Climate-Controlled Wine Cellars

A climate-controlled wine cellar is a residential or commercial cellar designed to maintain the proper temperature and humidity conditions for aging wine. A well-designed cellar will feature as many cooling units as needed for the space for optimal temperature and humidity conditions around the clock. Storing your wine in a climate-controlled wine cellar helps ensure your collection ages exactly as the winemaker intended.

Wine should be stored in a space between 55–60°F with 50–70% humidity. A well-designed wine cellar temperature control system creates the perfect aging environment and prevents cork shrinkage, mold, and damage from light and heat.

In most cases, yes. Unless you have a subterranean cellar that naturally stays cool and humid throughout the year with minimal temperature and humidity fluctuations, you will likely need to create a climate-controlled space.  

A climate-controlled wine cellar cooling unit protects your wine from heat and humidity swings, as well as oxidation. Without proper wine cellar temperature control, wine can spoil quickly, especially in spaces that experience major temperature swings.

Yes. Humidity is essential for keeping corks moist. When corks dry out, they can shrink. This lets air into the bottle, which can spoil your wine. Most cooling units designed for climate-controlled wine storage spaces include humidity control, but you may need an additional humidifier if you live in a dry or arid region, like the high mountains or desert. 

Climate-controlled home wine storage refers to any residential setup that uses a dedicated cooling system to maintain ideal conditions for storing and aging wine. Whether you install a small through-the-wall unit in a closet or build a full walk-in cellar with a ducted system, climate-controlled home wine storage protects your collection by keeping temperatures between 55–60°F and humidity between 50–70%, free from light and vibration.

Which wine cellar temperature control unit is best for your space will depend on a range of factors, including:

• Size of the space
• Location (above-ground or underground)
• Existing insulation
• Layout
• Aesthetic preferences
• Budget

Self-contained through-the-wall cooling units are best suited to small wine closets and wine rooms, while ducted units, split systems, and air handlers are ideal for large or more complex climate-controlled wine cellars. Our team can help you determine the best cooling setup for your space.

There are a variety of different cooling options. Which one is best for your wine cellar will depend on the size of the space, your design preferences, and other factors. Here are some of the different options: 

• Through-the-Wall: These self-contained temperature control units install directly through a wall and vent into a nearby space.
• Ceiling Mount: These units mount overhead and distribute cool air evenly while keeping equipment hidden from view.
• Ducted Systems: These units use ductwork to deliver chilled air quietly and efficiently throughout the cellar.
• Ducted Water Cooled: These systems remove heat by circulating water rather than exhausting air.
• Ducted Air Cooled: These units vent warm air outside while maintaining consistent cellar conditions inside.
• Split Systems: These systems separate the condenser and evaporator, allowing for flexible placement and reduced noise.
• Humidifiers: These units add moisture to the air, keeping cellar humidity at the ideal level for wine aging.
• Air Handlers: These high-capacity units move and condition large volumes of air, providing powerful climate control for big spaces. 

Get in touch with our expert team for help choosing the proper climate control option for your space. 

Savvy DIYers should have no trouble installing self-contained systems like through-the-wall or ceiling-mount units with basic tools. For larger climate-controlled wine storage systems—like ducted or split system setups—you may need an HVAC specialist to ensure safe and efficient installation.

Most temperature-controlled wine cellar cooling units have a lifespan of 10–15 years with proper installation and care. Always follow the manufacturer’s maintenance and installation instructions to ensure your system performs optimally and to extend its life.

Designing and building a wine storage space involves more than just choosing a climate-controlled wine cellar cooling unit. It’s vital to properly insulate the space and install a vapor barrier to prevent condensation issues.

Here is a quick snapshot of the process:

• Step 1: Decide on a Cooling System: Choose the climate-controlled wine cellar cooling unit that best fits your space and needs: through-the-wall, ducted, split system, etc.
• Step 2: Frame, Insulate and Finish Your Room: Prepare the space with proper insulation, moisture barriers, and vapor seals to support consistent wine cellar temperature control.
• Step 3: Choosing Racking and Cooling: Select your racking layout and the best temperature-controlled wine cellar cooling unit based on bottle capacity, design preferences, and installation type.
• Step 4: Lay Out Your Room and Place Your Order: Finalize your cellar design, confirm all dimensions, and order the components for your complete climate control wine cellar cooling system. 

The team at Wine Racks America is here to guide you through every step, from planning to final install. Explore our design guide for more information, then get in touch with us for assistance.