Wine cellars holding prized bottles of Chateau Margaux and Chateau Lafite Rothschild are moving out of the basement, it is claimed.

Previously hidden away in a damp and dusty environment, the wine cellar is now being positioned in the heart of the house, interior designer Joanna Wood told the Wall Street Journal.

Wine enthusiasts are undergoing something of an "evolution" when it comes to storage, Ms Wood suggests, as they realise that fine wines such as Chateau Petrus and Chateau Ausone should be celebrated and given pride of place in the home.

She told the publication: "People are much more open-minded in how to enjoy and share wine.

"Instead of being hidden away, they are now integrated as an additional entertainment feature, in many cases they are total destinations."

Of course, any specialist wine room needs to present the right conditions for storage. Oliver Wiseman, wine specialist at Christie's Paris, recently advised collectors that the perfect temperature for storage is 12 degrees C.