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How to Build a January Cellar Plan to Start the Year Strong
For wine lovers looking to take their collection to the next level, building an at-home cellar is a great place to start. Establishing a dedicated space for your wine collection offers an ever-evolving way to dive deeper into the world of wine, as well as creates a time capsule of your personal journey. However, a few foundational steps are required to ensure that your at-home cellar is built for long-term success—and our experts are letting you in on everything you need to know. Follow the five sommelier-approved steps below to start your home cellaring off on a high note (and don’t be afraid to contact our concierge directly for further tips and recommendations!)
Establish the Right Conditions
When building out your wine cellar, ensuring that your space has proper storage conditions is key. Lindsay Koblitz, Sommelier at Sommsation, states that consistent temperature and moderate humidity are imperative. “The ideal home wine cellar is less about grandeur and more about stable, protective conditions that allow wine to age gracefully,” she says, citing a steady 53–57°F with minimal fluctuation as the sweet spot. Additionally, Koblitz explains that heat accelerates aging and temperature swings stress the wine, so consistency matters more than hitting an exact number.
Beyond temperature and humidity, Hugo Arias Sanchez, Lead Sommelier and Brand Ambassador at Sommsation, notes that finding the right spot in your home is critical. “An ideal cellar space requires zero direct sunlight, as light is the enemy of aging wine,” he says. Similarly, Arias Sanchez cites humidity as an equally important factor; should your cellar area be dry, he suggests placing a container with water somewhere in the space to keep humidity in check. Koblitz agrees, stating that moderate humidity keeps corks supple without creating storage issues. “Humidity should stay around 55–70%. Too dry and corks can shrink, risking oxidation; too humid and labels mold or peel,” she says.
Build the Foundations
In terms of wines, Koblitz notes that beginning with a few foundational choices is a great place to start. She highlights Bordeaux for structured and ageworthy blends, as well as Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Burgundy for nuance, site expression, and restraint. “The Northern Rhône adds savory depth, and Champagne brings versatility, value in aging, and celebratory range,” she says. From Italy, Koblitz looks to Barolo and Barbaresco, as the Nebbiolos from this area of Piedmont provide high-acid, tannin-driven wines built for time. In Tuscany, she describes Brunello di Montalcino as "bridging power and elegance,” and that adding a few high-quality Chianti Classico or Etna Rosso bottles can bring freshness and volcanic tension into the mix.
For New World picks, Koblitz describes Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon is a modern cellar staple; however, balancing these bottles with cooler-climate expressions of Oregon Pinot Noir, California or Australian Syrah, and Argentine Malbec to cover different aging curves and stylistic moods is never a bad idea. “And don’t overlook age-worthy whites!” she exclaims, citing White Burgundy, German Riesling (especially Spätlese through GG), and top-tier Chenin Blanc from the Loire or South Africa as wines that evolve beautifully and add brightness to a cellar.
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Plan Your Layout
Wine cellars are ever-evolving collections, meaning that a good chunk of your bottles will be consumed before others. Koblitz suggests thinking about how you drink, and not just what you collect. “If you open a lot of whites or younger reds, keep those bottles accessible and at eye level, while long-term cellar candidates can live higher or deeper in the space,” she says. For example, creating a small “drink now” zone prevents unnecessary bottle handling—as well as minimizes the temptation to pop the corks on special bottles. In short, Koblitz explains that filling part of your cellar with approachable wines will likely prevent you from opening bottles too young and keeps the collection feeling alive rather than precious.
In terms of logistics, Koblitz suggests standardizing where possible. “Consistent racking dimensions accommodate more bottle shapes and simplify future reorganization,” she says. Additionally, she recommends labelling rows or maintaining a simple digital inventory early, as this can prevent frustration and confusion down the line. Lastly, Koblitz states to leave room for evolution. “Palates change, regions rotate, and verticals grow; the most successful cellars are designed with a bit of flexibility,” she says. Taste with intention, take notes, and track what you love—and be sure to record how your favorite bottles change over time.
Think About What You Like—and What You Might Enjoy Down the Line
For those looking to successfully grow their cellars over time, Arias Sanchez notes that patience, consistency, and curiosity are all foundational requirements. “Keep trying new wines, including at different price points as well,” he says, emphasizing that time and dedication ultimately lead to cellar success. Koblitz also states to think in terms of structure, style, and longevity rather than sheer volume. “A strong foundation balances classic benchmarks with a few expressive wild cards,” she says. “The best cellars aren’t defined by size or prestige, but by how thoughtfully they reflect the owner’s evolving palate.”
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Stick to Your Budget (and Don’t Be Afraid to Ask the Experts!)
Arias Sanchez notes that one of the pillars to long-term cellar success lies in sticking with a realistic budget that can be maintained over time. “Many people get very excited and often go overboard at first, which can discourage them from continuing their collection,” he says, stating that slow and steady is better than quick and without direction. Koblitz agrees, stating that developing a habit of annual replenishment is a great way to make sure your cellar remains stocked. “Each year, restock your core regions and grapes so your cellar gains depth across vintages rather than just breadth across producers,” Koblitz says.
Additionally, she recommends taking advantage of release windows and futures for age-worthy wines. “Purchasing on release (or en primeur, when appropriate) often secures better pricing and pristine provenance, which matters as much as the wine itself,” she reveals. Not sure where to begin? Arias Sanchez recommends simply reaching out to a professional for some solid advice. “Getting help is always a great idea, especially when you are just beginning. Professionals like the ones we have at Sommsation are very knowledgeable and they know what they are doing!” he exclaims.
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Above all, Koblitz reveals that the most successful cellars are built deliberately, not quickly. “Growing a collection over time is about rhythm, restraint, and a bit of strategic patience,” she says. Her expert tip? Start by buying wines in pairs or trios—rather than single bottles—as this allows you to open one bottle early, track how the wine is evolving, and still have something in reserve for its peak window. “Over time, this creates a natural tasting timeline within your cellar,” she affirms, stating that understanding and appreciating a wine’s evolution is one of the most exciting and rewarding parts of having an at-home cellar.
Ready to take the leap into the world of wine collecting? Consult one of our expert sommeliers via our concierge here to get started.
