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Finding a hobby that can be enjoyed for years is one of the secrets to growing old gracefully. While strenuous physical activities have to be given up at some point, collecting and enjoying good wine is a pastime that, like wine itself, only gets better as time goes on.
Ben Benoit of Cellar Masters agrees. "Wine collecting is an enduring hobby that's well suited to couples or groups. Most wine-producing regions are also great places to go for a vacation – whether it's an inexpensive day trip to a single vineyard, or an extended jaunt through Europe."
Architect Richard Landry is based in Los Angeles, and says that a wine cellar has become a standard feature of the large, traditional residences he designs.
"For many of my clients, wine appreciation is more than just a hobby. Outstanding vintages may sell for thousands of dollars a bottle, and a noteworthy wine collection represents a significant financial investment."
Wine cellars vary in size and style, depending on the needs of the homeowners. Benoit says that three years ago, the average cellar contained about 1100 bottles. Now, storage for 1500 or more bottles is the norm.
"The biggest cellar I've built held 40,000 bottles, but that was an unusual case," he says. "Nevertheless, I believe that every home can have a place to store wine, and the options in terms of size and style are broader than they've been in the past."
A traditional European look, with wooden racks and wrought iron details, remains a favored aesthetic. But sleek contemporary spaces are becoming more popular, in keeping with the look of the rest of the house. Granite surfaces with stainless steel and glass shelves are often seen.
Landry says that some homes have two cellars – a larger one for storing the majority of a collection, or wine bought as an investment; and a smaller cellar, often near the kitchen or dining room, for storing bottles that will be opened soon.

Architect : Richard Landry, AIA, Landry Design Group (Los Angeles)