying Wines for Long Term and Short Term Wine Storage

Wines generally taste better when allowed to age. But wines vary in the amount of time they need to be stored in a wine cellar in Vancouver, Canada. Learn the difference between short term and long term wine storage.

Short Term vs. Long Term Wine Storage in Vancouver, Canada

Wines are best kept safe when stored in a residential custom wine cellar built in Vancouver, Canada. But different wines have different storage requirements. There are types of wines that can and should be enjoyed after a few months, while others take many years to reach their best flavor.

It is important to learn the difference between short term and long term wine storage, because how long you store your wine will determine which method of wine storage you should use.

Wines in a Wine Cellar

Which Wines are for Long Term Storage and Which are for Short Term?

What is Short Term Wine Storage?

Short term wine storage keeping wine in a wine storage solution for a maximum of 6 months before its consumption. But it is recommended by many wine experts that, even when you are not planning on long term aging for short term storage wines, the wines are still stored in conditions that resemble those necessary for long term storage, so that you can sure of the maintained/improved quality of your wines.

The Ideal Conditions for Short Term Wine Storage

Although you will not necessarily be aging short term storage wines, a stable temperature is still very important, to protect wines from spoiling. Ideally, the temperature in a wine cellar should be within 50 to 59 degrees Fahrenheit, with minimal to no fluctuations. Frequent fluctuations can cause premature aging. Moreover, make sure that the wine storage room is free from vibrations, and is odorless. It is also recommended to keep wines lying on their sides, to ensure that the cork is in constant contact with the wine.

Ideal Storage Solution for Short Term Storage Wines

A wine refrigerator is the most ideal wine storage solution for short term wine storage. Wine coolers are cost-efficient, and are offered in convenient sizes. Wine fridges protect wines from vibration, and also allow them to be kept on their sides, so that the corks are kept moist. Unlike a regular refrigerator, you can be sure that a wine refrigerator will keep your wines in an odor-free environment. Strong odors can negatively affect the flavor and aroma of your wines.

If you are not ready to buy a wine refrigerator yet, you can use a cool, dark place in your home as a temporary alternative. Find a place that is rarely used, like a closet, or a portion of your basement. Wines can be kept safe if kept in a box, or on wine racks lying on their side. However, before you serve your wines, make sure that cooled to their respective ideal serving temperatures.

Wine Cellar Wine Storage

Wines Stored in a Wine Cellar in Canada

What is Long Term Wine Storage?

Long term wine storage is for wines that need to be stored in a home custom wine cellar longer than 6 months before they can be best enjoyed. This also often refers to wine that needs to be aged longer than 6 months to develop their flavors properly. But there are times when wines end up in long term storage because of sheer quantity. For example, you purchased several cases from a winery you recently visited. While you are not necessarily aging the wines, there is a huge chance that they’ll be stored in your wine cellar longer than they should be, because you won’t be able to consume them all in 6 months!

Ideal Storage Solution for Short Term Storage Wines

The ideal conditions for proper long term wine storage include a dark location that is high in humidity and low in temperature. The temperature and humidity should be stable. Also, the location should be free from vibrations.

Pages: 1 2

Mistakes in Wine Cellar Construction that can Affect the Wine Room’s Effectiveness

Written by Comments Off on Mistakes in Wine Cellar Construction that can Affect the Wine Room’s Effectiveness

Wine cellars, whether for residential or commercial purposes, need to be designed and built by an expert. Wine cellars are not mere storage spaces. They area safe haven for wines, and ensure that their quality is preserved and that their aroma and flavors develop. If there are mistakes in the construction of a wine cellar, or if there are important elements that are overlooked, the result can be disastrous for wines.

The Need for Proper Wine Cellar Construction by a Wine Cellar Expert

More and more people understand the need to invest in a wine storage solution. You cannot start a wine collection without having a storage space for them to age within. The problem is that there are still many people who think that they can have their wine cellar built by a carpenter, or worse,try to undertake the task themselves.

It is imperative to understand that a wine cellar has many wine cellar construction specifications that must be met in order for it to become an effective wine storage solution. This is why a wine cellar should be designed and built by a wine cellar expert.

A wine cellar expert will make sure that the essentials of a wine cellar are covered. They help you determine what wine racks will look and work best in your wine cellar. They also give advice on what type of wine cellar door is best suited for your storage room,recommendations on the type of wall and ceiling treatment most appropriate for your wine cellar,and suggestions on the style of wine cellar floor. All of these elements are important in the construction of the cellar, and largely influence its price.

5 Common Mistakes in Wine Cellar Construction

Proper wine cellar construction is needed to avoid problems in the wine storage room’s capability to provide the ideal storage conditions for your wine collection. The problems that arise in a wine cellar can be linked to these 5 common mistakes in the construction process:

1. Mistakes in the Construction of the Wine Room Walls and Installation of Proper Insulation

When having a wine cellar constructed in Vancouver, Canada, you should pay attention to the walls and the insulation. A common mistake is the improper installation of the vapor barrier, which results in humidity problems, and ultimately mold and mildew growth in the wine room. The temperature and humidity inside a custom wine cellar in Vancouver, Canada should be significantly different from the temperature and humidity outside it. This is why it has be completely sealed off with 6 mil polyethylene film: to make sure that no moisture can enter the room. The film should be installed on the warm side of the wall, between the studs, wrapping the entire room and ceiling . Insulation is to be installed after.

Proper insulation selection and correct installation are critical to your wine storage room’s efficiency,aiming to keep a space cooler than its surrounding spaces. The most commonly used material is fiberglass insulation with the highest R value possible. For 2 x 4 studs, R 13 is recommended, while R 19 is suggested for 2 x 6 studs. In the installation of the insulation, small nooks and crevices are often overlooked. These spaces, if left unprotected, can become a pathway for heat and moisture. Use a spray insulating foam sealant to seal these spaces.

2. Wrong Wine Cellar Cooling Unit Size

Wine cellars in Vancouver, Canada should not have just any wine cellar cooling unit. The unit should be the appropriate size for the particular space. A wine cellar cooling expert can help you determine the right wine cellar refrigeration system size for your wine storage room. There are so many things to be considered in order to determine the size and type of wine cellar cooling system best for your cellar. If you base the wine cellar cooling unit solely on the cubic feet of space in the room, you could end up under sizing the unit, and subsequently cause it to run excessively and there by shorten its lifespan. A few of the things checked in order to determine the appropriate unit include the type of insulation used, the type of wine cellar door, the amount and type of glass windows in the room, the types and wattage of the wine cellar lighting, the number of people most often inside the wine cellar room, etc.

Pages: 1 2

Various Wood Types Used for Wooden Wine Racks in Vancouver, Canada

Written by Comments Off on Various Wood Types Used for Wooden Wine Racks in Vancouver, Canada

Wine racks can be made from a variety of materials, such as metal, glass, plastic, and wood. The most popular among these materials is wood. There are various options of wood species to use for wooden wine racks. Learn about the most popular wood choices for your wooden wine racks in Vancouver, Canada.

Wines Need to be Kept in a Wine Cellar with Quality Wine Racks

Wines are very sensitive beverages. This means that if they aren’t stored in the ideal climate conditions, they can be damaged. A genuine wine enthusiast will invest in a good wine storage solution for their wine collection. The most ideal wine storage solution is a wine cellar. When having your wine cellar designed, one of the things to consider is the wine racking.

Why Choose Wooden Wine Racks in Vancouver, Canada?

Wine racks are an integral part of a wine cellar. They are where your wines will rest, and be allowed to mature properly. Subsequently, you want to make sure that your wine racks are made from durable materials, so that your wine collection is kept safe. You also want it to be designed beautifully, so that you can flaunt your wines to your guests.

Wine racks in Vancouver, Canada can be made from a variety of materials, but the most popular material used is wood. Wooden wine racks are a trend in Canada, and the following are a few of the many reasons they are very popular:

1. Customizability of Wooden Wine Racks.

Wooden wine racks are a popular choice in Vancouver, Canada, because unlike other types of wine racks, they are easily customizable. You can start with a small wooden wine rack, and then, when your collection expands, you can add extra wine storage spaces, like diamond x bins, wine cubicles, or wine racks that match the existing racking. This easy customizability feature allows you to spend only on what you need at the moment. If you need to add more storage spaces, then you can invest in that later on.

2. Wooden Wine Rack Come in a Wide Array of Design Options.

There are various kinds of wood species to choose from for your wooden wine racks. Each wood type is different in color, style, durability, and cost. The most popular types of wood include Pine, Mahogany, and Redwood.

1. Pine.

Among the 3 most popular wood choices, Pine is the least expensive. It is also chosen because of its rustic appearance and the simplicity of its light vanilla color. When a stain or a finish is applied, more attractive colors are produced. It is also important to consider that Pine is light in weight and is moderately soft. It is known for having weak bending capacity and low show resistance. Pine is also known for frequent dimpling.

2. Mahogany.

Mahogany is one of the best choices of wood for wine racks because it is very durable. It is known for its prominent color schemes and takes stains very well. Mahogany is also known for its non-aromatic property. You won’t have to worry about any smell that might affect the flavor of your wines. There are many subspecies of Mahogany available, and the most popular ones are Genuine Mahogany, African Mahogany, and Malaysian Mahogany.

Pages: 1 2

Worry-Free Wine Collecting with Blue Grouse Wine Cellars: Learn the Conditions Every Wine Collector Should Know When Storing Wine in Their Home.

Written by Comments Off on Worry-Free Wine Collecting with Blue Grouse Wine Cellars: Learn the Conditions Every Wine Collector Should Know When Storing Wine in Their Home.

While most of the commodities are consumed within 24 hours from the time of purchase, wines are often saved by the purchaser for long-term storage and aged. Wine is one of the things that get better with time when stored and aged properly, but it can also spoil and deteriorate rapidly if kept in inappropriate conditions. Proper storage and aging will enhance wine’s flavor, color and quality in general.

As an expert in wine storage, Blue Grouse Wine Cellars always considers the following critical factors when designing and installing Vancouver wine cellars.

Proper Wine Storage – Factors to Consider

Light

wine storageWines, especially white wines should not be subjected to excessive amounts of light. They should not be stored under direct sunlight, and fluorescent lights with ultraviolet light in the wavelength of 325 to 450 nm.

Light may adversely react with the chemical compounds in wine and create potential wine faults or defects, which often leads to wine having a light-struck aroma (or gouts de lumiere – French for tastes of light).

Wine maintains its clarity and citrus aroma if stored in a dark room. This is why most wines are packed in colored glass and stored in wine cellars with a minimal amount of lighting.

Humidity

Humidity is another critical element of wine storage that must be considered, especially if wine cork closures are used. The efficacy of the wine cork depends upon the humidity level. While the optimal humidity range is not yet established and varies from one wine expert to the next, the often-cited ideal humidity level is between 60 and 70 percent.

The ideal humidity range will keep the cork expanded and in shape, providing a good seal to the wine bottle. When wine is stored lower than the ideal humidity level, cork will dry out, shrink or crack, allowing oxygen to enter the bottle and come in contact with the wine. Oxidation then occurs resulting in degradation of wine.

Additionally, when wine is subjected to a higher humidity level, mold may occur and while this will not affect the wine itself, the bottle and wine label will deteriorate.This provides yet another reason that storing your wines in a standard kitchen refrigerator is not advisable, since it is not designed to maintain the right humidity levels.

Pages: 1 2 3 4

Clean and Sleek Contemporary Vancouver Custom Wine Cellar

Written by Comments Off on Clean and Sleek Contemporary Vancouver Custom Wine Cellar

When building a custom wine cellar, every client has his storage and aesthetic requirements. There are essential factors for would-be wine cellar owners that must be discussed and taken into consideration during the planning stage, including the location where the wine room will be built, size of the collection, types of bottles and wines to be stored, existing home décor, and budget. The final look and ambiance of the wine cellar must not be overlooked either.

Blue Grouse Wine Cellars has always used its experience and expertise in designing and building Vancouver custom wine cellars to exceed the expectations of its clients.

Let’s talk about one of the projects they have completed with excellence.

The Glass Custom Wine Cellar West Vancouver

Blue Grouse’s client in Vancouver, Canada love to socialize and entertain friends which is one of the reasons they decided to invest in a residential wine cellar.

Their desire was to add a focal point to their residence that could impress guests and allow them to create a memorable wine drinking experience. The Blue Grouse Wine Cellars team achieved this by constructing an all-glass custom wine display.

Pages: 1 2