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Traditional Wine Cellars: A Must See Home Showpiece in Laurelhurst, Seattle
This residential wine cellar showcases classic wood craftsmanship which hallmarks of traditional wine cellar design in Seattle.
Traditional wine cellars are still in high demand in refined homes across the US, offering homeowners a way to protect prized collections while elevating the character of their living spaces. This featured residence proves that when classic design meets modern engineering, the result is both timeless and deeply personal.
This project, built by our team at Custom Wine Cellars Seattle in Laurelhurst, Seattle, stood out from the beginning, not just because of the scale of the collection, but also because the homeowner genuinely understood what it takes to build a wine cellar the right way.
He had been storing different variations of wines off-site for years. The goal was simple: bring everything home and create a space that felt permanent, intentional, and worthy of the collection.
At Custom Wine Cellars Seattle and the help of Wine Cellar Specialists, we take the time to build wine cellars that feel natural in your home, beautiful to look at, and built to protect what matters.
Take a closer look at this project by reading this page!
Why Traditional Wine Cellars Still Work So Well in Seattle Homes
We’ve seen wine cellar styles evolve over the years, but traditional design continues to hold its ground, especially in residential settings. There’s something about the warmth of wood, the structure of classic racking, and the calm atmosphere that just works.
For this home, a traditional wine cellar made sense both visually and functionally. The space needed to feel inviting, comfortable, and easy to enjoy, whether the homeowner was hosting friends or just spending time with his collection.
The Original Vision for this Residential Traditional Wine Cellar and How It Evolved
Wine Cellar Designed by Experts
At the start, we proposed a layout built primarily for capacity. The homeowner had a large and growing collection, so the initial design focused on approximately 1,700 standard 750ml-bottle compartments. Our first material recommendation was unfinished Alderwood, a solid choice for traditional wine rooms.
As the design process progressed, however, the homeowner became more involved in shaping the space. He had a clear vision of how he wanted the cellar to look and feel, and together we refined the design to add more character and variation.
That’s when this stunning custom wine cellar project really came to life.
Custom Wood Racking with Purpose and Personality
The final racking system of these traditional wine cellars became a mix of different storage styles, all crafted from Sapele Mahogany. The change in material alone added richness and depth, but it was the variety in configuration that made the room feel dynamic.
We incorporated:
- Crate bins for bulk storage
- Diamond bins for visual interest
- Display rows for featured bottles
- A two-door cabinet for accessories
- A centered alcove designed to showcase a larger-than-magnum bottle
A centered display alcove creates symmetry and highlights statement bottles in this traditional wine cellar design
That alcove became a key design feature. Positioned at the center of the racking, it created natural symmetry and also served as a decanting area. It even gave the homeowner a place to display artwork, adding a personal touch to the space.
We partnered with IronWine Cellars to fabricate the custom racking. The lower sections were built double-deep for higher capacity, while the upper racks remained single-deep. To match the warmth of the home’s existing woodwork, we added Sapele Mahogany backing behind the shelves for added depth and consistency.
Transforming an Unused Space into a Proper Custom Wine Cellar
One of the biggest challenges was the space itself. The cellar is located above the home’s main entry, an area that was originally an open attic used only for storage. It had potential, but it wasn’t ready for wine storage in its original state.
Our wine cellar experts built new walls and used spray foam insulation throughout. The floor was raised about six inches to allow for structural reinforcement, and engineered wood flooring was installed. To balance insulation with visibility, we added floor-to-ceiling insulated glass for both the entry door and viewing panels.
The homeowner has a bar and pool table nearby, so the glass entry allows guests to see the cellar immediately. It creates a strong first impression without sacrificing performance.
Keeping the Environment Stable for the Traditional Wine Cellars
Proper insulation sets the foundation, but cooling is what keeps a wine cellar working long-term. For this project, we installed a self-contained cooling unit from Wine Guardian, known for reliability and consistency.
The unit is positioned above the cellar for easy access and maintenance. It performed exactly as expected from day one—no adjustment period, no temperature issues. That’s not always the case with cooling systems, so it’s worth noting.
With this setup, the homeowner’s red wines, Cabernets, and Cordus bottles are stored in a stable, controlled environment designed for aging.
Wine Cellar Lighting That Completes the Atmosphere
Lighting was the final layer, and we kept it intentional. We used LED can lights in the ceiling and alcove areas, along with ribbon lighting that runs through the display rows. LEDs are ideal for wine cellars since they produce minimal heat.
A centered display alcove creates symmetry and highlights statement bottles in this traditional wine cellar design
A chandelier at the center of the ceiling adds a subtle decorative element. While it leans slightly contemporary, it blends well with the traditional materials and helps soften the space overall.
How We Created these Timely Traditional Wine Cellars for Seattle Owners
From design through completion, the project took about six months—one month for design, another for material ordering, and roughly three months for construction. Given the cellar’s size and the number of design changes along the way, the timeline was surprisingly efficient.
We ended up with a wine cellar that feels timeless, functional, and personal. It houses a comprehensive collection, supports proper aging, and enhances how the homeowner uses and enjoys their space.
That’s what traditional wine cellars in Laurelhurst, Seattle, should do: quietly elevate the home while standing the test of time.
Let Our Custom Wine Cellars Seattle Team Build Your Traditional Wine Cellars!
If you’re planning a residential wine cellar and want it done properly, from layout and materials to cooling and lighting, working with experienced professionals makes all the difference.
Turn your vision into reality with Custom Wine Cellars Seattle and Wine Cellar Specialists! Our skilled team designs and builds custom wine cellars that blend elegance, functionality, and lasting craftsmanship, perfectly showcasing your collection.