Traditionally Redwood has always been used in constructing wine cellars since it handles moisture very well. There are others though that have worked as well: Cherry, Mahogany, Oak, and even Maple. Some people prefer to leave the wood unfinished, but you can stain or lacquer them as well. The only wood to steer clear of is Cedar because of the scent. It is believed that the smell of Cedar will affect the wine over time.
To know me is to know that I love wine. As an interior designer I am also drawn to the aesthetics of the wine culture. One of the best things about visiting different wineries is seeing how different each one of them are. On any given day you can find yourself popping into various tasting rooms where you are whisked away to an old western saloon, perhaps an old world Italian villa, and then finish the day off at an industrial chic warehouse.
One of the most exciting interior elements to a winery though would have to be the wine caves. The historic value that they bring to each of these venues can not be overlooked. Whenever I go into a wine cave I am awestruck by the construction and materials that are used. The beauty in the materials alone makes me take a step back and marvel. How can one not ask themselves and wonder about who laid the brick, molded the arches, and set out just those few candles that really bring it to life? When speaking about preservation this is an area that I am very thoughtful about. It is a key component to the culture of wine, a culture that stands alone and cannot be forgotten when speaking about preservation and the beauty of interior design.
Just take a look at some wonderful examples below and I dare you not to grab your closest cabernet, camembert cheese, and some crackers after your done!
Wonder how some wine caves are being built these days? Take a look!