Orange County Home Wine Cellar Ideas: A Hamptons-Inspired Haven

From across Napa vineyards to the ultra luxurious valley-side estates, our team has served homes in various locations and terrains.

One of our recent projects took us to a beautiful beachside home in Laguna Beach, California, where the client had a clear goal in mind: to give life to an Orange County home wine cellar idea that felt fresh, elegant, and inspired by the Hamptons’ classic aesthetic. Think natural textures, soft light, and refined details that feel effortless—not overdone.

This wasn’t just about storage. It was about creating a space that felt like an extension of their home. The homeowner had an incredible eye for design, and we worked closely with them to make sure every detail—down to the finish on the door handle—aligned with their vision. 

French-style doors are signature elements of a Hamptons-inspired design.

First Impressions Matter: The Entryway 

The client wanted a door that stood out—but still matched the refined, coastal theme. So, we installed a French-style dual-paned glass door, with a custom steel grid pattern and a beautifully polished gold door handle they specifically requested. The door not only creates a strong visual impact, but the dual-paned glass also helps maintain consistent temperature inside the cellar.

This was a key moment in the build. A great door doesn’t just provide insulation—it sets the tone for everything behind it. 

A Layout That Balances Beauty and Function 

When you’re working with a 1,582-bottle capacity, planning the layout is everything.

This home wine cellar features horizontal bottle displays for 750ml bottles, which keep the labels visible and accessible—especially useful for collectors who want to see what they have at a glance. We gave the magnum bottles a special display area near the entrance, so they’d have their own visual moment and be easy to grab for entertaining.

To avoid cluttering the design with visible lighting, we added hidden LED lights behind valances along the sides of the racks. These subtle fixtures create a soft, even glow that makes the collection feel like it’s on display—without compromising on preservation. 

Why We Chose White Oak for This Wine Room Design

White oak was the clear choice for the racking and cabinetry, and here’s why.

The home already had a lot of warm, natural wood finishes, so it made sense to carry that through. But instead of staining the wood, we left the white oak natural and sealed it with a clear lacquer. Staining white oak can mute the unique grain, and in this case, we wanted those natural textures to take center stage.

This decision really tied the room together. The result is a clean, timeless look that doesn’t feel heavy or overbuilt—perfect for that airy, coastal vibe we were going for. 

Put more character into your Orange County home wine cellar ideas by using unstained natural hardwood like these White Oak wine racks!

Wine Cooling with Purpose 

Climate control is a must in any serious wine cellar, and for this space, we went with a wall-mounted wine cellar cooling system—but placed it near the ceiling.

This not only helped preserve the look of the room, but also freed up more wall space for wine storage. We set the temperature to a steady 55°F, which is the sweet spot for aging and preserving wine long-term.

Behind the walls, we added R19 closed-cell spray foam insulation, which helps with both thermal stability and sound dampening. To complete the envelope, the walls were finished with Roman clay, sealed for humidity control. Roman clay gives off a soft, matte finish with a slightly earthy texture—ideal for both aesthetics and function. 

Coastal Touches and Signature Details 

What really makes this cellar feel special are the thoughtful finishes that reflect the location.

Take the countertop, for example. We sourced a stone slab embedded with fossilized seashells—a subtle nod to the beach, and a detail that’s only noticeable when you take a closer look. It’s elegant, understated, and completely unique. 

When we first brought in the slab, the client paused mid-conversation, leaned in, and said, “Are those seashells?” They hadn’t realized we found one with such subtle fossils. It was a quiet little detail that perfectly tied the coastal setting into the design—just the kind of surprise that makes the whole space feel personal.

This simple-looking slab was actually custom-made and adorned with fossilized seashells that represent the home’s relative location to the ocean. Talk about unique!

Another standout is the flooring. The brick was already part of the home, and instead of replacing it, we gave it a new life. We cleaned, sanded, and sealed the original brick to enhance its character while making it durable enough for the wine cellar’s environment.

And we couldn’t forget the lighting. The client selected Ralph Lauren fixtures for the ceiling lights—pieces that look just as good off as they do on. They tie the whole space together, adding warmth and depth to the cooler tones of the Roman clay and white oak. 

Built to Last—and Built to Impress 

What we love about this project is how it strikes a balance between luxury and livability. It’s a cellar that works hard behind the scenes—climate control, insulation, storage capacity—but still feels like a beautiful part of the home.

We didn’t just install racking and call it a day. We helped create a space that the client enjoys stepping into, whether they’re pulling out a bottle for a dinner party or just admiring the collection they’ve built over the years. 

Summary of Key Features:

Bottle Capacity: 1,582 bottles 

Wine Racking: 

• Natural white oak (lacquer-sealed, not stained) 

• Horizontal display for 750ml bottles 

• Dedicated magnum display near the entrance 

Entrance: 

• Dual-paned French steel doors 

• Custom gold handle (client-requested) 

• Grid detailing for classic aesthetic 

Lighting: 

• Hidden LED strips behind light valances 

• Ralph Lauren light fixtures for ambient warmth 

Cooling System: 

• Wall-mounted unit placed near ceiling 

• Temperature maintained at 55°F 

• R19 closed-cell spray foam insulation 

• Roman clay walls sealed for humidity control 

Flooring & Countertops: 

• Original brick floor (restored and sealed) 

• Coastal stone countertop with fossilized seashells 

Style Highlights: 

• Natural textures, golden accents, soft finishes 

• Seamlessly integrates with the wood-heavy home interior 

• Designed for both wine preservation and daily enjoyment 

Thinking of Your Own Wine Room Design?

Every wine cellar we build is custom—from layout to materials to the smallest design decisions. If this project inspired you or you’re dreaming up a wine room of your own, we’d love to talk.

Whether you want something classic and traditional, or clean and coastal like this Laguna Beach build, we can help bring your vision to life—with craftsmanship that’s built to last.

At Coastal Custom Wine Cellars, we specialize in creating fully tailored wine storage solutions that are as functional as they are beautiful. With decades of experience and a passion for exceptional design, we partner with homeowners, builders, and designers to transform spaces into statement cellars.

Let’s build something extraordinary—together. Contact us today at 949-200-8134 to get started.