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About Us
Every Bottle Tells a Story — And So Does the Cellar That Holds It
The whole Custom Wine Cellars Seattle team are working closely with their clients to shape a stunning modern wine cellar that blends architectural elegance with personal taste.
It often starts with a single bottle. A celebratory wine shared with friends, a rare find discovered on a European trip, or perhaps an heirloom wine passed down through generations. Before you know it, a simple hobby transforms into a full-blown passion — and with it comes the need for a space worthy of your collection.
That’s where Custom Wine Cellars Seattle steps in. Nestled in the heart of the Pacific Northwest region of the United States, where wine culture thrives and innovation meets artistry, this established wine cellar design firm has quietly earned a reputation among Seattle’s most discerning homeowners and business owners alike.
Behind each project is a designer whose vision goes far beyond racking and refrigeration. With an eye for architectural detail and a deep understanding of what true wine preservation demands, he approaches each cellar as both an engineering challenge and an aesthetic opportunity.
Every curve, material, and lighting element is chosen with care, ensuring that each cellar not only protects the wine but also elevates the entire space.
As we peel back the curtain on Custom Wine Cellars Seattle, you’ll meet the creative mind behind these remarkable spaces and discover how his team turns simple rooms into extraordinary showcases.
Whether you’re dreaming of a glass-enclosed cellar with a modern edge, a hidden wine vault steeped in old-world charm, or a commercial display that draws patrons in — this is where that journey begins.
Meet Peter Stewart – The Heart Behind Custom Wine Cellars Seattle
Peter Stewart didn’t grow up dreaming about building wine cellars — but life has a funny way of revealing your calling. At 35, Peter leads the team at Custom Wine Cellars Seattle, where he’s known not just for his design skills, but for how easy he makes the entire process feel.
Originally from the Midwest, Peter studied architecture at the Illinois Institute of Technology. He moved to California to build homes, but it didn’t take long for him to discover a very specific passion — turning ordinary rooms into beautiful, functional spaces for wine.
Whether it’s a cozy basement in a family home or a statement wine wall in a high-end restaurant, Peter approaches each project with a mix of creativity, practicality, and calm confidence.
What makes him different? He listens. Really listens. Peter knows that building a wine cellar is a big investment, and it’s normal to feel unsure about where to start.
His goal is to take that fear and uncertainty off your shoulders. Sometimes that means walking you through examples, showing you other cellars in person, or simply helping you decide what’s truly important — and what’s just “nice to have.”
Peter Stewart, Lead Designer at Custom Wine Cellars Seattle — the creative mind and steady hand behind the city’s most beautifully crafted residential and commercial wine cellars.
Peter’s teammates love working with him too. He’s clear with instructions, open to ideas, hands-on with the crew, and not afraid to say, “I don’t know — let’s figure it out.” That honesty builds trust, and that trust shows in the final result.
His favorite bottle? Usually something affordable, best shared with friends on a beach after a sunny day. For Peter, it’s never been about showing off — it’s about creating spaces that feel personal, thoughtful, and built to last.
If you’re dreaming of a wine cellar but don’t know where to begin, Peter’s the kind of person you want leading the way.
Building Custom Wine Cellars with Precision, Patience, and Purpose
Peter Stewart doesn’t just build wine cellars — he builds trust, confidence, and lasting value into every project he takes on.
As the team lead at Custom Wine Cellars Seattle, Peter is known throughout the region not just for the beauty of his work but for the way he approaches every detail with care, intention, and professional pride.
His work ethic is rare but straightforward: show up prepared, listen closely, plan thoroughly, and follow through — every single time. Peter takes the time to understand each client’s unique goals, lifestyle, and collection before any design begins.
He’s not the kind of builder who rushes to get things done — he’s the one who slows it down just enough to make sure it’s done right.
In an industry where quality can make or break a collection, Peter is laser-focused on precision. He understands that a wine cellar isn’t just about looking impressive; it must function flawlessly.
That means correct insulation, balanced humidity, quiet but powerful cooling, and lighting that both protects and highlights your bottles. Every technical element matters, and Peter doesn’t cut corners.
He also brings a rare balance of leadership and humility to the job. He’s deeply involved in every stage of a project, from the first sketches to the final inspection. He’s right there in the field with the crew, solving problems on the spot, guiding younger builders, and collaborating closely with interior designers and architects.
And if there’s ever something outside his expertise, he’s honest about it and brings in the right specialists to ensure the client gets the best result.
Clients feel comfortable with Peter because he’s clear, communicative, and always focused on their priorities, not pushing upgrades they don’t need. One of the things he’s known for is helping clients figure out what’s essential and what’s optional, so they can build smart, stay within budget, and still get a cellar they’re proud of.
Client Testimonial: Turning Visions into a Real Home Showpiece”
“I never thought I’d be the type of person to say the words ‘my wine cellar’ out loud — but here we are. What started as a casual collection of bottles stashed in a kitchen cabinet turned into me googling ‘wine cellar cooling units’ at 2 a.m. That’s when I found Custom Wine Cellars Seattle, and honestly, they saved me from a very expensive (and poorly stored) hobby.
Peter and the team didn’t just design a pretty wine room — they engineered the whole thing with precision. The lighting was a big one for me. I wanted something dramatic, but not the kind of heat-generating spotlight that would slowly roast my Barolos. They installed these gorgeous LED back panels that make the bottles glow without harming the wine. I get compliments on it constantly.
Cooling? That was another hurdle. My condo doesn’t have much extra space, but they found a compact, ducted cooling system that fit perfectly into the ceiling and keeps everything at a stable 55°F without me hearing it hum like a fridge. It’s completely out of sight — like cellar magic.
For racking, I wanted something modern, not traditional wood, but not cold and industrial either. They custom-designed these metal wine pegs that feel high-end but still approachable. It shows off the labels (a must), and even makes my under-$30 bottles look museum-worthy.
Oh, and the door? Frameless glass, sealed tight to protect the climate, but still gives you that ‘wow’ factor when you walk into the room. It honestly turned a forgotten nook of my living space into the centerpiece of the whole condo.
If you’re thinking about building a wine cellar, don’t try to DIY it. Talk to Peter and his competent team of wine cellar designers.
A Conversation with Kara (Client) & Peter Stewart (Builder)
If you think designing a custom wine cellar is all swirling wine glasses and rich mahogany, think again. It’s also learning the difference between passive vs. active cooling, panicking over wood tones, and realizing you have stronger opinions about door handles than you ever thought possible.
We sat down with Kara, a young professional and first-time wine collector in Seattle, and Peter Stewart, lead builder at Custom Wine Cellars Seattle, to chat about how her residential cellar came together — and how they ended up in a 45-minute debate about whether LED lighting was “warm enough” to match her countertops.
Kara:
“When I first met Peter, I literally told him, ‘Look, I’m not a sommelier, I just want a wine space that doesn’t scream “Pinterest fail.”’ And I could tell immediately, he got it.”
Peter:
“She said, ‘I want modern but not cold, warm but not Tuscan.’ I said, ‘You want West Coast sleek, not Napa extra.’ And we were off to the races.”
Kara:
“Right! And then I showed him this random saved photo of a celebrity’s wine wall, and he just calmly said, ‘Okay, let’s reverse-engineer that — but without the Hollywood budget.’ That was when I knew I was in good hands.”
Peter:
“The tricky part was her space. It was a nook just off the kitchen — not huge, but visible from the whole main floor. So it had to look incredible, but also function like a real cellar.”
Kara:
“And I told him, ‘Please don’t give me one of those giant steel doors with handles that look like medieval weapons.’”
Peter:
“She was very clear about that. No castle vibes. We went with frameless glass, matte black hardware, and wood racking in a warm walnut stain. Backlit LED panel. Subtle. Chic. No dragons.”
Kara:
“But then came the cooling unit. I thought, ‘How complicated can it be to keep wine cold?’ And suddenly I’m in a conversation about venting, BTUs, and ductless vs. split systems.”
Peter:
“To be fair, she nailed it by the end. We went with a ducted split system hidden in the ceiling. Whisper quiet. Doesn’t mess with her open concept vibe.”
Kara:
“And let’s not forget the Great Handle Debate.”
Peter:
“Oh yes. That one nearly ended us.”
Kara:
“It was me, Peter, and Allen the designer. I wanted matte black, Allen suggested brushed brass ‘for warmth.’ Peter stayed silent for 20 minutes, then casually said, ‘Matte black’s gonna hold up better in this climate.’”
Peter:
“I just wanted to get the thing installed before the hardware style changed again.”
Kara:
“Honestly? Every decision felt big at the time. But they made it fun. It was like HGTV but with more sarcasm and less fake drama.”
Turn Your Wine Cellar Dreams into Real Journey with the CWC Seattle Team!
Peter Stewart (center) with his esteemed team of wine cellar experts — longtime friends turned trusted collaborators — behind some of Seattle’s most iconic custom wine cellar installations
Whether you’re a seasoned collector, a casual wine lover, or someone who just wants a stylish way to store a few bottles (and flex a little at dinner parties), the full Custom Wine Cellars Seattle team brings a client-first approach to every project. Here’s what you can count on:
- A true collaboration, not a sales pitch – You won’t be talked into things you don’t need. We’ll help you figure out what matters to you and build around that.
- Clear, honest communication – No tech jargon or vague timelines. You’ll always know what’s happening and why.
- Creative design that fits your space – Whether you want modern glass walls, rustic charm, or something totally different, our design team will bring it to life.
- Hands-on, detail-obsessed craftsmanship – Peter’s crew is known for clean work, sharp lines, and finishing touches that make a cellar feel like part of your home.
- Cooling and storage solutions that actually make sense – Peter will make sure your cellar performs as beautifully as it looks, with a cooling system that won’t keep you up at night.
- Site visits, mood boards, and mockups when needed – Because sometimes you need to see it before you believe it.
- Realistic budgeting and guidance – We help you balance your wine dreams with the real world. No pressure, just practical advice.
Whether you’re creating a cozy under-stair retreat or a showstopping commercial display,
the expert team at Custom Wine Cellars Seattle is ready to bring your vision to life.
Call us today at +1 (206) 792-9912 or click here to start your free custom design consultation.
At the End of the Day, It’s More Than Just Wine Storage — It’s a Statement.