10 mistakes to avoid when buying a wine cellar

10 mistakes to avoid when buying a wine cellar

Buying a wine cellar is an excellent decision for preserving your bottles in the best possible conditions. But with so many different models to choose from, it's easy to make the wrong choice. Here are the 10 most common mistakes to avoid before you buy.

1. Failing to define your needs (aging, service or multi-purpose cellar)

Not all wine cellars are created equal, and above all, they don't serve the same purpose:

• Ageing cellar: for storing wine for several years.

• Service cellar: to bring wine up to tasting temperature.

• Multi-purpose cellar: combines both functions.

Tip: First identify your usage profile to choose the right model.

2. Choosing too limited a capacity

A classic: buy a cellar for 30 bottles... and fill it within a few weeks. It's better to plan for a capacity greater than your immediate needs, especially if your collection is destined to grow.

3. Ignore the location of installation

The environment in which the cellar will be installed is crucial:

• Is it designed for a heated or unheated room?

• Can it be built-in or free-standing?

• What is its climatic class (operating ambient temperature range)?

4. Neglecting ventilation (especially for free-standing wine cellars)

A wine cellar needs air to function properly. If you choose a free-standing model, you'll need to leave 10 cm of space around the appliance (including at the back and top) to avoid overheating.

5. Framing or enclosing a freestanding wine cellar

It's a common mistake to install a freestanding wine cellar in an unventilated niche or cabinet. Only built-in wine cellars are designed for this type of installation.

6. Choosing a dual-zone model without understanding the constraints

Dual-zone wine cellars allow you to set two distinct temperatures, but require a difference of at least 4°C between the two zones to operate correctly. You need to be aware of this at the time of purchase to adapt your serving habits.

7. Forget the size of the bottles you're storing

Some racks are optimized for classic Bordeaux bottles. If you store Champagnes, Burgundies or special formats, check that the cellar accepts these sizes without forcing or reducing capacity.

8. Neglecting the importance of noise level

If you plan to install your cellar in a living area (living room, open kitchen), check the decibel level. A silent cellar is generally below 40 dB.

9. Focus on design alone

Aesthetics are important, but a wine cellar is first and foremost a storage appliance. Make sure the features (door type, charcoal filter, racks, locking, LED lighting) meet your needs before choosing on looks alone.

10. Don't anticipate maintenance and connected options

• Check whether the cellar has a charcoal filter (to be changed every year).

• Connectivity via an application like Vinotag® can be a real plus for tracking your stock, managing vintages or receiving alerts.

Conclusion

Choosing the right wine cellar means thinking not only about its use and location, but also about the evolution of your collection. By avoiding these mistakes, you can be sure of a lasting purchase, adapted to your daily life and your bottles. La Sommelière offers a wide range of wine cellars designed for all needs, from the curious amateur to the demanding collector.