convert a closet???

[godzilabob]

Hi everyone...thanks again for all the advice beforehand.
I am wondering if it is feasible to convert a medium sized closet (5'x7') to a wine cellar...
I live somewhat near Napa, so it does get warm in the summer...It is a new home so it's fairly well insulated, but don't know what the temp might escalate to...
Winter without heating is about 55 degrees...
temp/humidity control necessary? how to do it???
anyone? beuller?
thanks!!!

[TheEngineer]

I know very little about cellaring and I'm sure others will advise but I use to live in a condo where I did not have a basement. I also used a closet to store my wines.....for a while.

Summers can get pretty warm around Boston and when the air conditioning failed (several times a year), the unit would get VERY warm.

So I bought a small wine fridge and fit it into a small corner of the den. It was much safer.

[hotwine]

Suggest you look for a book entitled "How and Why to Build a Wine Cellar" by Richard M. Gold, PhD, available from Sandhill Publishing, PO Box 9614, North Amherst MA 01059. He goes into great detail about construction, insulation, etc.

A 5X7 closet is large enough to hold a good-sized stash, maybe 1000 btls with appropriate racking. Even with store-bought wire racks from Sam's Club, which are roughly 3'W X 5"H and hold 168 btls each, you could fit five racks, and therefore 840 btls (70 cases). A small wine chiller from Breezeair or similar vendor would be enough to hold your goodies at the right temp. Very doable. But do read Gold's book to see how to properly insulate the space.

[wineguruchgo]

I belong to a handyman board as well. I'm sure my guys will have a solution for you.

The website is: Handymanwire.com. On the main page click the link that says "Ask the Expert Forums" then click on Handyman and post your question.

You will have to register to ask the question but it's fast and simple. Also, if you go to the HVAC forum the guy Harold is a jerk so put your armor on!

Many of these guys are contractors, licensed electricians, plumbers and we even have a civil engineer! You will get quality directions from them.

Good luck!