Building a subterranean wine cellar/root cellar

[Brian_Tuite]

Brian, I am thoroughly enjoying this thread. Don’t be surprised if the top of your racks become shelving. I ended up with wood cases, boxes, magnums, etc. on mine when everything else got full.

Luckily no wood boxes here although they could easily sit on the floor if I had any. I only have a handful of magnums so I’ll have a row for them in my racking. I appreciate the input.

I have no doubt you’ve thought all this through, but about space for light fixtures and such on the ceiling (and above your head)? (Says the guy with ceilings that are about 7’4", but underneath joists that allowed recessed lighting).

My ceiling joists will be below the ceiling rather than above because the cavity above will be filled with closed cell spray foam insulation.
While I have yet to pick lighting fixtures this has been something I am prepared for.

[ChrisJames]

Brian,

I’ve loved reading this thread, but it only addresses the wine cellar aspect. How does the root cellar element fit in? This is a question dear to my heart as I have dozens of pounds each of potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and beets to work through every year before they rot or start sprouting. A cool garage only works for so long. However, I am not sure if I would want to put unwashed root vegetables in the same space as pristine wine bottles.

[Brian_Tuite]

Brian,

I’ve loved reading this thread, but it only addresses the wine cellar aspect. How does the root cellar element fit in? This is a question dear to my heart as I have dozens of pounds each of potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and beets to work through every year before they rot or start sprouting. A cool garage only works for so long. However, I am not sure if I would want to put unwashed root vegetables in the same space as pristine wine bottles.

Why not? Is the dirt going to jump off the potatoes wander across the cellar floor, jump up on the wine bottles and then wriggle its way under the capsule and past the cork?
but I don’t think so.

[JohnP]

nominating this for thread of the year

+1

I’m very much looking forward to seeing finished. Keep up the good work

[ChrisJames]

Brian,

I’ve loved reading this thread, but it only addresses the wine cellar aspect. How does the root cellar element fit in? This is a question dear to my heart as I have dozens of pounds each of potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and beets to work through every year before they rot or start sprouting. A cool garage only works for so long. However, I am not sure if I would want to put unwashed root vegetables in the same space as pristine wine bottles.

Why not? Is the dirt going to jump off the potatoes wander across the cellar floor, jump up on the wine bottles and then wriggle its way under the capsule and past the cork?
but I don’t think so.

I was thinking more of potential mold growth on the labels. So you are planning one side for wine racks and the other for root bins?

[Brian_Tuite]

Brian,

I’ve loved reading this thread, but it only addresses the wine cellar aspect. How does the root cellar element fit in? This is a question dear to my heart as I have dozens of pounds each of potatoes, carrots, parsnips, and beets to work through every year before they rot or start sprouting. A cool garage only works for so long. However, I am not sure if I would want to put unwashed root vegetables in the same space as pristine wine bottles.

Why not? Is the dirt going to jump off the potatoes wander across the cellar floor, jump up on the wine bottles and then wriggle its way under the capsule and past the cork?
but I don’t think so.

I was thinking more of potential mold growth on the labels. So you are planning one side for wine racks and the other for root bins?

Do you think some root vegetables are going to change the humidity level in the cellar that much? We are talking 770 ft.³ of air space.

[Tom_G_l_a_s_g_o_w]

The cheese cellar thread tangentially addressed this Cheese Grotto - Epicurean Exploits - Food and Recipes - WineBerserkers

[Ed_Steinway]

Brian, your cellar really looks great! Fantastic and impressive work all around.



Ed

[Brian_Tuite]

The cheese cellar thread tangentially addressed this Cheese Grotto - Epicurean Exploits - Food and Recipes - WineBerserkers

Kind of, but that was in regards to the cheese aging properly not if it affects the wine bottles.

[Brian_Tuite]

Brian, your cellar really looks great! Fantastic and impressive work all around.



Ed

Remember, you were among the first there to spit in the drain!

[Brian_Tuite]

So you are planning one side for wine racks and the other for root bins?

Sorry, I missed that question. I’m thinking a horseshoe shaped wine cellar and root veggie bins close to the door in both corners.

[Ed_Steinway]

Brian Tuite wrote:
Remember, you were among the first there to spit in the drain! >

It was an honor!

[Brian_Tuite]

Brian Tuite wrote:
Remember, you were among the first there to spit in the drain! >

It was an honor!

[AndrewH]

Why not? Is the dirt going to jump off the potatoes wander across the cellar floor, jump up on the wine bottles and then wriggle its way under the capsule and past the cork?
but I don’t think so.

I was thinking more of potential mold growth on the labels. So you are planning one side for wine racks and the other for root bins?

Do you think some root vegetables are going to change the humidity level in the cellar that much? We are talking 770 ft.³ of air space.

Given how dry california is I suspect it would help raise humidity to a good level not tip it past 80%+. If it spreads mold it’s more likely because the vegetables harbor mold spores when brought into the cellar.

[T_Altmayer]

Just seeing this thread, sorry for you loss Brian.

[Richard_Foxall]

I think you’ll have room on top of the racks for single layer OWCs if you need/want them. I have a similar set up. I don’t want 12 bottle boxes up there, too heavy. And while it might be a little cramped for the Bol family, there will be room for lighting as long as you don’t want pendants or chandeliers. Ignore the critics!

If you do want OWCs, I have extras and a ready supply.

Brian lives in an area that gets more rain than some parts of California, but moisture isn’t going to be the problem that it would be elsewhere. The bigger problem for the corks is keeping humidity high enough.

Finally, you can also cure duck prosciutto in there! Duck Prosciutto Recipe - NYT Cooking

[Brian_Tuite]

Miguel had the day off today so he finished up his work.

[alan_weinberg]

Miguel is a stud.

[dsimmons]

The bigger problem for the corks is keeping humidity high enough.

Based on my 25 years with a very dry passive cellar, low humidity has never caused a problem.

[Brian_Tuite]

No more Miguel. I’m on my own but things are moving smoother than before he came. I watched him
work and took copious notes.

Today I cut and tied a bunch of rebar, laid more block alongside the stairs and set some more stair treads. The walls are now to grade. The latter required a trip to Home Depot to buy 65 16x8x2 caps. The pallet was on the second shelf and was taken apart like a freaking Jenga. I could not remove a single piece without something from above toppling down. Typical HD. Borrowed a cement mixer from my neighbor. Tomorrow I mix and pour concrete.