Contractor-Focused Wine Cellar Refrigeration Since 2010
US Cellar Systems is a family-operated supplier of commercial-grade wine cellar refrigeration systems. Co-founder and owner Heather Stamatelatos helps contractors, HVAC professionals, designers and architects select and configure cooling equipment for the specific demands of each project.
A Custom Wine Cellar Leaves Little Room for Refrigeration Guesswork
Whether the project belongs to a homeowner, contractor, architect or designer, the refrigeration decision affects construction, installation, long-term serviceability and the conditions protecting the wine.
Guidance at Every Stage
Refrigeration decisions do not end when the equipment is ordered. Questions can arise during planning, construction, startup and long-term service.
A System Matched to the Room
Room size, construction, insulation, glass, ambient conditions and intended use all affect what a wine cellar refrigeration system must do.
Flexibility for the Project and Trade
Equipment should accommodate the actual design and remain serviceable by a qualified local HVAC contractor without locking the installer into an impractical solution.
Experienced Refrigeration Judgment
The right supplier should explain tradeoffs clearly and recommend what the project needs—not simply what is easiest or most expensive to sell.
US Cellar Systems was built around those expectations: helping professionals get the refrigeration side of complicated projects right.
Built From the Contractor’s Side of the Refrigeration Industry
Heather Stamatelatos and her father, Dan Phillips, started US Cellar Systems together in 2010. Heather encouraged Dan to build the kind of refrigeration-equipment supplier he had wanted when he was the contractor in the field.
Dan brought decades of industrial manufacturing, residential and commercial fieldwork, research, design and wine-cellar refrigeration experience. Heather brought management, dispatch, inside and outside sales, contractor-facing service, sourcing, supply-chain knowledge and business operations from the wholesale automotive aftermarket.
Together, they built a supplier around the practical needs of the professionals doing the work. USCS intentionally did not create a local installation division. That lets the company concentrate on equipment, specification and support without competing with the contractors it serves.
“You have to speak the same language sometimes. And we’re able to do that with contractors and designers because of our technical wine cellar cooling background and knowledge.”
Heather Stamatelatos
What Makes US Cellar Systems Unique?
US Cellar Systems combines contractor-informed refrigeration guidance, project-specific equipment selection, commercial-grade systems and accessible technical support. The goal is not simply to sell a cooling unit—it is to help the project team make a sound refrigeration decision.
Built From the Contractor’s Side
The business model grew from Dan’s firsthand field experience and the practical information, preparation and follow-through contractors need from an equipment supplier.
Configured for the Actual Project
Every wine cellar presents different design conditions. Heather reviews the application before recommending the appropriate system and project-specific components.
Commercial Grade and Serviceable
USCS specializes in premium split-system wine cellar refrigeration using versatile, commonly available components that a qualified local HVAC contractor can service.
Reachable Support Without Competition
USCS remains available for appropriate guidance before, during and after installation, while supporting contractors instead of competing with them through a local installation division.
Custom Wine Cellar Construction and Commercial-Grade Cooling Expertise
A custom wine cellar is not an ordinary air-conditioned room. Its construction and cooling plan must account for thermodynamics, refrigeration, insulation, vapor control, glass, doors, lighting and other factors that affect heat load and humidity.
US Cellar Systems supplies wholesale, commercial-grade wine cellar refrigeration systems and installation equipment for the trade. Rather than expecting a contractor to size and assemble a one-off cooling unit from scratch, USCS reviews the application and recommends suitable equipment and project-specific components.
USCS specializes in split-system wine cellar cooling units by premium manufacturers. The systems use versatile, commonly available components so they can be serviced and repaired by a qualified local HVAC contractor. They are engineered to maintain the temperature stability and humidity balance needed to properly age and preserve wine.
Quality remains a high priority. USCS adds one year to the standard factory warranty and offers extended warranty options that can provide coverage for up to five years.
The Right System for the Project, Not Simply the Most Expensive One
Some callers arrive with equipment already in mind. Heather reviews the room, intended use and construction details to determine whether that choice is actually a good fit. When another option will serve the project better, she says so—even when the better option costs less.
“Speaking their language and actually knowing what I need to know, I’m able to explain to them the difference between what they need and what they want. And they’re very rarely the same thing.”
Heather Stamatelatos
“I frequently will talk to someone and recommend something less expensive than what they had intended. And it’s not because it’s cheaper; it’s because it’s better for what they’re doing.”
Heather Stamatelatos
Specialized Temperature and Humidity Control for Unusual Environments
Wine cellar refrigeration remains USCS’s primary specialty, but the same underlying knowledge can support other appropriate room-sized environments that require stable temperature and humidity.
Refrigerated Pantries
Residential walk-in pantries and cool rooms designed for food storage, convenience and a consistent environment.
Specialty Food Displays
Past applications have included temperature-controlled displays for chocolate, sushi and cheese.
Preservation Environments
USCS has supported projects involving endangered seed storage, flower storage and room-sized fur storage.
Zoo and Research Applications
One unusual project involved a high-elevation reptile exhibit at the Fresno Zoo with conditions similar to a wine cellar.
Root Cellar Applications
Certain room-scale food-preservation projects may benefit from the same temperature and humidity principles.
Another Unusual Project?
Suitability depends on the environmental target, room size and construction. Contact Heather to discuss the application before selecting equipment.
Family-Owned and Operated Across Generations
US Cellar Systems is a woman-owned and family-operated wine cellar refrigeration wholesaler based in Dallas, Oregon. Heather helped start the company and has been part of it from the beginning. USCS moved from Southern California to Oregon in 2020 after ten years in business and continues to serve contractors and project teams nationwide.
Heather Stamatelatos
Heather helped start USCS and has been part of the company from the beginning. She personally evaluates projects, recommends systems, prepares quotes, manages sourcing and inventory decisions, processes orders and serves as the direct point of contact for customers.
Her experience spans over 15 years of wholesale operations, business operations, office management, dispatch, inside and outside sales, contractor support, sourcing, supply chain and customer service. She thoroughly understands the needs of designers, contractors and architects. That combination helps her anticipate what a customer will need and translate technical information into practical next steps.
She also worked with her father, Dan, as an installation assistant during the summers in her high school years. She has been in the wine cellar industry for the last 15 years.
Over the years, Heather and Dan became familiar, trusted names within the wine cellar and refrigeration industry.
“One of my traits I take pride in is understanding and anticipating people’s needs.”
Heather Stamatelatos
Dan Phillips
Dan’s decades of refrigeration experience became the technical foundation of US Cellar Systems. His work included industrial manufacturing, residential and commercial fieldwork, research and design, followed by 25 years specializing in wine-cellar refrigeration.
His contractor-first perspective shaped how USCS evaluates equipment, supports installers and approaches troubleshooting. He gradually transitioned his knowledge while moving toward retirement, and his influence remains central to how the company works today.
Read more about Dan Phillips and his contribution to the wine-cellar refrigeration industry.
Andrew “Drew” Stamatelatos
Andrew (“Drew”) is a key member of the US Cellar Systems team and serves as Warehouse Manager, overseeing day-to-day operations that support smooth project execution.
He began working with the company during his high school summers, gaining hands-on experience in shop work and installations. He also completed college-level courses in metalwork and welding, developing strong mechanical skills that support fabrication and warehouse operations.
After moving to Oregon in 2020, Andrew spent nearly two years in warehousing at Goodwill of the Willamette, where he built experience in logistics, inventory management and efficient workflows.
Drew prepares systems for shipment, installs the appropriate additional components, pressure-tests equipment, matches system components and pulls the parts required by each packing list. He also packages orders, manages LTL freight and shipping, receives incoming inventory, verifies components and organizes stock. His work means each shipment is prepared and checked by a member of the family before it leaves USCS, and helps keep projects organized and on schedule as the company continues to grow.
Dan’s Technical Foundation Continues
Technical continuity was planned rather than left to chance. Drew had the opportunity to work alongside Dan in the shop, and Dan gradually shifted into a technical-support role before retiring.
Heather has decided to retain a longtime refrigeration consultant whom Dan knew for approximately 25 to 30 years. He has spent most of his career specializing in wine-cellar refrigeration, has the breadth of technical knowledge to answer specific questions and already understands the USCS approach. Heather handles many common questions directly and brings him in when an issue requires deeper hands-on field experience.
What that means for contractors
- Practical answers based on recurring field conditions
- Direct access to Heather for project and equipment questions
- Experienced technical consultation for more complex issues
- A consistent contractor-focused philosophy across the team
How Working With US Cellar Systems Works
All orders go through Heather. The company does not use a standard shopping cart because a system may require project-specific equipment, controls and accessories that are easy to select incorrectly without review.
Tell Heather About the Project
Share the room, application, construction information and any equipment already under consideration.
Review Cooling Requirements
Heather evaluates the project and clarifies the practical difference between the initial request and the actual need.
Select and Configure the System
USCS recommends suitable equipment and the relevant project-specific components before the order is placed.
Prepare and Pressure-Test
Drew matches components, adds the necessary items, pressure-tests the equipment and prepares the full shipment.
Ship and Support Installation
USCS sends tracking information and remains available for appropriate project and technical support.
Support for the Trade and Guidance for Project Owners
Contractors and HVAC Professionals
Trade equipment, project-specific system selection and technical support from a supplier that understands the installer’s side of the job.
Wine Cellar Designers and Architects
Refrigeration planning and equipment guidance that can be coordinated with the room design, construction requirements and intended use.
Homeowners Planning a Wine Cellar
Homeowners are welcome to ask about refrigeration principles and appropriate equipment. USCS encourages qualified professionals to complete the installation and does not estimate local labor costs.
Direct Communication, Deliberate Inventory and Support Beyond the Sale
USCS has grown largely through long-term relationships and industry referrals. Contractors regularly tell other contractors to call Heather before placing an order.
Responsive Communication
Heather is especially responsive by email and aims to return routine quotes and available technical information in minutes or hours when feasible.
Depth in Key Inventory
USCS deliberately reinvests in commonly specified systems and sizes so contractors are less likely to face long waits for frequently requested equipment.
Order Review Before Shipping
Each order is reviewed, configured, prepared and checked rather than being treated as an anonymous online transaction.
Fast Stocked-System Turnaround
When all components are in stock, systems generally leave USCS within one to two days. LTL transit in the lower 48 commonly takes approximately two to eight days.
Support Throughout the Project
Customers can contact USCS before construction, during installation and after completion for appropriate equipment and technical guidance.
Relationships Over One-Time Sales
USCS would rather help a qualified contractor complete repeat projects successfully than maximize the price of a single sale.
“I just keep reinvesting a lot of our profits back into our inventory… especially on the highest-moving numbers, so that we can help people faster.”
Heather Stamatelatos
Questions About Working With US Cellar Systems
Does US Cellar Systems install wine cellar cooling systems?
No. USCS specializes in refrigeration equipment, project-specific system recommendations and technical support. The company intentionally does not operate an installation division, allowing it to support qualified contractors without competing with them.
Can homeowners contact US Cellar Systems?
Yes. Heather can help homeowners understand refrigeration principles and the type of equipment their project may require. USCS does not quote local labor or installation costs and recommends using a qualified contractor for the work.
Who selects the refrigeration system for a project?
Heather reviews the project requirements and recommends equipment and relevant components. A caller may arrive with a system in mind, but USCS will suggest a different—and sometimes less expensive—option when it is better suited to the application.
Does USCS provide technical support to contractors?
Yes. Heather handles many recurring questions directly, and an experienced wine-cellar refrigeration consultant supports more complex field issues. Support is designed to help qualified professionals install and service the equipment correctly.
Can USCS help with refrigerated rooms other than wine cellars?
Potentially. Wine cellar refrigeration is the company’s main specialty, but USCS has supported residential refrigerated pantries, specialty food displays, preservation rooms and other unusual environments. Suitability depends on the room, target conditions and construction, so each application should be discussed before equipment is selected.
Why can’t I purchase a complete system through an online shopping cart?
There are many possible equipment and accessory combinations, and the correct selection depends on the project. Routing orders through Heather helps prevent missing components, incorrect electrical or cooling selections and systems that do not fit the intended application.
Not Sure Which Refrigeration System Fits Your Project?
Talk with Heather before you order. Whether you are building a custom wine cellar, planning an appropriate refrigerated pantry or evaluating another room-sized controlled environment, US Cellar Systems can help clarify the refrigeration requirements and the next step.
Looking for a long-term equipment supplier that can support multiple projects? USCS welcomes relationships with qualified contractors, dealers, designers and architects.