THE TASTE OF AMBIANCE
While wine cellars have historically been placed underground, author Al Fuentes, founder of Dragon Cellars, is reinventing the traditional take on wine storage. Focused on building spaces with people and wine in mind, his company’s modern approach allows for custom, luxury wine cellars to be built above ground in a way that complements the owner’s interior design and wine-curating styles, creating the perfect display. These custom cellars, cabinets, and walls not only display but preserve each bottle at the ideal temperature and humidity, ensuring longevity. In crafting a wine cellar that serves as the focal point for the room, each moment in this space—from selecting the bottle to drinking the last drop—is an experience one longs to share with others.
Fuentes, whose innovative designs are featured in homes and restaurants across seven different countries, gives readers a revealing look at his end-to-end creative process, from construction to furniture selection and lighting, in The Taste of Ambiance: Luxury Wine Cellar Designs. Go behind the scenes of more than 80 unique projects when his new book debuts May 21, 2024!
ADVANCE PRAISE
DJ KHALED AND FAMILY
“When creating our custom wine cellars for our home, Al and Dragon Cellars were able to bring our vision to life. From the custom humidor to the unique display of our collection, there was no detail overlooked. Thank you, Al!”
JAVIER GILA
Five-Time Winner of the “Best Sommelier in Spain” Title; Finalist in World Sommelier Championship and European Championship in 2000
“I greatly value the care of wine, being a sommelier, to ensure that it is maintained properly with the right temperature and conditions. Al has always kept these critical factors in mind while designing the most spectacular cellars. This book is a great representation of many of his works of art.”
KEITH GRAINGER
Founding Member of the Association of Wine Educators; Gourmand Award-Winner for “Best Wine Book in the World for Professionals in Twenty-Five Years;” Author of Wine Faults and Flaws: A Practical Guide
“The importance of good storage to allow wines to develop and avoid potential problems cannot be overstated. Collectors also like their cellars to be showcases. There are certainly some delightful wine cellars in The Taste of Ambiance, which is sure to appeal to any wine enthusiast.”
WILLIE REALE
Emmy Award-Winner; MacArthur Fellow; Founding Member of the New York Wine Club
“The Taste of Ambience is a Powerball Jackpot fantasy for the oenophile. Al Fuentes has created fabulous pajamas in which fine wines will sleep until summoned to their purpose.”
PEPE RODRIGUEZ REY
Michelin-Rated Chef and Owner of El Bohio Restaurant (Toledo, Spain); Ten-Year MasterChef Judge
“It gives me great pleasure to provide my comments on Al Fuentes’ book, a complete collection of his works of art relating to the care and display of wine. It is very gratifying to highlight that our wine cellar is part of this. We observe with gratitude the ambiance that is generated in El Bohio thanks to this project and literary contribution.”