Walls:
We recommend the cellar walls be made with 2”x 4” framing.  Use R-13 fiberglass batts for insulation, plus a layer of ¾” high-grade foil-faced insulation board such as Celo-Tex or High-R.  It is important that the foam board be on the side of the walls away from the wine.  The seams of the foam board are taped with foil tape; the edges are caulked to make the whole unit hermetically sealed.  The foil-faced insulation board in this case acts as the vapor barrier.

Wall Material:
Finished wall material can be m-r gypsum board, stucco, or a damp resistance wood such as cedar or redwood.

Framing insulation:
An alternative framing-insulation pattern is to use 2”x 6” framing members, 6” of fiberglass batt insulation, and 4 mill plastic vapor barrier on the outside of the wine cellar.  Caulk the plastic tight to the perimeter of the walls with Phenoseal latex adhesive.

Ceiling:
If the ceiling has existing joists, cut strips of 4-mil plastic and staple it between the joists.  R19 insulation is the minimum required on the ceiling.

Doors:
Doors are exterior type with a good weather seal and again caulked tight to the floor, jambs, and header.

Floors:
Install a vapor barrier under the floor; for concrete floors, treat with a water sealant. For floors less than four feet below grade, a minimum of R19 insulation is required.