In a Wine Room
05/01/2008
Paul Wyatt: Wyatt was trained as an atomic physicist, but he’s been making wine cellars since 1980, when he created a curved wall and rack for the owner of a professional football team. His cellars are as technologically advanced as they are beautiful. His scalable, modular rack systems are patented marvels crafted out of Australian Jarrah wood and connected with flush joinery. Prices vary. 888.654.4055, www.paulwyatt.comVintage Cellars: With more than 30 years in the business, and owned by ardent collector and former wine purveyor Gene Walder, Vintage Cellars knows wine. And that, says Walder, is the key to designing functional cellars that not only accommodate evolving wine collections, but showcase quality design and exotic woods such as all-heart redwood, black walnut and mahogany. Starting at $20,000. 760.735.9946, www.vintagecellars.com
Rodney Friedrich: As a Napa Valley resident, Friedrich knows the importance of maintaining—and showing off—those cult Cab bottles. He designs cellars that double as entertainment centers, with temperature-controlled storage sections—some with glass cabinetry—that allow you to hang out in relative warmth while the wine chills. Redwood, walnut, marble and stone can be seen throughout his creations. 707.963.7600, www.friedrichcompany.com
Bacchus Caves: These are not cellars, they are caves, and even though they have a primitive look (rock floors, rustic plaster), they are both advanced and luxurious. Since 1997, David Provost has been excavating these underground storage systems—some as deep as 40 feet—complete with their own wine tasting stations, bottle storage and refrigerators, both for keeping wine and keeping company. $150 to $425 per square foot. 707.251.1402, www.bacchuscaves.com