Projects
The Rio Grande Cellar - Arizona

The Rio Grande Cellar: A Traditional Masterpiece in a Contemporary House

Nestled in the hills of Arizona, the Rio Grande Cellar was a bespoke project, tailored for a residence under construction. Innovative and elegant, this cellar is the result of a three-year collaboration between the home builders, interior designers and the Heritage Vine team. Constructed with a blend of alder and glass, this traditional style cellar stands out in a contemporary setting.

The Vision

Positioned in the dining area as an unmissable masterpiece, the Rio Grande Cellar was conceived as a sanctuary for wine enthusiasts. As visually captivating as it is practical, this cellar was envisioned not merely as a storage unit but as a piece of art, crafted to enhance the overall aesthetic of the residence. Simultaneously constructed with the residence, the cellar is an integral part of the house’s architecture. With a nod to traditional cellar aesthetics, it was designed to seamlessly integrate into the contemporary architecture of the villa.

Project Details

Cellar Type: Residential

Cellar Style: Traditional to Transitional

Cellar Bottle Capacity: 454 bottles

Materials: Alder, Glass

The Challenge

Creating a cellar of such grandeur presented its own set of challenges. The primary hurdle was concerning the cooling and temperature control system. Given the size of the home and the lack of an attic, the Heritage Vine team had to be extremely creative to find a suitable location for the cooling system. The team collaborated with the builders to create an insulated room adjacent to an upstairs laundry closet to place the cooling unit, typically installed in the attic.

Another significant hurdle emerged regarding the cellar's design. The initial plans featured solid cabinetry from floor to ceiling, hindering proper cooling and airflow within the cellar. The Heritage Vine team came up with a creative redesign to ensure that the cellar’s functionality was not compromised by its aesthetics. Instead of having an entire solid cabinetry, we implemented a solid wood back and we switched to metal racking. Collaborating with architects, builders, and designers, we navigated the complexities of creating a cellar that was both visually stunning and highly functional.

Masterful Execution

Faced with these challenges, Heritage Vine crafted a wine cellar, with a fusion of traditional charm and modern functionality, bringing the client's vision to life. The result is a cellar that not only preserves the integrity of the wines but also enhances their display, creating a space that is as functional as it is beautiful. The use of alder wood, characterized by its subtle grain and impeccably smooth finish, gives a unique elegant aesthetic to the cellar. The Rio Grande Cellar emerges as a testament to the fusion of architectural ingenuity and a profound appreciation for fine wines.

Crafting Masterpieces in Wine Storage and Display

Beyond the Rio Grande Cellar, Heritage Vine extends its legacy to commercial ventures, like the Peak Restaurant wine wall in NYC. The commitment to meticulous planning, expert execution, and innovative design is a constant theme. Heritage Vine transforms unique visions into awe-inspiring realities, whether it is a residential haven or a Michelin-standard restaurant.

In the world of wine storage and display, Heritage Vine's craftsmanship goes beyond trends, setting a standard for excellence. We continue to redefine the possibilities of wine cellars, crafting masterpieces that go beyond conventional boundaries.

View more of our projects on our website, or get in touch with our wine cellar designers and builders to start the journey towards your dream cellar.