Wine Cellars Are One of Tastiest Trends in Homes

When it comes to selling a home, many people might tell you that a finished basement isn’t essential.

While that’s technically true, if a buyer is lucky enough to have two homes to choose from in today’s competitive Columbus real estate market, the home with the finished basement is almost always the first pick.

Why? Because a finished basement often comes with a media room, a rec room complete with a pool table and bar, and, in many cases, a wine cellar.

But what exactly makes a wine cellar? Turns out, any room can become one. If the basement is below grade and the house is older, chances are it’s been repurposed from its original use as a coal room into a wine storage space.

In my 102-year-old home, the wine cellar is a concrete cave with a quirky homemade barn door — long before barn doors became a trend — and a giant two-foot step-up to get inside. It’s definitely an adventure to enter, but that’s part of its charm.

Tucked under the mudroom at the backdoor, it stays cool and cozy — perfect for aging wines. The shelves, crafted from cinder blocks and unfinished wood by a previous owner, still hold hand-written labels that give a personal touch, marking the favorites that were once stored there.

In today’s world of wine clubs and subscription services, nearly every newly built or renovated kitchen seems to feature a beverage fridge or chilled beverage drawer — also known as the “wine fridge” in real estate speak. It’s a nice touch, but it’s no match for the latest trend: the wine room.

Wine rooms have evolved beyond the basement, transforming into one of the most sought-after features in modern homes. Flip through any home style magazine, and you’ll see what used to be the rarely used family room now turned into an extravagant glass-enclosed wine room, complete with custom shelving to house an extensive, temperature-controlled collection of wines.

And why not? Columbus is a city known for its vibrant food and beverage scene, and wine has certainly earned its place in the hearts of many locals. In fact, wine consumption across the United States in 2023 hit a staggering 899 million gallons, which works out to about 3.48 gallons per adult per year.

Now, if only they would report those numbers in bottles, it would make keeping track of our wine habits a whole lot easier.

Whether you’re building a new home or updating an older one, consider adding a wine room or cellar. It’s not just about the wine — it’s about creating a space that adds value, charm and personality to your home, all while tapping into the growing wine culture right here in Columbus. Let’s raise a glass to that.

AS PRINTED IN CLINTONVILLE SPOTLIGHT, FEB 2025

DONNA LEIGH-OSBORNE
Real Estate Insights

Donna Leigh-Osborne is a longtime Clintonville resident and broker/owner of Leigh-Osborne Realty Group.