Hidden away in Epping, lies a captivating wine cellar awaiting its owner; a discerning wine collector and connoisseur of Australian fine wine.
Drawing inspiration from captivating wineries both near and far, this previously “subterranean” space has undergone a mesmerising transformation into a lavish wine cellar. With its enchanting ambience and delightful design, it entices and indulges the senses, immersing you in a world of wine-filled charm.
“In the heart of this home lies a secret sanctuary; a wine cellar oasis designed to evoke the spirit of their beloved wineries. Here, the clink of glasses, the velvety textures, and the luscious flavours of their carefully curated collection converge, transporting you to the very essence of wine and design culture,” says interior designer Darren Genner of Studio Minosa.
Clients Tony and Toni add: “What they delivered is priceless. I’ve had a dream most of my life that one day I would own an incredible wine cellar. The wine cellar is now complete and is beyond my wildest dreams.”
The client’s design goals for the wine cellar project were threefold. Firstly, they aimed to establish a dedicated home for their expanding wine collection. This means providing a functional, temperature-controlled environment that ensures the preservation and aging of their wines. Secondly, they desired a space where their wine can be not only stored but also enjoyed. This called for the inclusion of a comfortable seating area, perhaps with a small bar or tasting table, to facilitate wine appreciation and social gatherings within the cellar. Lastly, aesthetics play a pivotal role in the project. The client’s aspiration was to craft a visually stunning space.
“They sought a wine cellar that doubled as a work of art, combining architectural finesse with innovative design elements to create a showpiece that enhances the overall ambiance of their home,” Darren says. “This confluence of form and function resulted in a wine cellar that is both utilitarian and exceptionally attractive.”
In crafting the cellar, the award-winning team from Studio Minosa, focused on ensuring the wine itself took centre stage. “Our design philosophy revolved around the idea that the storage of wine should remain unobtrusive, allowing the collection to shine as the true hero of the space. We wanted the clients’ treasured bottles to be not just stored, but prominently featured, creating a visual spectacle that showcased their passion for wine.”
To achieve this, they meticulously selected materials, colours, and design elements that accentuated the wines. The cellar’s architecture and aesthetics were carefully crafted to complement, not compete with, the beauty of the bottles. The lighting was strategically placed to create an inviting ambiance that highlighted the labels, the unique shapes of the bottles, and the rich colours of the wines.
“In this design, the wine collection became a living work of art; an ever-evolving gallery that commanded attention and admiration. Every aspect of the cellar, from the layout to the choice of materials, was thoughtfully orchestrated to make the wine the undeniable star of the show, ensuring that every visit to the cellar was an immersive experience that celebrated the clients’ extraordinary collection.”
But it’s not just about aesthetics. The cellar’s functionality has been carefully considered, ensuring that the wines are preserved at their best while offering room for growth. The integration of a Subzero Wine Column effortlessly combines form and function, showcasing the collection while maintaining precise temperature control.
“Overall, this wine cellar is an ode to the art of wine appreciation,” says Darren. “It’s a space that encourages exploration and growth, both in the collection and the experience it provides. Users are enveloped in an environment that marries beauty with utility, and each visit is a journey into the world of wine, a celebration of design, and an immersive experience that stands as a true testament to the fusion of form and function.”
Being introduced to the bottles was an overwhelming experience for the team. There were many boxes and cartons, including an aged oak barrel, all around the room. The check measure itself was a hazard. The bottle count was in the thousands with more stored elsewhere.
“The room itself felt subterranean even though it was just down a hall from the garage. No windows and a small doorway made it feel boxy and cavernous. It had stable, even temperature, perfect for housing the collection. I decided to play on this feeling and create a space reminiscent of my experience in a winery in northern Italy.”
