Papi’s Steakhouse underwent a major renovation for its commercial wine display with racks strategically designed for style and function.
Building a wine cellar that seamlessly integrates into your restaurant is more than just storage and beautiful commercial wine racks — it’s about creating an experience that enhances the overall ambiance and functionality of your establishment. Members of the Wine Cellar Designs Group specializes in crafting exceptional modern wine cellars that elevate the dining experience while offering practical, long-term storage solutions for premium wines.
Our members’ expertise in building commercial wine cellars is highlighted by one of their recent project for Papi Steak in Los Angeles, where they transformed a problematic cellar into a sophisticated, high-performing storage space.
Upon reaching the restaurant, customers are immediately greeted by this LED-lit custom wine display near the entrance.
Addressing Common Design Challenges
The original construction of Papi Steak’s wine cellar posed several challenges, including poor cooling performance, awkward commercial wine racking, and subpar accessibility. Initially fitted with a self-contained cooling system, the cellar struggled to maintain a consistent temperature—critical for preserving high-end wines and champagnes.
The solution was to install a more efficient split system cooling unit, which provides superior airflow and consistent temperature control. This upgrade ensures even cooling throughout the cellar, maintaining wines at an optimal 55-58°F, and champagne at a specific 45°F. This precise temperature management is essential for ensuring the longevity and quality of stored wines in a commercial environment.
This wine cellar’s metal commercial wine racks were redone for easier bottle accessibility.
Enhanced Cooling Systems for Commercial Wine Cellars
A split system cooling unit is the gold standard for commercial wine cellars. For Papi Steak, the team installed an 18,000 BTU unit from US Cellar Systems, with separate supply and return ducts for each compartment. This design eliminates hot spots and ensures uniform cooling across the entire space—crucial in a busy restaurant setting where wine is accessed frequently.
For restaurant owners considering a wine cellar, it’s important to understand the value of investing in a proper cooling system. Self-contained units, while more affordable, often lack the power and airflow distribution needed for larger commercial spaces. A split system not only preserves the wine but also supports a more efficient and reliable operation.
Wine Cellar Doors: Combining Aesthetics and Functionality
The wine cellar doors at Papi Steak were upgraded to dual-paned glass doors with wooden frames, adding both elegance and practicality. Standing seven feet tall, the doors are fitted with Q-lon seals and 60-inch handles, ensuring a tight seal to maintain the internal temperature. These glass doors not only showcase the wine collection beautifully but also prevent temperature fluctuations when the doors are frequently opened.
Steve Pantalemon, the designer of this wine cellar, takes us on a tour of their finished wine cellar with awesome commercial wine racks.
For restaurants with high-value collections, security is another critical factor. Although the original design at Papi Steak retained traditional locks, we often recommend advanced security features for high-end establishments to safeguard their valuable wine inventory.
Custom Commercial Wine Racks: A Blend of Style and Practicality
In commercial wine cellars, the layout and design of the wine racks play a crucial role in accessibility and visual appeal. At Papi Steak, we replaced the original wine racks with triple-deep, gold-colored VintageView racks, which improved both accessibility and the aesthetic presentation. These custom wine racks not only hold the bottles securely but also create an impressive visual display for diners.
For restaurant owners, choosing the right commercial wine racks is essential. It should accommodate different bottle sizes and allow for easy access while enhancing the overall look of the cellar. Our team ensures that every detail—from the material to the placement—supports the restaurant’s operations and branding.
There’s a place for every bottle size in this commercial wine cellar.
Ongoing Maintenance for Longevity
To ensure the longevity of your wine cellar, regular maintenance is key. We recommend scheduling cooling system check-ups every six months, particularly for large-scale commercial operations. At Papi Steak, this approach will help prevent disruptions and maintain the cellar’s performance, ensuring that each bottle is served at its best.
Based on our experience, including long-term projects like the wine cellar at the Ritz-Carlton, routine maintenance is vital. Regular inspections and servicing ensure that cooling systems and other components remain in top condition, allowing your wine cellar to continue performing at a high level for years to come.
Large glass panels are essential in commercial wine cellars for customers to fully see collection.
Partner with Us to Build Your Restaurant Wine Cellar
With the Wine Cellar Designers Group, we help you create wine cellars that blend functionality with luxury. Whether you or you’re client is opening a new restaurant, renovating an existing space, or simply looking to enhance your wine storage, our group collectively brings years of expertise to each project.
Our custom wine cellars are designed to reflect the personality of the brand you’re working on while meeting the technical demands of commercial wine storage. From modern and sleek to timeless and elegant designs, we can craft a wine cellar that serves as both a functional storage space and a visual masterpiece for your restaurant.
If you’re ready to build a wine cellar with commercial wine racks that enhances your client’s dining experience and preserves their wine collection, reach out to us at +1 (702) 475 – 5399. Let us help you design a wine cellar that will be a stunning centerpiece for your restaurant!