Where should you set up your wine cellar?
The EuroCave Switzerland Guide
Building a wine cooler into the kitchen, showcasing a bottle in the center of the living room, making use of the space under the stairs, or fully converting a basement… Every location tells a story and has its own technical requirements. Before choosing a model, it’s best to ask yourself the right question: where will your wine be stored? Since 1976, EuroCave has been designing wine cellars tailored to fit every room in the home. This guide will help you identify the best solution for your project in Switzerland.
Why does location determine the choice of wine cellar?
A wine cellar is not just a piece of furniture: it is a controlled environment designed to replicate the conditions of a natural cellar. Five essential factors determine proper storage:
- A stable temperature, ideally around 12 °C, for aging.
- A relative humidity of 50–80% to preserve the cork.
- Continuous ventilation, which prevents odors and ensures uniform air distribution.
- The absence of vibrations, which are harmful to the wine’s development.
- Darkness or neutral lighting, without UV rays or heat.
Depending on the room, these conditions are more or less easy to maintain. A kitchen experiences temperature fluctuations due to cooking. A living room prioritizes aesthetics and quiet. A basement raises issues of ventilation and humidity. A garage is subject to sudden temperature changes. For every challenge, there’s a technical solution: a utility cellar, an aging cellar, a multi-temperature cellar, an Inoa cellar air conditioner, or a custom-designed system.
The Six Most Popular Locations
Select a location to explore our detailed tips and recommended models.
In the kitchen
As the quintessential living space, the kitchen is the natural place for a built-in wine cooler—whether under-counter or freestanding—integrated into the cabinetry like a true high-end appliance.
In the living room
The wine cooler is becoming a piece of furniture in its own right. Design, quiet operation, and craftsmanship are just as important as technical performance.
In the dining room
Within easy reach of guests, the multi-temperature wine dispenser allows you to serve white, rosé, and red wines at the perfect temperature, without having to make trips back and forth to the wine cellar.
Under a staircase
An unconventional space, often underutilized, that is transformed into an exceptional wine cellar thanks to a custom design: insulation, climate control, glazing, and storage.
In the basement
The most natural place to store wine for the long term. A wine cellar, an Inoa climate control system, or a custom setup tailored to your project.
In the garage
A practical and high-capacity solution, provided that temperature fluctuations, vibrations, and odors are kept under control.
A standard wine cellar or a custom-designed one?
For common living areas—such as the kitchen, living room, and dining room— a freestanding or built-in EuroCave wine cooler meets most needs, with standardized dimensions and quick setup.
For spaces waiting to be put to use—such as under the stairs, the basement, the garage, or an unusual nook—custom basement remodeling unlocks the full potential of a limited space by incorporating air conditioning, insulation, storage solutions, and personalized finishes. It’s the choice of collectors and those undertaking ambitious renovation projects.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best room to set up a wine cellar?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer: it all depends on your goal. For a wine cellar used for everyday service, the kitchen or dining room is ideal. For aging a collection, the basement remains the most natural location. To enhance the look of your entertaining space, the living room is an excellent choice. And to make the most of a limited space, the area under the stairs or the garage offers the possibility of a custom-designed layout with ample storage capacity.
Can you install a wine cooler in any room of the house?
Yes, provided the environment is suitable. Avoid rooms that are consistently very hot (uninsulated attics, sunrooms), locations near a heat source (radiators, ovens in the immediate vicinity), and rooms subject to strong vibrations. For unusual locations, a basement air conditioner or a custom solution can address most of these issues.
What is the difference between a wine storage cellar and an aging cellar?
The aging cellar maintains a consistent temperature of around 12 °C, ideal for allowing wine to mature over several years. The serving wine cooler features several temperature zones to bring each bottle to its ideal serving temperature (8 °C for white wine, 12 °C for rosé, and 16 to 18 °C for red wine). Three-zone wine coolers combine both functions in a single unit.
Should you opt for a custom-built wine cellar or a standard model?
For standard living spaces (kitchen, living room, dining room), a standard EuroCave wine cooler perfectly meets your needs, with standard dimensions and quick setup. For non-standard spaces (under the stairs, basement, garage), a custom design is recommended: it optimizes capacity, incorporates climate control, and offers a finish that complements your interior.
At what room temperature can a wine cooler operate?
Each wine cooler is assigned a climate class that specifies its operating range. Most EuroCave models operate at ambient temperatures between 10 and 32 °C. For locations exposed to wider temperature ranges (such as garages or outbuildings), specific SN-T class models can tolerate temperatures up to 43 °C. Our advisors always verify this information when you’re making your selection.
Need personalized advice?
Our consultants are here to help you with all your projects:
—whether you’re choosing a wine cellar, planning the layout, integrating it into your space, or looking for a custom solution.
