How much does it cost to build a wine cellar?

Reviewed by Adam Graham remodeling expert. Written by Fixr.com.

While most wine is purchased and consumed within a short time, some wines are meant to age. These wines grow in complexity over time and require a specific setting. Controlling for light, humidity, and vibration are crucial to the wine aging process. For anyone who wants to begin seriously collecting and storing wine, a wine cellar is a must.

While you can use a wine wall, wine rack, or wine fridge for short-term wine storage, a wine cellar is meant for serious collectors and long-term use. They can be built in many styles and sizes, depending on your needs and space. These variations mean that there is a big difference in costs. The national average range to build a wine cellar is between $15,000 and $60,000. Most people pay around $33,750 for a 75 sq.ft. basement wine cellar with climate control, finished floors and walls, and an insulated door. This project’s low cost is $7,500 for a 25 sq.ft. wine closet retrofitted from a butler’s pantry, while the high cost is $180,000 for a 300 sq.ft. basement wine cellar with an adjacent bar and tasting room.

Wine Cellar Prices

Average Cost to Build a Wine Cellar

The average cost to build a wine cellar is between $300 and $600 a square foot. This variation comes from the work levels that go into the project. For example, you can convert an existing, finished closet into a small wine cellar. You can also take a section of an unfinished basement and convert it into a fully finished and climate-controlled cellar.

Wine cellars need to be placed in areas with no sunlight. They should ideally be the coolest area of your home and the most humid. The further you get from these attributes, the higher your costs per square foot become. For example, a basement is naturally cool and humid. It also costs much less to add climate controls in the basement than a second-floor closet.

A breakdown of costs for the average wine cellar provides an idea of where the costs go:

Wine Cellar Costs by Type

Wine cellars can be loosely grouped into two categories - passive and active. Passive systems use natural climate control to keep the wine in a cool, humid area. Active systems require you to control the climate with outside help.

Costs for the two systems fall into roughly the same range. This is because building a passive system is more labor-intensive, requiring it to be deep underground. An active system may be less labor-intensive and can be placed anywhere but has higher costs for the added climate control. This tends to make the two areas balance out in cost.

The lowest cost systems are hybrid - installing an active system in an already cool and humid area, such as a basement. Build costs are lower than passive systems in this case, but the climate control systems do not need to be as large.

Passive Wine Cellar

Passive wine cellars are typically installed underground. The walls are usually made of earth, so the area stays naturally cool. This wine cellar needs to be located in a climate where the area can stay cool and humid while also below the frost line. This can limit locations. Construction costs can be higher than in active systems because you need to excavate, reinforce, and determine an entrance below ground. However, once they are up and running, they have virtually no maintenance costs. Even if the power goes out, the cellar stays cool so that you do not need to worry about the room heating up.

Active Wine Cellar

An active wine cellar can be installed anywhere inside your home. It can be a dedicated addition, added to a closet or butler’s pantry, or most commonly installed in a basement. Costs are typically determined by how finished the area is and its location. Basements need smaller cooling units but often need more work to finish. A second-floor room might have the insulation needs, but you may have windows to eliminate and larger cooling systems to install. Active wine cellars are the most common type installed in the U.S., allowing the most customization and freedom of placement. However, they require constant climate monitoring for proper results.

Wine Cellar Cost by Location

Technically, you can put your wine cellar anywhere that you can keep cool and shielded from the sun and vibration. The best spaces are basements and underground areas, but you can convert other areas into a wine cellar if desired. They may need more work, however. Below are the average costs to build wine cellars in various areas, based on the average size of each location:

Wooden Wall Wine Rack

Wooden wall wine racks cost between $500 and $3,000 on average. While not technically a wine cellar, a wall wine rack can be a good solution if you only keep wine for parties and entertaining. These can be installed anywhere and are best for red wines, which do not require refrigeration. They can be permanently installed and custom-built onto the wall, or you can purchase a prefabricated model. They can take up a small portion of a wall or cover the entire wall. This is a good solution for those who want to start collecting wine but do not want to create a dedicated wine cellar.

Under Stairs Wine Cellar

The cost to build a wine cellar under a set of stairs ranges from $5,000 to $20,000. The space under stairs varies in size. Some spaces can bump into the room beside the stairs, while others may be just big enough to install some racks. Depending on where the stairs are and how elaborate you want the setup to be, they can have a wide range of costs. Cooling and storage are your main concerns for this area. Unless you plan on putting in a glass door so that the wine is on display, you do not necessarily need to completely finish the area, provided it has enough insulation.

Crawl Space Wine Cellar

The cost of a crawl space wine cellar averages $10,000 to $40,000. Not every crawl space is suitable for this. You need an “oversized” crawl space, meaning that it is at least partially below ground and large enough to stand in. Many crawl spaces are not this large, and enlarging them increases your overall costs. While the crawl space does not have windows, you need to fully insulate the walls, ceiling, and floor. You also need to add refrigeration to the area and your storage.

Custom Wine Cabinet

The cost of building a custom wine cabinet in a closet is between $15,000 and $60,000 on average. If the closet has windows, these need to be eliminated. Closets are usually warm, so you need a refrigeration system that can handle being surrounded by your home’s heated areas. It must be fully insulated and finished with the storage systems. This can get expensive, depending on how large you need it to be. Costs per square foot for this project tend to be higher, with costs starting closer to $500 to $600 a square foot. Insulation needs are more important in this wine cellar than those that can be at least partially underground.

Underground Wine Cellar

Underground wine cellars range from $30,000 to $200,000. These can be basement and underground cellars with dedicated entrances. Underground cellars have considerations. Basements have walls and a floor, which all must be insulated and finished. They also often have space for a wine cellar and a bar, tasting room, and other amenities. True underground wine cellars may require a separate entrance, which may stem from a basement, home, or outside. There are many considerations that can go into this cellar, in addition to size and style, which influences the cost.

Underground Wine Cellar Cost by Type of Design

Underground wine cellars come in several types. They can be a simple vault for your wine to a full basement conversion that includes a bar, tasting rooms, and wine storage. While costs per square foot do not vary greatly, your project’s size and additions can affect the costs. Below are some of the most popular types of underground wine cellars and their average costs:

Basement Wine Cellar

Basement wine cellars average $30,000 to $200,000, depending on how much of the basement is used. The more of your basement you convert into a wine cellar, the higher the total costs. For many people, the basement offers many opportunities. For example, you can put the wine storage in one area and have a tasting area adjacent. Or, you may want to put a wine bar adjacent to the storage area, with a recreational area nearby. The more of your basement you want to convert, the higher your total costs.

Trap Door Wine Cellar

Trap door wine cellars cost $30,000 to $200,000 on average to create. This is a good cellar if you do not have much space but want security. In essence, this is an underground wine cellar that gives you access from within your home. The trap door is usually covered in the same material as your floor to help hide it. When lifted, it usually shows a set of steps leading down to the cellar. It can give you easy access from your kitchen or first floor. It is also very secure, particularly if the seams are hidden, meaning that you are the only one who knows its location.

Spiral Wine Cellar

Spiral wine cellars cost between $30,000 and $200,000 to create on average. If you want easy access to your wine from your kitchen or another first-floor space, this is a good design to consider. You can use this style even if you do not have a basement. A spiral wine cellar cuts a hole in the floor and extends straight down into the ground. It usually features a spiral staircase in the center and some movable cover on the floor. Some covers may be made of plastic that allows you to see through into the storage below, while others blend in with your flooring. They can be made in numerous sizes and depths.

Tuscany Wine Cellar

The cost of a Tuscan wine cellar averages $40,000 to $200,000. Tuscan-style wine cellars have become popular with the recent focus of HGTV programs. They invoke the feeling of being in a Tuscan winery. They often have vaulted ceilings, stone floors, and cask storage. They can also have adjacent tasting areas or bars. They need a fairly large storage space and are often in basements.

Home Wine Tasting Room

The cost of a home wine tasting room in a wine cellar is between $50,000 and $200,000. Essentially, you are setting up a separate area outside of the wine cellar for tasting. This means that you have all the expenses of setting up the cellar and additional costs for the tasting room. The tasting room may be simple with bar tables and chairs, or it can be an extension of the storage room with small storage areas for red wine or short-term wine racks. Usually, the same flooring and wall coverings are used throughout both spaces. Because the wine storage area needs to be climate controlled, the tasting room is usually adjacent, with a door between.

Home Wine Bar

The cost of a home wine bar ranges from $50,000 to $200,000. This is similar in scope and planning to the tasting area but designed to have a more relaxed atmosphere. Often the bar area is part of a larger recreational area and adjacent to the wine storage. It usually includes some wine racks for short-term storage or red wine. It may also have a small wine fridge for wines that must be kept cool so that you can have them on hand for entertaining. Like the wine tasting room, the bar area usually has the same flooring and walls as the storage area for a sense of continuity.

Wine Cellar Framing and Insulation Costs

No matter where your wine cellar is located, it must be well-insulated. This is true of basements, crawl spaces, closets, and other spaces. Wine cellars need to be climate controlled. The best way to reach ideal temperatures and humidity levels - while also keeping your energy bills down - is to fully insulate the area.

When converting an area like a closet or a space under the stairs that has been framed, no additional framing may be necessary. However, basements need to be framed.

In most instances, you need to use a vapor barrier over the studs before installing the insulation. This keeps the humidity levels in check and prevents things like mold. If you opt for closed-cell foam insulation, a vapor barrier is not necessary.

Regardless of which type of insulation you use, it should be added to the walls and ceiling. In some cases, you may also need to insulate the floor. This can be done on basements with a rigid, closed-cell foam board and in other spaces by insulating between the ceiling studs below.

These costs range from $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the insulation type, whether the space needs framing, and the space’s size.

Wine Cellar Walls Cost

After the walls are framed and insulated, they can be finished. It is recommended that greenboard - a type of moisture and mold-resistant drywall - be used rather than drywall. This is due to the higher-than-average humidity levels in the area.

The walls can then be finished in any way. They can be painted and left plain or given a finish with wood, tile, stone, brick, or even glass. Keep in mind that your racks are installed over the walls. You may not see much of the walls, depending on the space’s size and racks.

Below are some of the average costs for materials you may want to add to your wine cellar walls rather than painting:

Wood Walls for a Wine Cellar

Wood for interior walls cost between $1 and $30 a square foot, depending on the type. If you want to create a backdrop that blends with a wooden wine rack, using a slat or panel wood wall can be an option. You can also choose to use reclaimed wood wall paneling for a rustic look. Wood comes in many species, colors, and installation types. Make sure that it is sealed and protected from moisture because the room’s high humidity can cause it to rot if a moisture-resistant wood or wood sealant is not used. For the best results, choose a wood that matches the species of your wine racks or complements the ambiance.

Faux Stone Walls for a Wine Cellar

The average cost of faux stone walls averages $5 to $25 a square foot. Faux stone is a great material for wine cellars. It can be made of many materials, and all are low maintenance. Most are also lightweight and easy to install. They can give your wine cellar the appearance of a Tuscan cellar for less cost or maintenance than real stone. Faux stone comes in many styles and colors, which allows for customization.

Natural Stone Walls for Wine Cellars

Natural stone has an average cost of $5 to $100 a square foot. Natural stone can mean different things, including slate, travertine, limestone, marble, and granite. Most natural stone needs some degree of care, particularly in a high-humidity environment. Some stones do not do well in this environment, such as iron-containing stones like Bianco Carrara, which may rust. Stone should be sealed with an impregnating sealer soon after installation. Stone walls can be complemented by a stone floor for a more cohesive look.

Brick Walls for Wine Cellars

Brick averages $10 to $45 a square foot. There are many ways to create brick walls for your interior. You can use actual bricks and mortar to create the walls. This usually has an air gap in the middle, which helps with insulation, but costs more to build and takes up more space. You can also use brick veneer, sometimes called brick tiles, that are applied to your existing wall. This is less expensive and takes up less space in the room. Both provide a similar appearance and can take on many looks from rustic to industrial.

Glass Wall Wine Cellar

The cost of glass walls is between $25 and $75 a square foot on average. Glass walls look great in a wine cellar, particularly those walls that allow you to see into the room from other areas. Keep in mind that they are not as recommended as other materials. The glass is harder to insulate, so it can be more difficult to keep your wine cellar at the correct temperature. Your energy bills for the space will likely be higher. It is recommended that if you want glass, keep it to one wall to limit these issues.

Wine Cellar Floors Cost

You can use nearly any material for the floor. Wood, stone, laminate, and vinyl can all be used. You may want to insulate below your floor or put a vapor barrier over it if this is a concrete slab. Otherwise, nearly any flooring can be installed to complete the room. The only material you should avoid is carpeting. Due to the high humidity, carpet may eventually grow mold and mildew:

Wine Cellar Refrigeration Cost

Most wine cellars need to be kept cool, but the exact temperature range depends on the wine you store. Red wine does not need to be refrigerated and does best when kept between 60º and 68º Fahrenheit. However, white wine must be chilled to between 45º and 52º Fahrenheit. Depending on where the wine cellar is located, you may choose to refrigerate the entire area or sections while the rest remains at the ambient temperature. There are different methods of adding refrigeration to the area, and each has costs and attributes to consider.

Wine Cellar Cooling Unit Through a Wall

Wall units for cooling cost between $1,000 and $6,000, depending on the space’s size. This is the least expensive and least invasive method of installing refrigeration. However, it is not necessarily the most efficient. You may have less control over the room’s humidity. You also have less control from outside, meaning that you must be in the room to service it. This also works best if your wine cellar is on an outside wall that is easily penetrated. This is not necessarily the case for many underground or basement cellars.

Wine Cellar Refrigeration Split System

Split systems for cooling average $2,500 to $7,000. Your unit’s size depends largely on the size of your space. This is a more flexible cooling system. You do not need direct access to an outdoor wall to use this system. You can install the air handler in the cellar but put the exterior unit elsewhere. This can give you greater control over the use. It can also provide better humidity control over the space.

Ducted Wine Cellar Cooling Units

Ducted wine cellar cooling units cost between $3,000 and $10,000, depending on the duct’s size and length. This is the most efficient system and the best for controlling humidity. However, it is one of the most costly to purchase and install. You have the option of putting the unit anywhere outdoors and running the ducts into the cellar. This can be a good option for basements and other underground areas that do not have direct wall access to the outside. Most wine cellars that need very precise control need this method because it offers the most sensitivity.

Wine Cellar Rack Cost by Type

Your wine racks are going to be one of the most important parts of the room. This is where your wine is organized and stored. While your exact rack will vary in storage, most should store roughly 5 bottles per square foot. You can purchase prefabricated or have them built for the room. In most cases, you want them built to your specifications to maximize your wine storage:

Diamond Wine Rack

Diamond wine racks cost between $1 and $15 per bottle. These are the least expensive racks but also the least versatile. They consist of large boxes in the shape of diamonds. The bottles lay on top of one another with no separation inside each box. This means that you must have all the same type of wine in each section. Mixing bottles makes it too hard to get the bottles out from the center of each section. It also makes it difficult to organize.

Standard Wine Rack

A standard wine rack averages $3 to $50 per bottle. This is one of the most common wine racks. Each bottle has a separate opening. This makes organization much easier. It also means that you may be able to fit in fewer bottles, depending on the material. This can make it harder for small spaces to store wine. However, this is one of the better systems for versatile spaces.

Peg Wine Rack System

The peg wine rack systems range from $3 to $50 per bottle. This is also very easy to organize the system. Like the standard rack, each bottle has its own section. This can make it easier to organize and separate bottles. This system allows for more customization than standard systems. This means that you can mix some magnums into the wall. If you want versatility, this is a good system to use.

Double-Deep Wine Rack

Double-deep wine racks cost around $3 to $50 per bottle. This is a good system if you have a wide room and want to add additional storage in the center. This is not a rack system designed for use on a wall. It is a freestanding rack that allows you to walk around it. Bottles can be placed in their own sections back to back on each row. This essentially doubles the amount of wine you can have, but it also means that placement is more limited.

Corner Wine Rack

The cost of a corner wine rack is between $4 and $55 a bottle. Corner racks are not as space-efficient as other racks. However, if you are trying to fill every inch of your wine cellar, you may need to resort to this. The back fits into the corner, and the sides take some space from each adjoining wall. This space cannot store wine on normal racks. Therefore, this is a very uncommon storage method for most wine cellars, reserved mostly for those with odd angles.

Magnum Wine Rack

The cost of a magnum wine rack averages $5 to $100 per bottle. Magnums are larger bottles of wine. Therefore, the openings in each rack must be larger to accommodate them. It is unusual to have nothing but a wall of magnums. It is more common to include some magnum rows in a custom-built cabinet or rack. This allows you to store different wine bottles together. However, if you collect a lot of magnums, you can have a rack made just for them. This has fewer bottles of wine per foot, however.

Wine Shelves

The cost of wine shelves is between $10 and $100 per bottle. Shelves are more elaborate and take more material than other systems. They can offer slightly more stability but often hold fewer bottles than other racks. Each solid shelf has some partitions for holding the bottles. The bottles may also be placed on slight angles for better display. They are not commonly used in wine cellars because of their size.

Wine Cellar Rack Cost by Material

Most wine cellar racks are built from wood because this is the best material for high-humidity environments. However, you can use racks of other materials as well. Each type of material has a different cost per bottle for the racks.

Wood Wine Rack

Wood wine racks cost between $1 and $100 per bottle. This is the most common material for wine racks. It is incredibly versatile and can be built in any configuration. You can also have wine racks built of any wood, including exotic hardwoods, reclaimed woods, and woods that are better in humidity, such as cedar. Wood wine racks can be simple or extremely elaborate. The more material used in the construction, the higher the costs.

Metal Wine Rack

Metal wine racks average $3 to $25 a bottle. This is a much less common kind of rack for wine cellars. The high humidity levels do not react well with some metals, leading to rust. However, there are some metals like aluminum that hold up well. You can find simple wire racks and more elaborate metal racks. The options for styles are more limited with this rack than with wood.

Glass Wine Rack

Glass wine racks range from $10 to $200 per bottle. This is a very contemporary type of wine rack. It usually uses separate glass shelves for each bottle, but some combine wood and glass in other configurations. Glass racks are very limited in how many styles they can be set up in. They can also be more limited in the number of bottles and the bottle size. However, they are low maintenance and create a striking appearance for some cellars.

Wine Cellar Door Cost by Material

Your wine cellar needs an insulated door that seals shut. Depending on the wine you store, you may also want to ensure that your door is secure to prevent theft. Cellar doors can be built of many of the same materials as doors you use elsewhere. Like other doors, they have a range of costs, styles, and other attributes.

Wooden Wine Cellar Doors

Wooden wine cellar doors cost between $500 and $3,000. Solid wood doors for wine cellars are very common. It is also normal to use doors that are a combination of materials, with wood as the main focus. For example, a wood and glass door or wood and metal door are options. Wood doors can be secure, insulating, and extremely attractive. You can find wood doors in a wide range of styles to complement your wine cellar and the adjacent area.

Steel Wine Cellar Doors

Steel wine cellar doors range from $600 to $4,000. These doors come in two types. They can be painted to look like wood and often have an insulated core or a steel security door. If your collection is very valuable, a steel security door helps protect it. Or if you want something stronger and more insulating than wood, but with a classic appearance, steel can be a good choice. Both types come in several shapes and sizes to fit different cellar openings.

Wine Cellar Glass Door

Glass doors for wine cellars average $1,000 to $5,000. Glass doors are not very commonly used for wine cellars, but they are often used for wine walls, wine closets, and other smaller spaces. Glass is not a very good insulator, so having a glass door can mean higher energy bills when you keep the area properly climate controlled. Glass doors are also not very secure, so they are not recommended for wine cellars that contain expensive collections that need protecting. Glass doors are not available in as many styles and shapes as other doors. However, they come in a wide range of sizes to fit different spaces.

Wrought Iron Wine Cellar Doors

Wrought iron wine cellar doors cost between $2,000 and $6,000 on average. Wrought iron is not used on its own when creating a door. While you can have a wrought iron gate, it would leave the room open and make climate control harder. Therefore, the wrought iron may be layered over wood or contain glass panels. In the latter case, this means that the door may not be as secure. Wrought iron is also fairly heavy, so the frame must support it.

Wine Cellar Door Cost by Type

Wine cellar doors can come in many styles and materials. They can be plain or decorative, have square corners, or have an arch or rounded appearance. Style does not impact the door’s cost nearly as much as the material, but it may have some slight influence.

Modern Wine Cellar Doors

Modern wine cellar doors cost between $500 and $5,000 on average. Modern doors can be made of wood, glass, steel, or a combination. Modern doors are usually sleek and minimal. They range from secure steel doors to mid-century modern wood and include a range of glass doors. Modern doors can work well in a wide range of spaces. Plain doors do not draw as much attention and can fade into the background - a plus if you want to keep your cellar private.

Insulated Wine Cellar Doors

Insulated wine cellar doors average $1,000 to $3,000. Insulated doors are very helpful in keeping your wine cellar more climate controlled. The insulation can be added as a core to steel doors and some wood doors. Sometimes, insulation can be added as a backing, meaning that it is not visible from outside. If you choose to have glass in any part of your door, consider using insulated glass. While it is not as good as wood or insulated steel, it can keep your energy costs down. Ensure that your door seals well to make it as energy-efficient as possible.

Rustic Wine Cellar Doors

Rustic wine cellar doors range from $1,000 to $6,000 on average. Rustic doors can be wood doors that have been distressed, wood doors with wrought iron, or made out of reclaimed wood. Rustic doors work well in many settings. They can complement Tuscan-style wine cellars and those with a focus on natural materials. Rustic doors can also be insulated when desired or made of solid wood. They may also include carvings and other decorative elements.

Arched Wine Cellar Doors

Arched wine cellar doors cost between $1,000 and $6,000 on average. These doors can be found in a range of styles and materials. Wood, wrought iron, steel, and a combination of these materials can all be made into arched doors. You can also use glass panels in an arched door. Arched doors make a great addition to spaces with seating areas attached to the wine cellar. For example, wine tasting rooms are in view of the wine cellar. Having a decorative arched door helps set the tone.

Wine Cellar Lighting Costs

While you do not spend a lot of time residing in the wine cellar, it does need to be well-lit to organize and find your wine. The space should be illuminated enough that you can easily read the labels on the bottles. There is no natural light in a wine cellar, and the materials used there are often dark, which makes good lighting even more important. Like the lighting you install anywhere in your home, wine cellar lighting comes in many styles and installation types. Note that the recommended lighting for this space is LED. However, the method of installation varies depending on your style and needs.

Labor Cost to Build a Wine Cellar

Just like the cost to build per square foot, labor costs for building a wine cellar has an enormous range. This is due to what labor is needed for the project. If you need to excavate for an underground cellar, your starting labor rates are different from converting an existing space. Likewise, the types of material you install will have different labor rates.

Expect labor to account for at least half the costs, including design, excavation, build-out, and finishing. Labor has a cost range of between $150 and $300 a square foot on average.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Humidifier Installation

Wine cellars need to be kept fairly humid, which is why they are so often recommended to be placed in basements. If the room you install it in is not humid enough, add a humidifier. These come in all types, from small units you fill daily to units you can hook up to a water supply. Expect costs between $50 and $500 on average for adding one to the room.

Thermostat Installation

To help maintain the correct temperature, you have choices for the space. You can install a thermostat for around $200 or opt for digital climate controls. These can also help modify the humidity in wired-in humidifiers. They have costs starting at $300.

Removing/Covering Windows

When converting a space into a wine cellar with windows, you need to have them covered over or removed. This is not a difficult job, but it means matching your exterior siding. Expect costs of at least $1,000 per window for the job.

Security Lock

Some wine cellars contain extremely rare and valuable collections. If this is the case, you may want to secure the door with a security system or lock. Heavy-duty deadbolt locks start at around $300, while security systems can be installed for costs starting at around $800.

Additional Considerations and Costs

• Vibrations may cause your wine to spoil by preventing the sediment from separating from the liquid. For this reason, ensure that the room is well insulated against sound, movement, and heat.
• Wine cellars do not necessarily increase the resale value. It depends largely on the home and the area where it is located. Some very high-end homes may get an increase in value from a wine cellar, but most homes do not.
• While you can find a company specializing in wine cellar building, you may get a better price by hiring individual people directly to install the various components.
• Wine stored for more than a year must be kept away from strong, direct light sources. This is why wine cellars typically have no windows.
• When stocking your wine room, consider that a good wine room has a range of vintages and prices.
• If you get a wine cabinet or cooler, keep the bottles away from the door. Otherwise, they may rattle or vibrate when the door opens.
• Once opened, a bottle of wine lasts about 5 days. A wine vacuum pump can be used to suck the air out, increasing this time.