Wine Crazed

Photos courtesy of Southern Wine Cellars

Few luxuries epitomize the upscale lifestyle as does a wine cellar. So it's not surprising that wine cellars are being included in a growing number of high-end custom homes, as well as in many renovations and additions. Michael Colleary, president of Southern Wine Cellars in Palm Harbor, Fla., is a

former finish carpenter who decided to specialize in wine cellars 10 years ago. The growth of his business speaks to the rising popularity of wine cellars: After averaging 20 cellars per year in his first decade, he's on track to build 50 this year.

The economics of building a wine cellar are fairly straightforward, according to builder and remodeler Billy Guerrero, president of CG&S Design-Build in Austin, Texas. Guerrero says that costs to the homeowner range from $20,000 to $70,000, depending on the size of the space and the special features the client wants. That price can include as much as a 20 percent markup for the builder.

These rooms vary tremendously in size, says Guerrero, but an average one measures 8 feet by 8 feet and can hold 1,200 bottles. However, he once built a 38 foot by 22 foot space that could hold 12,000 bottles.

A cellar's location is driven by the design of the home, says Guerrero. If the home has a subgrade basement area, that's usually where the cellar goes. But not all are underground. Colleary builds smaller "cellars" in nooks and crannies, such as the space behind a set of stairs. "My nickname is The Stairmaster, because I have a reputation for putting units behind steps," says Colleary, adding that a small space can cost as little as $8,000.

Most cellars are framed with two-by-fours and insulated with foam. In a basement, it's good practice to leave at least a few inches of space between the framed walls and the foundation wall to provide air flow and prevent the transfer of heat and moisture. A specialized refrigeration unit maintains temperatures at 55 degrees Fahrenheit and keeps humidity levels at 50 to 75 percent, depending on the size of the room and the wine being stored.

The final touch in a wine cellar is the addition of specialized features. Special glass cases and lighting systems highlight specific wines, and tasting tables enhance the sampling process. Custom tile and flooring and decorative paintings give the room a

Photos courtesy of Southern Wine Cellars

unique look and feel. Buyers with big budgets will often spare no expense to differentiate the most unique room in their house.

"It's a very precise process that requires a high degree of knowledge," says Colleary of building a cellar. But for builders who follow the practices described above, including one can be very profitable.