Wine Cellar Project. Waiheke Island, New Zealand

Lighting is a critically important element to consider when illuminating a wine cellar. This beautifully, rich toned space at a Waiheke private residence utilises the cool, below ground area for an elegant wine cellar.

Ultimately to preserve wine in its optimum condition, the best light is no light at all. The worst lighting for a wine cellar is sun light, followed by fluorescent, incandescent, and halogen lights. Wine ages when exposed to harsh light and heat. Fluorescent light is unsightly and emits significant amounts of ultraviolet light waves. Incandescent and halogen bulbs create light through heat, about 90% of the energy used is wasted to generate heat, which is intolerable for a precious wine collection.

LED lights are the best choice for wine cellars. They do not emit UV light, and the amount of heat they emit is minimal. Using a warm colour temperature Switch Lighting Zela Tilt light fitting results in a space that is gently illuminating the rich wall textures, effectively illuminating the wine racks, and indirectly reflecting light back into the cellar space.

It is highly recommended to have the lighting on a sensor, to ensure the wine cellar returns to darkness once the occupants have left the room.

This ensures the wine collection is displayed elegantly while maintaining the ideal environment for preservation.

Credit: Calmain Electrical