Home Wine Cellar Cigar Humidor Integration Dual-Purpose Space

(Many of the links in this article redirect to a specific reviewed product. Your purchase of these products through affiliate links helps to generate commission for Storables.com, at no extra cost. Learn more)

Creating a home wine cellar with a built-in cigar humidor is a sophisticated and luxurious addition to any residence. This dual-purpose space not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home but also provides a unique environment for both wine and cigar enthusiasts. In this article, we will delve into the design considerations, functional requirements, and practical tips for integrating a wine cellar with a cigar humidor.

The Inspiration Behind a Dual-Purpose Wine Cellar

The idea of combining a wine cellar with a cigar humidor often stems from the diverse interests of homeowners. For instance, a couple might have one partner who is passionate about wine and another who enjoys cigars. This shared interest can lead to the creation of a storage room that harmoniously houses both hobbies.

Contemporary Small Wine Cellar with Cigar Humidor

In a small wine cellar project in Russian Hill, San Francisco, the couple aimed to create a modern and elegant space that reflected the style of their adjacent dining room. The wine cellar featured a glass storage unit designed to showcase their diverse interests harmoniously. The humidor, made of cedar wood, was a standout feature. Cedar wood maintains humidity, prevents mold formation, and deters cigar-loving insects like cigar beetles, which can ruin cigar collections by gnawing on them.

Design Considerations for a Dual-Purpose Space

When designing a wine cellar with a cigar humidor, several factors must be considered to ensure that both elements coexist seamlessly.

Temperature and Humidity Control

Cigars and wines have different temperature and humidity requirements. Cigars should be stored at around 70°F (21°C) with humidity levels between 65% to 72%. Wines typically require a cooler environment, usually between 45°F (7°C) and 55°F (13°C), with humidity levels around 50% to 70%. To meet these diverse needs, it is crucial to install a cooling system that can maintain these specific conditions. For example, split system cooling units can be used for noise reduction and optimal cooling power.

Humidification Systems

A self-filling humidifier is an innovative solution for maintaining the optimal humidity levels in the cigar humidor. Unlike traditional humidifiers that require regular refilling, self-filling systems recirculate water, ensuring continuous humidity without the need for manual intervention. This feature is particularly beneficial as it prevents the cigars from drying out and losing their flavor.

Lighting and Display

The lighting in a wine cellar with a cigar humidor plays a significant role in creating an ambiance that enhances the display of both wines and cigars. Custom LED lighting can be installed within the wall interiors to beautifully illuminate the wines. For example, using acrylic back panels with adjustable and dimmable lighting creates a sophisticated environment that complements the metallic wine racking system. Additionally, triple-deep stainless steel wine pegs mounted on white back panels with reveal rows make it easier to display and read wine labels.

Customization and Personalization

One of the key aspects of creating a dual-purpose wine cellar is customization. The design should reflect the homeowners' personal style and preferences. For instance, in a project in Newport Beach, California, the team at Coastal Custom Wine Cellars designed a modern and minimal wine cellar with a built-in cigar humidor. The cigars were stored in a transparent cabinet with polished framed glass, and a customized humidifier from US Cellar System was installed to naturally regulate the flow of air in the cigar cabinet.

Practical Tips for Integrating a Wine Cellar with a Cigar Humidor

1. Choose the Right Materials

   • Cedar Wood: Cedar wood is highly recommended for cigar humidors due to its ability to maintain humidity and prevent mold formation. It also deters cigar-loving insects like cigar beetles.
   • Glass and Acrylic: Glass and acrylic panels can be used to display both wines and cigars, providing a clear view of the collections while maintaining the desired humidity levels.

2. Optimize Humidity Control

   • Self-Filling Humidifiers: These systems ensure continuous humidity without the need for regular refilling, making them ideal for maintaining the optimal humidity levels required for cigars.
   • Electronic Humidifiers: These provide greater control and versatility but may require an external power source, which can be a drawback.

3. Enhance Interior Design

   • LED Lighting: Custom LED lighting can be installed within the wall interiors to beautifully illuminate the wines and cigars, creating a sophisticated ambiance.
   • Metallic Racking Systems: Chrome-built and polished stainless steel pegs can be used to display wines, giving a modern and elegant feel to the cellar.

4. Consider Noise Reduction

   • Split System Cooling Units: These units are designed to reduce noise while providing optimal cooling power, ensuring that the environment remains conducive for both wine and cigar storage.

5. Add Personal Touches

   • Customized Humidifiers: Installing a customized humidifier that doesn’t need regular maintenance ensures that the cigars remain in perfect condition. For example, using a system that taps cold water into the humidification system ensures continuous operation without manual intervention.
   • Display Trays: Adding display trays can help keep cigars organized and easily accessible, especially if you plan on storing single cigars alongside full boxes.

6. DIY Options

   • Converting a Wine Cooler into a Humidor: Wine coolers can be converted into humidors by adding a humidification device. This is a cost-effective way to create a DIY humidor that can be tailored to your specific needs.
   • Building a Homemade Humidor: You can build a homemade wood humidor using thick walls, top, and bottom with tightly fitting joints to ensure humidity retention. Adding interior lining of Spanish cedar or acceptable substitutes like mahogany or okume enhances the aroma of your cigars.

Case Study: Modern Wine Cellar with Cigar Humidor

In a contemporary home in Newport Beach, California, Coastal Custom Wine Cellars designed a wine cellar with a built-in cigar humidor. The project involved creating a modern and minimal wine cellar design that catered to the clients' diverse interests. The team installed a cigar humidor specifically designed for the space, ensuring that the cigars were stored and displayed in a way that complemented the wine storage.

Modern and Minimal Wine Cellar Design

The design of the wine cellar included a transparent cabinet made of polished framed glass to display the cigar collection. A customized humidifier from US Cellar System was installed at the bottom of the cabinet, which naturally regulated the flow of air in the cigar cabinet. This system ensured that the cigars remained in perfect condition by maintaining the optimal temperature and humidity levels.

Innovative Custom LED Lighting

The lighting system in this wine cellar was one of its unique features. The team used custom LED lighting installed within the wall interiors to beautifully illuminate the wines. The Lutron system was used for dynamic lighting, creating the perfect environment for indoor spaces. The acrylic white back panel with ambient lighting complemented well with the metallic wine racking system, giving the wine cellar a very contemporary and elegant feel.

Conclusion

Creating a home wine cellar with a built-in cigar humidor is a sophisticated way to integrate two diverse hobbies into one space. By considering design elements such as temperature and humidity control, lighting, and customization, you can create an environment that not only showcases your collections but also enhances their quality. Whether you opt for a custom-built solution or a DIY project, the key is to ensure that both elements coexist harmoniously, providing a luxurious and functional space for wine and cigar enthusiasts alike.

In summary, integrating a wine cellar with a cigar humidor requires careful planning and attention to detail. By following these practical tips and design considerations, you can create a dual-purpose space that reflects your personal style while providing the perfect environment for both your wine and cigar collections.