When a Custom Wine Room Becomes Part of the Story
Most custom wine rooms are designed to showcase a collection.
This one became part of a television crime scene.
Years ago, in 2011, our team at WineRacks.com had the opportunity to build a custom residential wine room that would eventually appear in an episode of Law & Order. While viewers were focused on the mystery unfolding on screen, we couldn't help noticing something else—the wine cellar itself.
For us, it was exciting to see years of craftsmanship become part of a nationally televised production.
Whether you're designing a luxury home wine cellar or simply looking for inspiration, this project demonstrates how thoughtful wine room design creates an unforgettable atmosphere.
A Wine Room Designed for Television
The production required a wine room that immediately communicated luxury, sophistication, and exclusivity.
Instead of relying on elaborate props, the architecture itself did much of the storytelling.
The finished space featured:
- Floor-to-ceiling wood wine racks
- Individual bottle storage
- Diamond cube storage
- Display sections
- Rich wood finishes
- Warm lighting
- A traditional wine cellar layout
- An arched brick entryway
The result was a cellar that felt authentic—not like a movie set.
Every Detail Matters
One thing television cameras reveal better than almost anything else is poor craftsmanship.
Every rack, every bottle opening, every display section and transition had to look clean from every camera angle.
Large wine rooms aren't simply collections of racks—they're carefully planned architectural spaces where storage, aesthetics, and function all work together.
That's exactly how we approach every custom project today.
Creating Atmosphere Through Design
Great wine rooms create an emotional response long before anyone opens a bottle.
Lighting...
Wood species...
Bottle presentation...
The rhythm created by rows of wine...
Together, these design elements create the feeling that luxury homes strive for.
In this television appearance, the wine cellar wasn't merely a backdrop—it became an important part of the atmosphere surrounding the story.
Traditional Wine Cellar Design That Never Goes Out of Style
Although this project was completed several years ago, many of the design principles remain timeless.
Features that continue to be popular include:
- Full-height wine storage
- Label-forward display areas
- Premium hardwood wine racks
- Symmetrical layouts
- Mixed bottle storage options
- Warm ambient lighting
- Brick, stone, or natural materials
- Dedicated tasting space
These elements continue to define luxury wine rooms today.
Behind Every Great Wine Room Is Careful Planning
Long before filming began, the wine cellar first had to function as a believable residential space.
Every aisle width, storage section, and rack placement needed to feel natural.
That same philosophy guides our custom wine room process.
Whether we're designing a cellar for a private residence, restaurant, winery, or commercial hospitality project, we begin with the collection itself—then build a room around how it will be used.
Why Authentic Wine Room Design Matters
Television audiences may only see a wine cellar for a few minutes.
Homeowners, however, enjoy theirs for decades.
That's why quality wine room design goes beyond appearance.
A professionally designed cellar should:
- Maximize bottle capacity
- Protect your investment
- Allow room for future growth
- Complement your home's architecture
- Create an experience every time you enter the room
These are the same principles our designers have followed for more than 30 years.
Inspired to Build Your Own Wine Room?
While we hope your wine room never becomes part of a criminal investigation, we do hope it becomes one of your home's favorite spaces.
Whether you're planning a dedicated wine cellar, converting a basement, or creating a stunning glass wine room, our design team can help transform your vision into a custom storage solution tailored to your collection.
Ready to start designing?