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"Cellars round out the experience of enjoying good wine," says Warren L. Eck, president of Harkraft Inc., a company specializing in home storage and organization in New Hope. "I keep bottles from special events, write on the label and store them in my cellar. There are times when I simply go to my cellar to bask in fond memories."

Wine cellars are becoming a standard in high-end homes. "They've become somewhat of an expectation for homes valued in excess of $1 million," Eck says. "Many older neighborhoods are finding new life through updating and remodeling, and wine cellars are on the list when giving older homes a lift."

After purchasing wine during their travels, Norman and Kathy Baer of Golden Valley decided to add a wine cellar to their home. "We also use it as a tasting room and sit down with our guests to have a glass of wine around the old wine-barrel table and under the chandelier," Norman says. "Everyone thinks it's great."

Those with a thirst for fine wines can find a storage system suitable to their needs. There are many options - from wire racking for a few bottles to a complete climate-controlled room with storage for thousands of bottles. According to Eck, cellars can range from $1,500 up to $45,000.

Eck says the ideal temperature for wine storage is 55 degrees, but a consistent temperature is most important. Refrigeration and climate control should be included if you intend to age your wine, but can be left out if you're on a budget.

Instead, he suggests focusing on special touches such as a granite-topped tasting table, glass doors with vineyard etchings and painted murals to evoke the romance of the European countryside. "A wine cellar is a luxury item and should be fun," he says. "Spending a lot on environment control will limit your ability to do things that really enhance the experience."