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Technical

Spiral Cellars
Where to install.

The Spiral Cellar can be installed in any ground or basement floor, kitchen, living room, garage, conservatory, dining room, garden room, outbuilding or study.

Like a traditional cellar, the Spiral Cellars natural passive ventilation maintains ideal temperature and humidity conditions. No more premature ageing or oxidation from dried-out corks. No vibration to disturb its delicate ageing process. No risk of it breaking down. No running costs. Just pure cellaring perfection.

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Where should I install my Spiral Cellar?

A Spiral Cellar can be installed into any ground floor room or space, though when choosing a location there are a few considerations:

To achieve optimum performance, the Spiral Cellar should be positioned where the ventilation pipes (2x 50mm diameter pipes) can be routed, ideally to a north or northeastern perimeter wall or the most shaded side of the property, using no more than 8m of pipe. It usually depends how well shaded or protected the pipes would be.

We can advise on where best to position your Spiral Cellar. A south-facing orangery, for example, may not be the ideal location but if this is the only possible space, we will advise on how it can be made to work. We can also advise on alternative locations that you might have discounted.

Underfloor heating should be laid at least 300mm outside of the steel shuttering. The vent pipes should be fully wrapped and insulated if shallow, to run under the slab.

No other services, such as hot water pipes, to run across the cellar area or vent pipe run as it will have a direct impact upon the performance of the cellar.

What if I live in an area with a high water table?

Our engineer will be able to calculate the correct reinforced concrete base specification to counter any water uplift and our durable waterproof liner system will ensure that the cellar remains watertight.

What if I have running sand in the area?

Our specially designed shuttering system is gradually installed and propped as the dig descends. The propping ensures the shuttering system is secure at all times and makes it possible to dig in even the worst ground conditions. Not only is the cellar structure designed to deal with the loads of all ground conditions, but our engineers will consider your specific build scenario to ensure that the cellar poses no risk to the rest of your house..

Cellar sizes

The Spiral Cellars is available in 3 different depths, offering different storage capacities.

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DEPTH 2M 2.5M 3M
Colours Limestone White or Pebble Grey Limestone White or Pebble Grey Limestone White or Pebble Grey
Finish Filled or Unfilled Filled or Unfilled Filled or Unfilled
Bottle Count Ideal for 350 – 1000 bottles Ideal for 450 – 1300 bottles Ideal for 550 – 1600 bottles
Excavation Diameter 2500mm 2500mm 2500mm
Cellar Diameter 2100mm 2100mm 2100mm
Depth from Finished Floor Level 2.3m 2.8m 3.3m
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Wine Cellar Door sizes

Whether you want a spectacular showcase glass wine cellar door or a concealed hideaway, your wine cellar door is the key to getting the right look and feel. And we have a wide variety of styles and shapes to choose from…

Glass

DC3874-011
Rectangular Door
Style: Glass
Length: 1584mm
Width: 892mm
Opening mechanism: Motorised with wall-mounted switch
001--McQuade-Somerset Half round OC
Half Round Door
Style: Glass
Length: 1584mm
Width: 892mm
Opening mechanism: Motorised with wall-mounted switch
Davonport- retouched image without sign on desk
Hinged Round Door
Style: Glass
Length: 1584mm
Opening mechanism: Motorised with wall-mounted switch

Timber & Tile

Standard Trap Door
Standard Door
Style: Timber
Length: 1500mm
Width: 900mm
Opening mechanism: Motorised with wall-mounted switch
Reinforced trap door for garage use
Reinforced Door
Style: Timber
Length: 1500mm
Width: 900mm
Opening mechanism: Motorised with wall-mounted switch

Concealed Doors

White Spiral Cellar with recessed trap door (1) RT
Timber
Style: Timber
Length: 1500mm
Width: 900mm
Depth of door recess: 18mm for timber, laminate and engineered wood floors
Opening mechanism: Motorised with wall-mounted switch
Original Spiral Cellar and Recessed Trap Doors (8)
Standard Tiles
Style: Tiles
Length: 1500mm
Width: 900mm
Depth of door recess: 17mm for tiles up to 12mm thick
Opening mechanism: Motorised with wall-mounted switch
Style:
Heavy Tiles
Style: Heavy Tiles
Length: 1500mm
Width: 900mm
Depth of door recess: 25mm for tiles up to 20mm thick
Opening mechanism: Motorised with wall-mounted switch

When to install.

Incorporating a Spiral Cellar at the construction stage of a new building or extension is the most cost-efficient and least-disruptive method.

We are also wholly accustomed to retro-fits in an existing space. Installing a Spiral Cellar involves much less upheaval than digging out a whole basement – and there’s no need to move out.

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For new build, extension or refurbishment projects

Ideally suited for a Kit, Assisted Kit or Fit Installation

The excavation for the Spiral Cellar can be dug at the early stages of the build programme, whilst a mechanical digger is on site and access is easiest.

If site access is tight, the hole can also be dug by hand.

We recommend that once any demolition work is completed and new foundations have been set, you excavate the hole and simultaneously install the shuttering to protect the hole (in line with the engineer’s structural calculations).

The slab should be poured to the outside of the shuttering.

The Spiral Cellar should be installed between the first and second fix stage of the build.

For retro-fit installations

Ideally suited to a Fit or Full Install

We (or your contractor) dig and remove the spoils by hand. Doing so means we are able to install in most ground floor rooms or garages regardless of construction build up.

The full installation process usually takes 5-10 working days

Installation
options.

We have four installation options to cater for your individual needs

Kit

 

  • You or your contractor buy a Kit from us which the contractor will then install.
  • The contractor digs the hole for the cellar.
  • The Kit has been specifically designed to enable a competent construction team to independently install a Spiral Cellar, even without having any prior cellar knowledge or experience.
  • The cellar is supplied in modular format and installed with the aid of a detailed installation manual.
  • If this is their first cellar install and they are concerned about the level of difficulty or if they would simply like some on-site help, we suggest they take the Assisted Kit option.
  • The cellar structure does not come with a warranty. The door motor has a 1-year warranty.
Assisted Kit

 

  • You or your contractor buy a Kit from Spiral Cellars.
  • The contractor digs the hole for the cellar.
  • One of our Installation Managers will be on site for 3 days to provide guidance during the trickier parts of the build.
  • The contractor should provide 3 construction workers to undertake the cellar installation work and a decorator to complete any internal filling and painting works.
  • Spiral Cellars will manage Building Regulations and provide a completion certificate.
  • Structural engineer’s calculations are included.
  • The cellar will have a 5-year standard warranty with a 2-year warranty on the door.
Fit

 

  • You or your contractor order a Spiral Cellar.
  • The contractor digs the hole for the cellar.
  • A Spiral Cellars team will install the cellar.
  • Spiral Cellars will manage Building Regulations and provide a completion certificate.
  • Structural engineer’s calculations are included.
  • Full project management support throughout the whole project.
  • The cellar will have a 5-year standard warranty with a 2-year warranty on the door.
Full

 

  • You order a Spiral Cellar.
  • A Spiral Cellars team digs the hole and installs the cellar.
  • Any ancillary works such as lifting flooring or diverting underfloor heating will be handled by us.
  • Spiral Cellars will manage Building Regulations and provide a completion certificate.
  • Structural engineer’s calculations are included.
  • Full project management support throughout the whole project.
  • The cellar will have a 5-year standard warranty with a 2-year warranty on the door.

Spiral Cellars
What’s included with each install option?

Service Kit Assisted Kit Fit Fill
Excavation and preparation of hole
Location approved and structural calculations prepared by structural engineer
Existing underfloor heating isolated and diverted
extra cost
Building control sign-off obtained
Party wall agreements obtained (if applicable)
extra cost
extra cost
extra cost
Planning permission obtained (if Listed Building or property is within Kensington/Chelsea)
extra cost
extra cost
extra cost
Access to project management Remote access
Cellar structure installed by Spiral Cellars SC Installation Manager on site to direct your site labour
Vent pipes and electrical feed fitted by Spiral Cellars SC Installation Manager on site to direct your site labour SC Project Manager directs your site manager
Doors installed by Spiral Cellars SC Installation Manager on site to direct your site labour
LED lighting installed by Spiral Cellars SC Installation Manager on site to direct your site labour
Warranty None on cellar, 1 year on door motor only 5 years on cellar, 2 years on door motor 5 years on cellar, 2 years on door motor 5 years on cellar, 2 years on door motor
Payment terms 10% deposit
80% 21 days prior to cellar delivery
10% 14 days prior to door delivery		 10% deposit
80% 21 days prior to cellar delivery
10% 14 days prior to door delivery		 10% deposit
80% 21 days prior to cellar installation
10% within 8 weeks of installation or upon signing completion report		 10% deposit
80% 21 days prior to cellar installation
10% within 8 weeks of installation or upon signing completion report
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Approvals.

Building Regulations

Approval is required when installing a Spiral Cellar into a habitable space such as in a home or an attached garage. It is not usually required if the cellar is being installed in a detached garage or outbuilding.

A Spiral Cellar is not considered a habitable space and does not need to comply with Part K of Building Regulations.

To ensure compliance and sign-off for our clients, included within the Assisted Kit, Fit Install and Full Install packages is the management of the Building Regs for the Spiral Cellar via an Approved Building Control provider. Not only does this mean that we can arrange the inspection visits at the correct stages of the cellar installation, but as they are very experienced and familiar with our products and processes, they guarantee a sign-off once the cellar is installed.

Structural calculations

We use an independent structural engineer to prepare calculations for each project (excluding Kit installations).

The calculations will take into consideration the adjacent foundations of any existing or proposed buildings, surcharge loads from soil, surcharge from live loads, ground water pressures and heave/shrinkage of cohesive soils.

Some other engineers, who are not familiar with our product, might recommend costly adjustments to your property which are not required. Examples of which include:

  • Underpinning foundations – which are extremely expensive and labour intensive
  • Deeper foundations – usually as deep as the Spiral Cellar
  • A concrete shell, box or pit for the cellar to sit into

These solutions are NOT required. The Spiral Cellar has its own cast in-situ reinforced concrete ring which resists surcharge load. The cellar is designed to deal with the loads of almost all foundations or pads.

If you or your engineer have any concerns at all, please contact us and we can review your project on a case-by-case basis.

Party Walls Award

Party Wall Awards are applicable if the excavation is planned to be within 3 metres of a neighbouring owner’s building or structure. The process is very straightforward and is not comparable to obtaining planning permission. At the outset, you will need to inform the adjoining owner (or owners) by serving a notice of the proposed Spiral Cellar installation. The notice should be given at least one month before work starts. If you know your neighbours, we can put together a Party Wall pack with all of the necessary documentation included. However, note that the neighbour does have the right to request a formal Party Wall Award to be completed by a Party Wall Surveyor. You can add the Spiral Cellar to a Party Wall Award if you are already applying for this as a part of your other build works.

Listed Buildings

For listed properties, a Listed Buildings application will need to be made to the Local Authority for approval, a process that can take 8-10 weeks from the application being submitted until approval is granted. We have a great success rate with the process and can make the listed building application on your behalf.

 

Planning Permission and Scottish Building Warrants

Planning permission is not normally required unless your home is a Listed Building or your home is within the Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea. In Scotland, a Building Warrant will be required. If you would prefer, we can make these applications on your behalf.

 

We do all the paperwork

From handling the structural calculations and building regulations to installing, we’ll make the whole journey smooth and seamless.

Spiral Cellars

FAQs.

My engineer has suggested that the property foundations will need to be underpinned or taken as deep as the cellar.

You don’t need to worry about adapting or enhancing existing or planned foundations. The cellar will be encircled with a reinforced concrete ring, giving the cellar its own structural integrity that handles incoming surcharge from adjacent footings.

How do you deal with high water tables?

We often install cellars in high water table areas. Our engineers calculate the correct reinforced concrete base specification to counter any water uplift and our incredibly durable waterproof liner system ensures the cellar remains watertight.

I’m specifying a cellar for my client. How can I find out more about the installation details?

We have a technical manual specially designed for trade professionals. Alternatively, we offer a RIBA – and BIID – approved CPD seminar that outlines the technical structure of the cellar and details the installation process.

I know planning permission isn’t usually required but what about building regulations?

Building regulations approval is only required when installing into a habitable space such as in the home, not if it’s going in to detached garages or outbuildings. We’ll handle this process for you.

What about Party Wall Awards?

Party Wall Awards are applicable to a Spiral Cellar installation if the excavation is planned to be within 3 metres of a neighbouring owner’s building or structure. This is a very straightforward process, which we can handle on your behalf.

UnSpiral Cellars
The system in detail.

All principal UnSpiral Cellar components are made in our own factory in the UK from modular white precast limestone GR concrete. There are 38 different component options for you to create your perfect UnSpiral Cellar. The dimensions of each UnSpiral Cellar component are listed on the following pages to help you plan your design.

Do you need help planning your UnSpiral Cellar?

For a small fee, fully redeemable against your UnSpiral Cellar order, we can design the best UnSpiral Cellar arrangement for your needs and space. To use the design service, we require floor plans, photographs and accurate height, width and depth measurements of your space along with details of any obstructions.

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How you plan your UnSpiral Cellar
STAGE PROCESS
1. Measure the space Start by accurately measuring your space including wall widths and heights. Note and measure the locations of any obstructions like windows, cornices, power sockets. Note: walls may not be straight so measure in several place and at several heights, measure around any obstructions and if any measurements are inconsistent work to the shortest.
2. Floor plinth layout Begin with the width and lengths of your space. Start with the UnSpiral Floor Plinth components to lay out our space in plan.
3. Set the height Next, calculate the number of bin rows required for the height of your space, remembering to also add the depth of the plinths and any pelmet uplighting required.
4. Design each wall Once you have defined the edges you can fully design each wall in elevation, adjusting types of bin and plinth as you go until you have the design that fits your needs.
5. Send it to us Lastly, send us your design and your list of estimated component quantities. Once you’ve prepared your configuration, a member of our team will then check it and take your order.

Ask us for our UnSpiral Cellar Survey Guide before you start.

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UnSpiral Cellars
Components.

Categories
U1 - Standard Bin
U1 – Standard Bin

Our Standard Bin component for laying down wine bottles. It can also be used for standing up bottles such as spirits.

Bottle Capacity:

18 Bordeaux or 12 Champagne

Width:
434mm
Height:
355mm
Depth:
340mm
Weight (unladen):
30.3kg
Weight (when full):
+ up to 25.2kg of wine
U1L - Standard Bin + Lighting 2
U1L – Standard Bin + Lighting

With concealed LED lighting our Standard Bin component becomes a feature. It can also be used along with our Single Bottle and our 4-Bottle Display Wedges to create an angled bottle display.

Bottle Capacity:

18 Bordeaux or 12 Champagne

Width:
434mm
Height:
355mm
Depth:
340mm
Weight (unladen):
30.7kg
Weight (when full):
+ up to 25.2kg of wine
U2 - Half Bin
U2 – Half Bin

Half the width of a Standard Bin, the half bin is good space filler and ideal for storing ‘bin-end’ wines and spirits.

Bottle Capacity:

6-8 Bordeaux

Width:
217mm
Height:
355mm
Depth:
340mm
Weight (unladen):
20.2kg
Weight (when full):
+ up to 11.2kg of wine
U2L - Half Bin + Lighting
U2L – Half Bin + Lighting

With concealed LED lighting our half bin becomes a feature. It can also be used along with the Single Bottle Wedge to highlight special bottles as an angled display.

Bottle Capacity:

6-8 Bordeaux

Width:
217mm
Height:
355mm
Depth:
340mm
Weight (unladen):
20.4kg
Weight (when full):
+ up to 11.2kg of wine
Screenshot 2023-03-06 at 12.07.12
U3 – Double Bin

A double width version of a Standard Bin which can store up to 3 cases of loose bottles or a 12 case on its side. It can also be used with Single Bottle Wedges as dividers to organise split vintages and to display large format bottles label facing.

Bottle Capacity:

36 Bordeaux or 1 x 12 case on its side

Width:
868mm
Height:
355mm
Depth:
340mm
Weight (unladen):
50.6kg
Weight (when full):
+ up to 50.4kg of wine
U3L - Double Bin + Lighting_
U3L – Double Bin + Lighting

With concealed LED lighting our double width bin becomes a feature which can store up to 3 cases of loose bottles. It can be used with Single Bottle Wedges as dividers to organise split vintages and to display large format bottles label facing. It can also accommodate a 12 case on its side.

Bottle Capacity:

36 Bordeaux or 1 x 12 boxed case on its side

Width:
868mm
Height:
355mm
Depth:
340mm
Weight (unladen):
51.3kg
Weight (when full):
+ up to 50.4kg of wine
U4 - Corner Bin
U4 – Corner Bin

A narrower version of a Standard Bin for use in corners where a wall with a counter meets another wall with or without a counter. It is also a good space filler that can store up to 13 loose bottles.

Bottle Capacity:

13 Bordeaux

Width:
340mm
Height:
355mm
Depth:
340mm
Weight (unladen):
26kg
Weight (when full):
+ up to 16.8kg of wine
U4L - Corner Bin + Lighting
U4L – Corner Bin + Lighting

With concealed LED lighting our corner bin becomes a feature. A narrower version of a Standard Bin for use in corners where a wall with a counter meets a wall with or without a counter.

Bottle Capacity:

13 Bordeaux

Width:
340mm
Height:
355mm
Depth:
340mm
Weight (unladen):
26.3kg
Weight (when full):
+ up to 16.8kg of wine
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Delivery
and installation.

Delivery

 

Delivery of an UnSpiral Cellar is a kerbside, palleted delivery of all materials required to build your cellar.

If you have opted for installation by our Spiral Cellars Installation Team, we will unload your delivery and carry it to the installation location. If you are arranging your own installation you must organise your own labour to carry the materials from the delivery point. Please note that the component material is soft and great care should be taken to avoid damage to edges and corners.

Installation

 

DIY or full service… choose from two ways to install your UnSpiral Cellar.

After you’ve finalised the design of your UnSpiral Cellar configuration we’ll check it against your room measurements and any other information you send us before confirming your order. We then offer two options for fitting:

Fit it yourself with an UnSpiral Cellar Kit

 

We’ll deliver your UnSpiral Cellar with detailed installation instructions. You’ll need to arrange your own installation labour. This is a good option if you have an ongoing renovation or build project and would like to use your own build team. Within that team, you will need skilled fitters used to working cleanly with soft concrete, a decorator and an electrician. You may also require a plumber if you are also ordering climate control.

Or select our Installed UnSpiral Cellar

 

After delivery, one of our expert installation teams will arrive to fully fit your UnSpiral Cellar, including any lighting and climate control. Any walling, insulation, flooring and power supply work must be completed before we arrive. Any other lighting, decorating, glass doors etc. should be organised once we have completed our work. You should ensure that any contractors undertaking post-installation work within the room take care not to damage the UnSpiral Cellar or mark the finishes.

UnSpiral Cellars
FAQs

How many bottles can you fit in one module?

There are 3 sizes of wine bin – standard, half and double. Wine bottle sizes vary but a Standard Bin module will store 12 bottles of Dom Perignon or up to 18 bottles of Bordeaux. A half bin module will store up 6 bottles of Bordeaux and a double bin up to 36 bottles of Bordeaux.

Can I store magnums and unusual shaped bottles in my UnSpiral Cellar?

Magnums can easily be accommodated in UnSpiral Cellar modules, but the bottle cap may protrude slightly past the face of the bin. Larger bottles can be stored sideways in a double width bin to show the label using our bottle saddles. Both wine and spirit bottles can also be stored upright in the bins if required, ideal for any retail application.

What kind of maintenance is required for an UnSpiral Cellar?

The UnSpiral Cellar components are made from maintenance-free limestone-based concrete. Once installed it just requires occasional dusting with a damp cloth or cleaning with non-caustic detergent and water. Any marks or spill marks can be easily sanded out.

How long does it take to assemble an UnSpiral Cellar?

In most instances, a standard size UnSpiral wine room can be assembled in assembled in 2-3 days by one of our installation teams depending upon access and site conditions. Smaller arrangements take considerably less time to install. Typically, the lighting and finishing follows on a different day to the install assembly. If you are having climate control installed in your UnSpiral Cellar, this should be undertaken prior to the cellar installation and will require a survey by the climate control installer. It is recommended that the climate control survey is undertaken, and the solution confirmed prior to your UnSpiral Cellar order in case of any required changes.

Can magnums be stored in an UnSpiral Cellar ?

Magnums can be stored either laid flat in any sized UnSpiral bin or placed on pegs in a display bin. Single and 4-bottle display wedges are not suitable for magnum storage.

What if the UnSpiral doesn’t fit in the space when it arrives?

Provided your configuration plans have been checked by our team before ordering, this shouldn’t happen. However, mistakes do happen, and we suggest that you double check all your measurements prior to ordering, particularly if there is any other work taking place in the building that might affect the space or if there are any immovable services that might also encroach on the space e.g. water, gas or electricity meters, pipework or service access hatches. It is your responsibility to order the correct items. We cannot be responsible for any adverse factors that we may not be aware of and that deem the items ordered unsuitable for the space. In cases where a mistake happens, simply return or exchange any unwanted components. You will have to pay for packaging and transport plus any difference in cost should the replacement pieces cost more than the original order. Any pieces to be exchanged/returned need to arrive with us undamaged and suitable for resale.

Can I paint my UnSpiral to match the room?

The UnSpiral cellar is only available in white limestone finish but it can be painted any colour using antifungal grade paints that are suitable for concrete. Please note that this is not a service we offer.

Will the UnSpiral Cellar be installed for me or can I buy it as kit to install myself?

The UnSpiral Cellar is available either as a fully installed product, with installation undertaken by one of our teams of qualified installers, or as a kit. If purchased as a kit, installation is arranged by yourself and carried out by an independent build team.

How heavy are the individual pieces? Does this have an impact on where it can go?

The UnSpiral Cellar is made from solid limestone concrete and the individual pieces are very heavy. The double bin is the heaviest single component and weighs 52.4kg. All nominal component weights and nominal bottle-laden weights are noted in the technical section. It is important that you check that your type of floor is suitable to take the loading of the UnSpiral Cellar plus the weight of wine. Solid concrete floors are most suitable. If in doubt, consult a qualified structural engineer.

Does an UnSpiral Cellar have to be located on a ground or basement floor?

The UnSpiral Cellar can be located anywhere, on any floor and in any type of building provided the floor structure is strong enough to support its weight and the weight of the wine. In all instances, we strongly advise checking flooring strength with a qualified building professional or structural engineer before ordering.

Will the bottles roll around?

The standard wine bin is quite narrow with parallel sides allowing them to house 4 wide Champagne or 5 wide Bordeaux bottles. When filled 5 wide, bottles won’t roll. For smaller bin end quantities, the half bins are ideal. Larger double width bins take more bottles but we suggest using one of the bottle display wedges as a bookend so that mixed cases can be easily segregated in a single bin without bottles rolling.

Will you deliver to the location in the home where I want my wine cellar or do I have to move the delivery myself?

If we are installing your UnSpiral cellar for you, we will unpack and move your delivery. If you are buying as a kit, it will be a kerbside delivery and you must arrange your own labour to unpack and move the delivery pallets.

How do the individual pieces fit together?

The UnSpiral Cellar pieces are very stable and simply sit snuggly on top of or beside each other, held under their own weight. It is important that they are set level from the plinth upwards row by row. Each component is bonded to the next and each second row is secured from the back to the wall behind. There is no danger of the components moving or toppling over.

Does the room need to be prepared in any way prior to installing an UnSpiral Cellar?

The UnSpiral Cellar can fit directly into any existing basement or garage. It just needs to sit on a perfectly level floor of a suitable structure and in front of a wall to tie back to, so do check this before delivery. If you are installing the UnSpiral Cellar in a climate-controlled environment, the room will likely need to be insulated and vapour controlled prior to installation. This may change the measurements of your room, so we advise this is confirmed before you order your UnSpiral Cellar.

Get in touch

Office

Spiral Cellars Ltd,
11 Hawkins Drive,
Cheslyn Hay,
Cannock,
WS11 0XT.

Telephone

020 3815 3329

Email

info@spiralcellars.com

Press enquiries

fiona.love@spiralcellars.com