Designing a Prescott custom home often means chasing ideas that feel a little ambitious, a little unconventional, and a lot exciting. This underground wine cellar was exactly that kind of idea—something the homeowners always wanted, and something we knew would become the showpiece of the entire build. The home was designed around the cellar from day one, yet I hadn’t built one quite like this before. That challenge made the process even more rewarding.
Starting With the Excavation
Everything began with a huge pit excavation carved deep into the heart of the footprint. The cellar sits right in the middle of the home, so the concrete work had to be flawless. We constructed solid concrete walls to form the envelope, giving the room the structural strength and thermal stability it needed.
Once framing started, we built a dedicated staircase leading into the cellar. The moment that stairwell took shape, the space finally felt real—a hidden room waiting to be finished.
Building a Controlled Environment
Wine storage has strict requirements. Temperature, humidity, and air quality must stay consistent, and an underground space adds complexity. The cellar received its own separate heating and cooling system, complete with humidity control designed specifically for wine storage.
Closed-cell spray foam insulation played a major role. Beyond insulation, it’s also a moisture barrier. With cold concrete walls and the potential for condensation, we had to prevent mold, moisture buildup, and long-term damage. The closed-cell foam sealed the room completely, creating the stable environment the homeowners needed.
A Hidden Entrance Worthy of the Space
Accessing the cellar is part of its charm. A sealed glass door sits between the foyer and the library. Open it, and the stairwell drops into a space that instantly feels different—cooler, quieter, and completely set apart from the rest of the home.
Finishes That Transport You
The finishes became the soul of the cellar. We leaned into materials that give the atmosphere of an old-world wine cave without losing the refined look the homeowners wanted.
- Natural slate flooring
- Brick veneer on the walls
- Stone veneer surrounding the wine alcoves
- Low-voltage accent lighting for the display areas
- Metal racks that hold bottles sideways to showcase labels
The lighting design balanced function and drama. Accent lights highlight the wine alcoves, while standard overhead lighting makes the room usable for tastings.
Under the staircase, we built a secret storage room with cabinetry and space for full cases—perfect for the bottles not yet ready for the spotlight.
More Than Storage: A True Tasting Room
The room isn’t just a place to put a bottle. It’s a complete tasting room, large enough to hold an eight-person table with a chandelier overhead. The homeowners can host tastings, enjoy quiet evenings, or share a unique experience with guests. The space feels like stepping into another world—one crafted intentionally, from the concrete shell to the final poured glass.
Why Builds Like This Matter
Projects like this showcase what custom building should be: thoughtful, technically sound, and tailored to how people actually live. Whether it’s moisture-controlled wine storage or high-performance insulation throughout the home, every detail connects back to comfort, quality, and long-term value. That philosophy guides all our work at RES Contracting.
Inspired about your own custom home, or want to ask any questions before diving in? Give us a call at 928-776-0301.
Building Tomorrow’s Homes Today.