Chill the Wine
May 1, 2008
GROTTO CUSTOM WINE CELLARS
High tech and low tech seamlessly dovetail at Grotto Custom
Wine Cellars. Using sophisticated AutoCAD design software, clients can literally
see their wine cellar design come to life in 3-D, full-color renderings.
This provides a clear visual interpretation of what their cellar will eventually
look like, right down to the smallest details such as doors, lighting and even
artwork, says the company’s John Bartz.
Grotto cellars include state-of-the-art energy-efficient refrigeration and cooling units with temperature control systems that alert customers if a cellar’s temperature departs from an acceptable zone.
With the CAD drawings that followed a very specific wish list for their cellar and tasting room, there were no surprises for Bob Levine of San Juan Capistrano, Calif. "All the angles and details of the cellar were thoroughly illustrated; this gave me great comfort that they would build the room specifically to my liking," says Levine, adding that he is particularly pleased with the fact that the five-by-seven-foot chilling room is designed to optimize the space for the amount of wine he can store.
"We’ll probably move again, and when we do we will use Grotto," he notes. "Our room turned out beautifully."
Another technology-driven feature of a Grotto cellar are the new Wine Stations, which allow you to uncork, preserve and taste bottles for up to 60 days. The Clean-Pour Preservation system preserves wines for this extended period, all the while providing perfect climate control for the bottles. Portion options include taste, half glass and full glass, and are designed to eliminate waste. The dispenser is equipped with LED touch-panel technology that allows for an easy and convenient way to select and enjoy the desired bottle.
Bartz is quick to point out that Grotto sets itself apart in the wine cellar market by combining new technology with tried and tested craftsmanship.
"Our wood racks are still hand-made and hand-sanded, with a dedicated craftsman on staff to ensure that our products are in keeping with our standards," he says.
Grotto Cellars, 866.266.5946, www.grottocellars.com
APEX CUSTOM WINE CELLARS
New technology is in full force at Apex Custom Wine Cellars
with the introduction of CellarTec, their state-of-the-art cooling system. The
equipment, with optional Internet monitoring available, tracks cellar conditions
and sends real-time alerts about physical system details to homeowners. In
addition, the company’s new wireless reporting device, CellarPod, monitors
conditions for those without cooling equipment, and also sends alerts.
"Both of these services are viewable through a dashboard in the customer’s online account," explains the company’s Eric Helzer. "This is a great product for our level of client who has multiple residences and travels often, yet wants to be sure their collection is protected at all times."
Client and luxury home builder Steve Glass, a partner at Design Guild Homes in Bellevue, Wash., is a regular Apex customer. "They really are the premiere racking and cellar specialists in the area," he says. "My clients are quite sophisticated, and appreciate all of the features Apex offers."
Apex will soon implement a labeling and tracking system that provides a computerized way to determine how long a bottle should age, and then instantly locates the wine that is ready to be enjoyed.
Apex Custom Wine Cellars, 425.398.0565, www.apexwinecellars.com
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