As wine becomes an increasingly celebrated part of lifestyle and interior design, more homeowners and businesses are investing in wine rooms—purpose-built spaces dedicated to storing, showcasing, and sometimes even tasting fine wine. Whether you’re building one at home or planning a winery feature, this article answers the most common questions about wine rooms, their design, size, and purpose.
What Are Wine Rooms Called?
Wine rooms go by several names, depending on their function and design. Some of the most common terms include:
- Wine Room – A general term for any dedicated wine storage space.
- Wine Cellar – Traditionally underground or climate-controlled storage areas.
- Wine Lounge – A more relaxed space that combines storage with seating and tasting.
- Wine Tasting Room – A space dedicated to sampling and serving wine, often found in wineries.
No matter the name, these rooms are designed to provide the right conditions for preserving wine and enjoying it in style.
How to Create a Wine Room?
Creating a wine room involves a balance of practicality and aesthetics. Here’s a basic step-by-step approach:
- Choose the location – Ideally away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
- Plan for insulation – Proper insulation and vapour barriers are essential for temperature control.
- Install climate control – Include a wine cooling unit or HVAC system to maintain temperature and humidity.
- Design racking/storage – Use custom wine racks or shelving that suits your bottle sizes and layout.
- Add lighting – Use LED lighting to avoid UV exposure and create ambience.
- Furnish (optional) – Include seating or a tasting area if space permits.
A professional wine room designer can help ensure your setup meets both preservation and design needs.
How Big Is a Wine Room?
There’s no strict rule, but wine rooms vary in size depending on your collection and space. Typical guidelines include:
- Small wine rooms: 1–2 square metres (store up to 150 bottles)
- Medium wine rooms: 3–5 square metres (store 250–500 bottles)
- Large wine rooms: 6+ square metres (can store 1,000+ bottles)
Always factor in growth—collections tend to expand!
What Is a Wine Tasting Room?
A wine tasting room is a space specifically designed for sampling wine. It’s most commonly found in wineries and vineyards but can also be integrated into private wine rooms at home. These rooms usually feature:
- A bar or tasting counter
- Seating areas for guests
- Displays of featured bottles
- Controlled lighting and ambient decor
- Glassware and storage cabinets
The goal is to create a sensory experience that complements the wine itself.
How to Design a Winery?
Designing a winery involves much more than just aesthetics—it includes production flow, visitor experience, and branding. Key design considerations include:
- Wine production area – Efficient layout for fermentation, ageing, and bottling.
- Storage facilities – Including cellars or barrel rooms.
- Tasting rooms – Welcoming spaces for wine education and events.
- Retail/shop area – For selling bottles, accessories, and merchandise.
- Outdoor landscaping – To reflect the vineyard’s character and terroir.
Working with architects and wine production consultants is essential for a functional and regulatory-compliant facility.
How Do You Cool a Wine Room?
A wine room must maintain a consistent temperature of 12–14°C and humidity between 50–70%. Cooling options include:
- Self-contained cooling units – Easy to install and ideal for smaller spaces.
- Split systems – Quiet and efficient, with the compressor located outside the room.
- Ducted systems – Best for larger or commercial-grade wine rooms with precise control.
Temperature control helps slow the ageing process and prevents spoilage.
How to Make a Wine Room?
To make a wine room, follow these key construction steps:
- Frame and insulate the space.
- Install a vapour barrier to protect from moisture.
- Add climate control equipment.
- Finish interior walls—wood, stone, or tile are popular choices.
- Install racking and shelving tailored to your collection.
- Add lighting, flooring, and optional tasting furniture.
You can customise everything from layout and materials to the display style of the bottles.
How Much Space Does Wine Need?
Each standard wine bottle (750ml) requires about 100–120mm of width and 300mm of depth in storage. If you’re planning for:
- 100 bottles: roughly 1m² floor space
- 250 bottles: around 2–3m²
- 500+ bottles: at least 4–6m²
Consider vertical space, under-stair storage, or modular racking to maximise capacity in small areas.
How to Design a Wine Tasting Room?
Design a wine tasting room with both atmosphere and functionality in mind:
- Lighting: Use warm, indirect lighting to set a relaxed tone.
- Furniture: Include a central table or bar with stools or lounge seating.
- Decor: Incorporate natural materials, wine-related artwork, or a view of your collection.
- Storage: Include shelving for glasses, decanters, and feature bottles.
Tasting rooms should be both comfortable and informative—encouraging exploration without overwhelming the senses.
What Do You Call a Wine Room?
In addition to wine room, other names include:
- Wine cellar – especially when below ground or cooled.
- Wine wall – if it’s a visual display integrated into a living space.
- Wine closet – for small, enclosed areas.
- Vinotheque – a more formal or European term.
No matter what you call it, the purpose remains the same: to store and enjoy wine under optimal conditions.
Wine rooms are no longer just about storage—they’re an extension of personal style, hospitality, and a deep appreciation for wine. Whether you’re designing a cosy under-stair cellar or a grand tasting space, the right design brings out the best in every bottle and every moment shared around it.
Artisan Cellars specialises in building bespoke wine rooms across the UK, combining elegant design with expert installation to create spaces that are as functional as they are visually stunning.
