As a kitchen designer, how can you best recommend a wine cellar to your customers?

As a kitchen designer, you're much more than just a space planner. Your customers expect you to technical solutions, a Design eye, but also expert advice on integrated appliances. And among the increasingly popular appliances : built-in or integrated wine cellars. Functional, elegant and in tune with current trends, it is a must-have for modern kitchens.

Here are the key points to master when recommending the right wine cellar, adapted to your needs, uses and layout constraints.

1. Identify uses: serving or ageing cellar ?

The first question to ask your customer is simple:
Why would he want a wine cellar in his kitchen ?

There are two main families of cellars:

• Service cellar : keeps bottles at ideal tasting temperature. Perfect for connoisseurs who drink wine regularly.

• Aging cellar for those who want to age their bottles over several years under stable conditions (humidity, temperature, darkness).

Avintage's built-in models are mainly double-zone service cellars, allowing red and white wines to be kept at two separate temperatures.

2. Adapt capacity to customer profile

Depending on consumption, frequency of purchase and available space, the capacity must be adjusted. A good kitchen designer doesn't suggest a cellar at random.

• Less than 20 bottles for small spaces or occasional enthusiasts (e.g. AVU31D88).

• 30 to 50 bottles for regular use (e.g. AVI72PLATINUM, AVU61D88).

• 50 bottles and more for collectors or large, high-end kitchens (e.g. AVI105PLATINUM, AVI178PLATINUM).

Be careful check that the number of bottles is compatible with the type of wine stored (Burgundy, Champagne, Bordeaux...).

3. Differentiating between built-in and integrated wine cellars

Visit type of installation is often a source of confusion for customers. It's essential to explain the difference:

• Undermount cellar designed for a base unit niche, often with front ventilation grille or self-ventilated system. Ideal for kitchens with 72 or 78 cm high base units (e.g. AVI72PLATINUM, AVU41D82).

• Column-mounted integrated wine cellar a new generation of air-conditioners: installed in a high niche, often with baseboard removal and the need for top and bottom ventilation. Some top-of-the-range models incorporate aself-ventilation, the AVI105PLATINUM range, for example, simplifies installation.

4. Respect technical installation constraints

A incorrect installation can compromise the proper functioning of the cellar. As a kitchen designer, you need to know the technical prerequisites:

• Ventilation some models require a low air inlet and a high outlet. The range Avintage Platinum is equipped with a self-ventilation system.

• Power supply 220 V socket outlet for easy access.

• Space for door opening the following points should be borne in mind: cabinet width and door clearance (consider pantograph hinges, reversible doors and push-pull systems).

5. Focus on connectivity and user experience

Today, your customers expect comfort, remote control and intuitive experience.

Connected cellars Avintage + Vinotag® offer :

• Smartphone control (temperature, lighting, alarms)

• Interactive wine cards

• Personalized food & wine recommendations (IA)

• Automatic cellar inventory with label recognition

It can become a a real selling point for technophile customers or enlightened amateurs.

6. Matching the cellar to the overall design of the kitchen

A visible wine cellar must be consistent with the kitchen's aesthetic :

• Door height alignment 72 cm, 88 cm, 105 cm, etc.

• Finishes matte black, stainless steel, tinted glass, discreet handle..

• Modular interior lighting customizable colors (warm white, cool white, amber) and variable intensity to set the mood.

Tip: offer 88 cm or 105 cm models for perfect integration into modern kitchens with aligned columns.

7. Enhancing the offer with differentiating products

Mark your expertise by offering exclusive references:

• AVI98PLATINUM a 60 cm oven and a 38 cm microwave.

• AVU8S82 an ultra-compact 15 cm wide wine cellar, unique on the market.

• AVI45CHEESE column-mounted cheese cellar, the new premium trend.

• AVU60VEGETAL under-floor vegetable cellar, an exclusive innovation.

These models allow you to stand out and provide tailor-made solutions to specific needs.

Conclusion

Choosing the right wine cellar isn't just a question of aesthetics. As a kitchen designer, you have a central role to play in technical, functional and emotional support of your customer. By taking into account your customer's usage, space, installation constraints and current trends, you'll be able to propose the most suitable model, whether built-in, integrable, connected, small format or large capacity.

Visit avintage cellars offer you all the diversity needed to meet the most demanding projects, from the individual hobbyist to the passionate professional.