So, you’ve moved to Europe. The castles are cute, the cheese is elite… and the wine? Absolutely irresistible. Whether you’re stationed in one of Germany’s wine regions, setting up life in Italy, or just dipping your toes into French Rosé season, chances are you’ve already snagged a few bottles that made you think, “Is it time to start wine cellar building?”
Short answer: Yes.
Longer answer? Here’s how to build your own wine cellar that fits your lifestyle, your space, your budget, and maybe even your PCS plan.
Why Start Wine Cellar Building in Europe?
Living in Europe gives you access to some of the best-value, most unique wines in the world, and many of them never make it to U.S. shelves. So essentially, if you’re living abroad, there’s no better time to build your own wine cellar! Between small-batch producers, regional specialties, and unbeatable pricing, starting a wine collection in Europe is one of the smartest (and most delicious) souvenirs you can create.
By building a collection while you’re here, you’re:
- Saving bottles that tell a story about where you’ve lived and traveled.
- Locking in hard-to-find wines that may not be exported.
- Getting better value because prices at the winery or local shop are often half the price of what you’d pay abroad.
- Creating your own wine library to age bottles, gift to friends, or open on a random Tuesday.
🍷 Sip Tip: Want insider wine tips, seasonal pairings, and event updates delivered straight to your inbox? Join our Wine Tasting Friends newsletter and never miss a pour!
Wine Cellar Building Without Going Overboard
We’ll be the first to tell you that you don’t need a stone-walled wine cave and a $2K fridge when you are starting a wine collection. You can start your cellar with just 6 – 12 thoughtful bottles and grow your beginner wine collection from there. Here’s how to begin wine cellar building:
✔️ Decide on Your “Why”
Are you building a cellar to:
- Age wines over time?
- Always have something nice on hand for guests?
- Create a travel souvenir collection through wine?
Knowing your goal helps shape what you collect.
✔️ Don’t Just Buy What You Like Now
Think about balance. You want a mix of:
- Everyday drinkers
- Age-worthy reds
- Special occasion bottles
- Crowd-pleasers for entertaining
- Unique wines you may never find again
✔️ Collect in Sets
When you find a wine you love, buy 2 – 3 bottles. You can drink one now, one in a year, and save one for a future celebration.
🍷 Sip Tip: Use our Wine Inventory Spreadsheet to track what you’ve bought, when to drink it, and where it’s stored. Total lifesaver during PCS season.
Where to Source Wines in Europe (Like a Local, Not a Tourist)
This is where it gets fun! In Europe, the best wines aren’t on grocery store shelves, they’re hiding in the hills, in dusty cellars, and at that tiny vineyard with no website. Here’s where to look:
🏡 Family-Owned Wineries
Visit wineries during open cellar weekends, Strausswirtschaften (seasonal winery-run taverns), or casual tastings. Ask if they offer a case discount—you’ll usually get 10–20% off!
🍇 Wine Festivals
Spring and fall are packed with local wine festivals where you can taste, compare, and buy directly. Don’t be afraid to talk to the winemakers—they love sharing their favorites.
🛒 Independent Wine Shops
Find shops that specialize in regional wines or natural/biodynamic producers. Many offer curated cases and can recommend wines based on your taste and cellar goals.
🍷 Sip Tip: Want to discover under-the-radar wineries? Join our Wine Tasting Friends Facebook group where we share vineyard finds and regional recommendations.
How to Store Wine Without a Fancy Cellar
Regardless of if you live in base housing, a city apartment, or a charming German altbau with no storage space, you’ve got options for starting a wine collection.
✅ Good storage = cool, dark, and stable
That means:
- Basements or cellars are ideal (not damp, though!)
- A closet or under-bed space works in a pinch
- Avoid hot kitchens, laundry rooms, or sunny windows
🧊 Is a Wine Fridge Worth It for Your Beginner Wine Collection?
If you’re collecting 20+ bottles or aging wines long-term, a wine fridge is a smart investment. Look for one with dual temperature zones if you’re collecting both reds and whites.
Budget-Friendly Storage Options:
- IKEA Hejne or Kallax shelves with inserts
- Modular wooden wine racks
- Stackable storage crates in a cool closet
🔥 Hot Tip: Store bottles on their side to keep the cork moist and avoid oxidation. Label bottles with the drink-by year using washi tape or removable stickers.
What to Put in Your Beginner Wine Collection
Need help knowing what to actually buy when you are wine cellar building? Here’s a basic starter pack:
🥂 Everyday Wines (3–6 bottles)
- German Riesling (dry or off-dry)
- Côtes du Rhône or Austrian Zweigelt
- Easy-drinking Rosé
🍷 Age-Worthy Reds (3–6 bottles)
- Ahr Spätburgunder
- Italian Barolo or Brunello (if budget allows)
- Spanish Rioja Reserva
- Bordeaux blend from a lesser-known producer
🍾 Special Occasion Bottles (1–2 bottles)
- Grower Champagne or Crémant
- Blanc de Noir from Ahr or Alsace
- A bottle you can’t stop thinking about from a trip
🍷Sip Tip: Looking to explore new regions and grow your stash? Sign up for the Sipper’s Club for curated wine deliveries from boutique wineries across Europe.
Your Wine Cellar Building Era Starts Now
You don’t need a cellar the size of a castle to start wine cellar building in Europe. You just need a few great bottles, a cool corner of your closet, and a commitment to drinking well. Wine is meant to be enjoyed, not just collected—and your wine cellar should be a reflection of your adventures, your taste, and the stories you’re creating along the way.
The best bottles are the ones that make everyday moments feel worth celebrating. Open that Spätburgunder on a random Wednesday and pair it with mushroom risotto. Bring a bottle from your Alsace trip to your friend’s housewarming. Pop your favorite sparkling Rosé to mark the last day of school. And yes, save one special bottle for PCS day, just to make the whole thing a little more bearable.
So whether you’re starting a wine collection from scratch, growing your beginner wine cellar, or planning ahead for your PCS move, know this: there’s no wrong way to build a cellar… except not starting at all.