Words Julia Zaltzman Photograph CellArt
If your idea of a “feature wall” is painting it in a dazzling shade of pink, think again. Wine enthusiasts (and quaffers) the world over are transforming interior spaces to house their growing collection of bottles. What was once the reserve of sprawling private residences has elbowed its way to the forefront of yacht design, paving the way for increasingly outlandish works of art.
In vino veritas When the owner of 130-foot yacht ENDLESS SUMMER was forced to choose between a wine cellar or butler’s pantry, he unsurprisingly gave the linen the heave-ho. The bespoke teak cellar — built to honor his passion for fine wines — holds 432 bottles, 60 magnums and was incorporated in the interior design before the yacht began construction. “The intention was always for the cellar to be a focal point given its location at the top of the stairwell to the bridge deck. It’s most certainly on show,” says Captain Tony Hodgson. Concealed lighting illuminates the labels he’s collected from vineyards across the globe, including a 1996 Pinot Noir from Burgundy. Kicking back on the aft deck with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc in hand has long been central to the superyacht life, but the line between functional storage and sculptural design is becoming a little fuzzy. “Wine is very personal. Many owners today want to make the selection and pouring of wine part of the superyacht experience,” says Marc Jessing, head of yacht interiors at Lürssen. “When an owner sacrifices space on board for what’s essentially a drink, they want to give it a huge amount of attention.” 46 — 47
