Common Questions
Practical answers for planning, building, and enjoying your wine cellar.
Design & getting started
01 / COMMON QUESTIONS
How do I start planning a wine cellar?
How do I start planning a wine cellar?
Start with your space, the size of your collection, the look you want and a working budget. Photos, rough measurements and inspiration images are helpful. Our team can turn those ideas into a plan for a modular or fully custom cellar. Explore our design process or schedule a free strategy session.
Is the initial strategy session free?
Is the initial strategy session free?
Yes. The initial strategy session is free and comes with no obligation. You will speak one-on-one with a designer about your space, bottle capacity, style, budget and next steps. Schedule your strategy session.
What should I have ready for my first appointment?
What should I have ready for my first appointment?
Bring any photos, measurements, floor plans or architectural drawings you have, plus inspiration images and an approximate bottle count. A budget range and target timeline also help. You do not need everything finalized; your designer can guide you through what is missing.
Do I need an app or special software to view my VR 360° design?
Do I need an app or special software to view my VR 360° design?
No special app is needed for the browser-based tour. You can explore the design on a smartphone, tablet, laptop or desktop. A VR headset is optional. The tour helps you review the layout, materials and details before production. Explore the VR 360° gallery.
Can you design a small space, an under-stairs cellar or a commercial display?
Can you design a small space, an under-stairs cellar or a commercial display?
Yes. Our projects include compact wine walls, under-the-stairs rooms, traditional cellars, glass enclosures, restaurant displays, retail wine storage and wine lockers. The layout should fit the space and the way you collect or serve wine. Browse real customer projects by style.
Will you work with my architect, contractor or interior designer?
Will you work with my architect, contractor or interior designer?
Yes. We can coordinate racking, glass, doors, cooling and construction requirements with your project team. Trade professionals can also apply for our dealer program for trade pricing and white label design services.
Who is WineCellars.com?
Who is WineCellars.com?
WineCellars.com brings more than 25 years of specialized wine cellar design experience to projects for homeowners, designers, builders and businesses. We help with modular racking, fully custom cellars, climate planning and VR 360° designs. Meet our company.
Building & cooling
02 / COMMON QUESTIONS
What temperature and humidity should a wine cellar maintain?
What temperature and humidity should a wine cellar maintain?
Our building guide recommends approximately 55°F–58°F for consistent long-term storage, with balanced humidity commonly between 50% and 70% RH. Stable conditions matter. The enclosure and cooling equipment should be planned together for your room and collection. Read the wine cellar building guide.
What should be planned before the walls are closed?
What should be planned before the walls are closed?
Decide on the cooling approach, insulation and vapor control first. Coordinate racking blocking, electrical work, lighting, drains, ducts, refrigeration lines, the door and any glass before closing the wall cavities. Test and stabilize the finished room before loading wine.
Where does the vapor barrier go?
Where does the vapor barrier go?
With batt or rigid insulation, our guide calls for a continuous vapor barrier on the warm side of the cellar enclosure. Seams, corners, transitions and penetrations need careful sealing. Approved closed-cell foam can provide air and vapor control at the specified thickness. Follow the cooling manufacturer’s requirements and your project’s construction specifications.
Can I choose a cooling unit from the room’s cubic footage alone?
Can I choose a cooling unit from the room’s cubic footage alone?
Room volume is only a starting point. Glass area, insulation, surrounding temperatures, sun exposure, air leakage, door use and internal heat all affect the cooling load. Use our building guide and cooling calculator for preliminary planning, then confirm the final selection with a specialist.
What is the difference between through-wall, split and ducted cooling?
What is the difference between through-wall, split and ducted cooling?
Through-wall systems need a suitable adjoining space for heat discharge. Split systems move the condenser away from the cellar and require appropriate professional refrigeration installation. Ducted systems can keep equipment out of sight but require planned duct routes and service access. The best choice depends on the room, noise goals, exhaust conditions and available space.
What flooring and lighting work well in a wine cellar?
What flooring and lighting work well in a wine cellar?
Choose moisture-tolerant flooring such as tile, stone or sealed concrete; properly finished wood may also work when approved for the environment. Avoid carpet. Low-heat LED lighting helps limit the cooling load, and any fixture penetration must preserve the enclosure’s air seal.
Glass enclosures & doors
03 / COMMON QUESTIONS
Can an existing room become a glass wine cellar?
Can an existing room become a glass wine cellar?
Often, yes. We can start with photos, rough dimensions or plans to evaluate the enclosure, glass, insulation, cooling and racking requirements. Explore glass-enclosed wine cellar design.
Does a glass wine cellar need different cooling calculations?
Does a glass wine cellar need different cooling calculations?
Yes. Glass generally allows more heat gain than a conventionally insulated wall. Total glass area, surrounding temperatures, sun exposure, construction and the target cellar conditions all affect equipment sizing. We evaluate the complete heat load rather than room volume alone.
What type of glass should I use for a wine cellar?
What type of glass should I use for a wine cellar?
Frameless, framed and insulated-glass systems can all suit particular projects. The specification depends on the appearance, glass area, surrounding conditions and performance goals. Door seals, frames and perimeter detailing are also important. Have the enclosure and cooling requirements reviewed together before ordering.
Why does the cellar door need a good seal?
Why does the cellar door need a good seal?
A cooled cellar needs an insulated, airtight enclosure. An appropriate exterior-grade door, continuous weatherstripping, a tight threshold and well-sealed glass help limit warm-air leakage and condensation risk. Include the door and glass in the cooling calculation. Review the enclosure requirements.
Can I order a custom wine cellar door?
Can I order a custom wine cellar door?
Yes. Options include made-to-order sizes, double doors, custom stain matching, hand-carved details and decorative ironwork. The collection includes solid, glass, speakeasy and wrought-iron styles. Review the opening dimensions and specifications with our team before ordering. Explore wine cellar doors.
Wine racking & finishes
04 / COMMON QUESTIONS
What is the Professional Series?
What is the Professional Series?
Professional Series is our flexible modular wood wine-rack system. Mix and match components such as individual bottle racks, display rows, bins, tasting stations, corner racks, trim and shelving to suit your room. The collection offers 6-, 7- and 8-foot height options. Explore Professional Series kits.
Which woods and stain colors are available?
Which woods and stain colors are available?
The current Professional Series collection offers Pine, Alder, Redwood and Mahogany, with ten displayed stain and finish colors. Availability varies by product, wood and finish selection. Custom cellars and doors may have additional options. Review the current wood and finish choices before ordering.
Can I see wood and finish samples before ordering?
Can I see wood and finish samples before ordering?
Yes. A physical sample helps you evaluate the wood and finish in your own lighting. You can request a wood sample kit. Natural grain and color variation are part of wood’s character, so a sample represents the finish rather than every detail of the final piece.
Do you offer a furniture-grade lacquer finish?
Do you offer a furniture-grade lacquer finish?
Yes. We offer furniture-grade wood finishes, and the current wine cellar door collection identifies lacquered-finish products. Finish options depend on the specific item and project. Review the product selections or ask our team to confirm the finish before ordering. View the wine cellar door collection.
Can the design include magnums, cases and larger bottles?
Can the design include magnums, cases and larger bottles?
Yes. Plan for the bottle formats you actually collect. Professional Series includes magnum and split racks, bins, shelving and double-deep options, while custom designs can include specialty storage. Confirm the bottle sizes and component dimensions before ordering. Browse modular storage components.
What assembly is required, and can racking ship pre-assembled?
What assembly is required, and can racking ship pre-assembled?
Assembly depends on the product. Modular kits are designed for assembly, while custom and pre-assembled racking options are also available for appropriate projects. Confirm the assembly method, tools, delivery access and installation responsibilities before purchase. Fully assembled components still need placement and installation in the room. See examples of custom cellar features.
Ordering & delivery
05 / COMMON QUESTIONS
How long will it take to manufacture and deliver my order?
How long will it take to manufacture and deliver my order?
Lead times depend on the product, finish, customization, manufacturer and destination. Processing or production time is separate from transit time, and required selections and design approvals must be complete before an estimate begins. Check your product page, quotation and order confirmation. Tell us about firm project deadlines before ordering. Read our shipping policy.
How will my order ship?
How will my order ship?
Depending on the product, your order may arrive by parcel carrier, freight carrier or direct manufacturer shipment. Large racks, doors, refrigerators and cooling equipment may need scheduled freight service. Items in the same order may ship separately.
Do you ship internationally?
Do you ship internationally?
International availability depends on the product, manufacturer and destination. Contact us before ordering so we can confirm eligibility and provide a shipping quote. Import, customs and other destination charges may apply. Some manufacturer-direct products have shipping restrictions. Review destinations and shipping terms.
Does freight delivery include bringing the order inside or installing it?
Does freight delivery include bringing the order inside or installing it?
Standard freight service is normally curbside. Unpacking, assembly, installation, inside placement and removal of packaging are not included unless specifically listed in writing. Arrange liftgate or other special services before shipment and tell us about stairs, gates or access restrictions.
What should I do if a delivery arrives damaged or incorrect?
What should I do if a delivery arrives damaged or incorrect?
Inspect the shipment promptly and record visible freight damage before signing the delivery receipt. Photograph the product, shipping label and packaging, keep all packing materials, and contact us with your order number. Do not install, alter, discard or return the item until our team provides instructions. See the delivery inspection steps.
Returns, warranties & support
06 / COMMON QUESTIONS
Can I return a product?
Can I return a product?
Most unused, unassembled, uninstalled and unmodified products may be requested for return within 30 days after delivery, subject to eligibility and approval. Original packaging and all components are required. Custom, stained, specially finished and other made-to-order items are generally excluded. Contact us before sending anything back. Read the full return policy.
Can I change or cancel a custom order?
Can I change or cancel a custom order?
Contact us within three business days after placing a custom order if you need a change or cancellation. After that period, production may already be underway and the order may be non-cancelable or subject to a charge of up to 25%. Custom and made-to-order products are generally non-returnable once production begins. Review the custom-order terms.
Do your products have a warranty?
Do your products have a warranty?
Coverage depends on the brand, product and purchase date. WineCellars.com Professional Series, Retail Display Series and Float Series racking have limited lifetime coverage for the original purchaser; WineCellars.com cellar doors have five-year limited coverage. Other brands follow their own written warranties. Review current warranty information for coverage, conditions and exclusions.
How do I request warranty help?
How do I request warranty help?
Contact us with your order number or proof of purchase, product brand and model, serial number when applicable, and clear photos or video of the issue. Keep installation records and any required cooling-system startup checklists. Wait for instructions before returning a product or authorizing repairs. See how to begin a warranty claim.
How can I contact your team?
How can I contact your team?
Call or text 800-659-WINE (9463) or email support@winecellars.com. Phone hours are Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm Mountain Time. Our business address is 190 Cutler Dr., Suite D, North Salt Lake, UT 84054. You can also use the question form below.
Still have a question?
Tell us what you’re planning, or include your order number if you need help with a purchase.
Talk with our team
Call or text
800-659-WINE (9463)
Hours & business address
Monday–Friday
9am–5pm Mountain Time
WineCellars.com
190 Cutler Dr., Suite D
North Salt Lake, UT 84054
Planning your next cellar?
Discuss your ideas with a designer in a free, no-obligation strategy session.
