A drop of luxury in Canberra: Wine storage goes glam

Wine lovers in high-end properties are nurturing their favourite tipples with customised storage solutions – and are prepared to spend big to get it right.

A casual search of social platforms like Pinterest shows that wine storage, once merely a practical feature, has now become a highly visual interior design element.

Charles Crowther of Addval Developments says wine storage and display has come a long way since the days of the solitary wooden rack.

“It’s a growing trend where people – particularly apartment buyers – are looking for lifestyle inclusions beyond a pool or gym that many developments offer,” he says.

“They’re looking for those inclusions or amenities that better reflect their needs. It might be a communal theatre or a reading room. A wine storage option is certainly becoming an appreciated extra.”

Crowther says the option particularly appeals to downsizers and empty-nesters looking to customise their lives and the spaces they live in.

Sonja McAuliffe of Archertec Interiors says she has also seen wine storage and display evolve into an interior design feature.

“There’s a strong visual element as to how wines can be displayed,” she says. “Collectors serious about their wines want to showcase them, and the market has responded with creative display options and wine storage appliances.”

Archer says she has seen well-heeled buyers invest as much in customised wine storage and display solutions as they would in a high-end kitchen.

“Some have created tasting rooms that would rival those offered at the better wineries,” she adds. 

• Temperature: Wine is sensitive to heat. Try to find a position where it can be stored at a year-round temperature of between 12 and 14 degrees.
• Movement: Minimise the movement of wines you intend to store for several years to avoid stirring up sediment. Keep stored wine away from sources of vibration like washing machines, dryers or dishwashers.
• Light: Wines prefer to stay out of the light and favour a dark or constantly shaded environment. If you haven’t a cellar, employ a cupboard or space under the stairs.

Check out our top pick of homes on the market for wine lovers:

Forrest

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Lockdown luxury might well be the theme for this three-bedroom, architect-designed Forrest apartment, with stunning views toward Parliament House.

It delivers 180 square metres of indoor and outdoor living and fulfils a wish list of luxury extras, including a large capacity wine fridge and private access to a temperature-controlled wine locker.

That may well be enough incentive to wait out any lockdown.

The interior of the apartment – which sits within the Empire Building of the Estate development – confirms its luxury provenance with European oak engineered-timber floors that flow throughout the living areas.

The style is strictly minimalist but inviting, with the central kitchen featuring stone benchtops and Italian marble splashbacks. There’s a veritable showcase of Gaggenau appliances including dual pyrolytic ovens and a warming drawer. 

Wine lovers will appreciate that Vintec 40-bottle wine fridge – great for chilling the whites. The reds will likely be more at home in that temperature-controlled, private-access wine locker within the development.

The apartment’s covered balcony with its Spotted Gum timber soffits is a great spot to enjoy a glass or two of those great wines – and those views.

Two of the bedrooms feature walk-in wardrobes and designer en suites. The indulgent main bedroom includes plenty of robe space and an en suite with a free-standing bath.

All bathrooms showcase Villeroy and Boch tap and ceramic ware, complemented by floor-to-ceiling porcelain tiles and herringbone mosaic splashbacks.

There’s a generous double lock-up garage with extra storage in the basement.

Price guide: $1.789 million

Private sale

Agent: Addval Developments, Charles Crowther 0408 868 511

Or try these:

Kingston

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Price guide: $1.6 million +

Auction: 11am, October 9

Agent: Luton Properties Manuka, Miriana Cavic 0409 366 266

O’Malley

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Auction: 2pm, October 16

Agent: Blackshaw Manuka, Mario Sanfrancesco 0412 488 027

Red Hill

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Price guide: $2.8 million +

Auction: 2pm, October 7

Agent: Luton Properties Manuka, Sophie Luton 0410 750 413