In upper echelon homes, the list of “standard amenities” is where the wheat is separated from the chaff — and the haves from the have-nots.
We’re talking indoor pools, gourmet kitchens and master suites that occupy entire floors. If you have to ask how much, you’re in the wrong place. That’s especially the case in homes that come with an entire room dedicated to one sweet, singular task: Wine storage.
For the aficionado and collector, a full-blown wine cellar is a dream come true. And even for those who don’t imbibe, or are too young, that does not preclude the luxury appeal of a wine cellar.
Just look at Justin Bieber. The pop star’s new $6.5 million home in Calabasas, CA came with a wine cellar and he’s only 19.
For those of us who store our wine in a pine rack in the pantry, or keep some box Chardonnay in the door of the refrigerator, let’s have a little fun. We’re touring a few luxury wine cellars with all the trimmings. All you need to do is provide your own glass.
Wine Country
4088 Atlas Peak Rd, Napa CA
Previously listed: $3.475 million
What better place to start the wine tour than California? This Napa Valley home sits on 4.5 acres of vineyards where Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes are grown. It also comes with a large wine cave, perfect for stashing as well as tasting the latest vintages.
Tasting Room
17720 SE 40th Pl, Bellevue WA
For sale: $2.25 million
The den of this wine-lover’s home contains a cozy corner stacked with a vertical bottle rack and a plush leather chair, an ideal spot for sipping. Or, you can pull a bottle from the collection and head out onto one of the several patios facing Lake Washington from this Bellevue home.
Modern Display
1500 Ocean Dr #T1, Miami Beach FL
For sale: $25 million
Forget stuffy or fussy or dark. This glassy wine room puts to rest all preconceived notions about what a wine cellar can be. This sleek, cool room blends perfectly into the rest of this contemporary Miami Beach apartment, which features floor-to-ceiling windows, modern fixtures and smart home technology.
Bottles and Bottles
7460 Wildercliff Dr NW, Atlanta GA
For sale: $3.9 million
Size does matter, apparently, when it comes to the wine cellar in this Atlanta home for sale. In fact, this place is so loaded with grape nectar that it looks more like a pricey wine retail outlet than a private home. But the cellar is completely in keeping with the 10,314-square-foot house, complete with a two-story living room, indoor pool and butlers’ pantry with warming grills.
Which Way Is Up
9353 Nightingale Dr, Los Angeles CA
For sale: $10.9 million
Two stories of vertical storage is perfect for these racks of wine bottles. A stainless steel ladder makes for easy access. Built new in 2011, the L.A. home sits on prime real estate in the coveted “bird streets” area — a gated and private area popular with celebrities.
Barrel Chic
Undisclosed address, Telluride CO
For sale: $23.9 million
More of a grotto than wine cellar, this Telluride mansion’s rustic storage area has room for 2,000+ bottles. The lodge-like feel continues throughout the home with exposed wood beams, stone accents and slopeside access to the Telluride Ski Resort.