Inside Linny’s Wine Cellar: A Masterclass in Functional Design and Warmth
When it comes to wine cellars, beauty is often in the details—and nowhere is that clearer than at Linny’s, a beloved Toronto restaurant where the cellar is more than storage: it’s part of the story. Beneath the buzz of Ossington Avenue, tucked quietly behind polished brass accents and moody lighting, lies a wine cellar that embodies elegance, intention, and technical mastery.
We had the privilege of partnering on this project, and today, we’re offering a closer look at what makes Linny’s cellar a standout—not just in aesthetics, but in how seamlessly it supports the restaurant’s wine program.
(Originally featured in Vine + Vault Spring 2025. Read the full magazine here.)
A Cellar Built for Purpose—and Presence
Spanning nearly 230 square feet with room for over 2,500 bottles, Linny’s wine cellar was designed to be both functional and beautiful. Unlike ornamental cellars that serve mostly as backdrops, this cellar is a working heart of the restaurant, humming quietly behind the scenes but always within reach.
Crafted entirely from natural Sapele wood—a choice that blends rich color with long-lasting durability—the racking extends floor to ceiling, offering a rhythmic, linear design softened by warm LED lighting. The combination of custom wine racking and modular storage makes the space highly adaptable, while maintaining a cohesive, polished look.
We paid close attention to the layout: bottle slots for 750ml formats, open bins for cases, and dedicated shelves for magnums and other large formats. Every inch of the space is optimized not only for capacity but for accessibility—key when sommeliers need to move smoothly between service and storage.
Cooling That Works Quietly (and Powerfully)
At the core of any great wine cellar is its cooling system, and Linny’s is no exception. To maintain precise temperature and humidity control without disrupting the clean design, we installed a Wine Guardian DS088 cooling system, discreetly concealed within the millwork.
This system ensures optimal conditions year-round, safeguarding every bottle from Toronto’s fluctuating climate. The result? A cellar that delivers perfect storage conditions while letting the design—and the wine—take center stage.
The Role of the Cellar in Linny’s Philosophy
What we love most about Linny’s cellar is that it’s not just a place to stash bottles. It’s integral to the restaurant’s ethos of careful sourcing and thoughtful presentation. Servers glide past it; guests catch glimpses through clean glass panels. The cellar becomes a living backdrop, enhancing the dining experience and reinforcing the restaurant’s commitment to quality.
In many ways, this mirrors what we always emphasize at Rosehill: that a cellar is more than a storage space. It’s a reflection of passion, precision, and personality. Whether you’re a restaurateur looking to integrate a cellar into your space or a homeowner dreaming of a bespoke build, the goal is the same—creating a cellar that feels like an extension of you.
Inspired by Linny’s? Start Your Own Cellar Journey
Looking to create a cellar with the same balance of beauty and functionality? Whether you're dreaming of a commercial wine room or a private cellar at home, our team at Rosehill Wine Cellars specializes in custom wine cellar design and installation.
We also offer a range of wine cellar cooling systems and premium wine racking solutions to bring your vision to life—no matter the size or complexity of your project.
Want to see more stunning cellars like Linny’s? Be sure to check out the latest edition of Vine + Vault magazine here.
