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We guess that when you live in Kansas - you really have to be aware of the "Dorothy and Toto" disasters in protecting your wine. Well Lyle can now ride out any tornado in style !!! - Art & Betsy

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Lyle writes ..

Dear Art & Betsy ..

First, thanks for all of your wonderful wine help and advice on how to stabilize the temperature in my passive wine cellar. So far, all of the information worked well.

I began the wine cellar with a prefabricated storm shelter that is manufactured by a local mortuary vault company. It measures 9' x 10' x 7' high and is constructed fully of high-grade concrete. I built the retaining wall around three sides of the cellar, approximately three feet out from the cellar walls. I placed four inches of polystyrene insulation around the three sides and the top of the cellar, then I added dirt to cover the insulation. I ended up with 12-16 inches of dirt on the top and three feet of dirt around the three sides.

The beautiful forged grapevine located on the cellar door was hand forged by my friend and
coworker, Ken Leedy. Mr. Leedy operates the Straw Bale Forge in Neosho Falls, Kansas, and makes absolutely wonderful hand forged items; many are one-of-a-kind pieces. Mr. Leedy does commission work if anyone is interested. He can be reached at Straw Bale Forge 402 North Seventh Neosho Falls, Kansas 66758

If you, or any of your readers have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me. And, again thanks so much for your help, assistance and advice.

Lyle Kee chiefk@yatescenterks.net