Terroir Tasting Cellar
What began as an unused lower-level kitchenette has been meticulously reimagined into a sophisticated wine haven that is equal parts refined utility and timeless charm. The homeowners envisioned a space where their collection could be both protected and celebrated: storage for up to 350 bottles, a variety of display options, temperature and humidity control, and the warm, traditional feel of a European winery. The result is a private wine retreat that blends form and function with atmosphere and enduring craftsmanship.
To preserve the quality of the wine while elevating the ambiance, this lower-level walkout space was thoughtfully divided into two zones: a temperature-controlled wine room and an adjoining tasting room designed for gathering, conversation, and celebration. A smaller window replaced the existing double, preserving natural light in the tasting area while allowing the wine room to remain properly cooled. Engineering challenges including in-floor hydronic heat and extensive overhead ductwork were overcome with careful planning. A raised, insulated floor was constructed to buffer flooring heat from below while layered lighting solutions were brought in through wall sconces, integrated puck lights, and perimeter ribbon lighting for a glow that is warm, ambient, and fully dimmable to suit any mood.
Inside the wine room, a variety of storage solutions showcase the homeowners’ collection with elegance and efficiency. Custom alder cabinetry with open shelving, cradled racks, and an eye-catching X-shaped center offer classic warmth and style, while state-of-the-art, label-forward racks maximize capacity and visibility. An uncorking station with angled shelves serves as a home for treasured bottles. Bridging the wine and tasting rooms is a quartz countertop with a natural rock-face edge, split by a bespoke cork display window. This insulated double-glass feature is designed to turn everyday indulgences into an evolving piece of art where corks can accumulate (or also be removed). Thoughtful textures and rich finishes complete the space, from old-world inspired tile to a metal-framed glass door that secures the collection as it invites a glimpse inside. This is not just wine storage. It’s a destination, a story, and an experience built to be savored.
