A Career Shaped by Wine and Craftsmanship
John Hanvy’s path to ARCA Wine Cellars began in the New Orleans restaurant industry, where he was introduced to wine and began studying through the Court of Master Sommeliers. After Hurricane Katrina, he moved into construction and later returned to restaurants before building a long-term career in custom woodworking and highly technical finish work.
Over the years, John became especially skilled in cabinetry, stair systems, trim, and other projects that demanded more precision than standard carpentry. In 2025, he brought those two sides of his experience together and founded ARCA Wine Cellars.
What Sets ARCA Apart
A wine cellar is not simply another room with shelving. It requires an understanding of wine storage, cooling systems, insulation, vapor barriers, moisture control, airflow, lighting, and how every visible detail fits into the surrounding home.
ARCA is not a general contractor offering wine cellars as one service among many. Wine cellar design and construction is the specialty. That focused experience allows every part of the project to be considered together, from protecting the collection behind the walls to creating a finished space that feels intentional and continues performing long after installation is complete.
How We Approach Every Project
Every project begins with the collection, the available space, and the experience the client wants to create. Storage capacity, materials, cooling, maintenance, lighting, and the relationship between the cellar and the surrounding space are all considered early in the process.
From there, ARCA helps narrow the design direction, coordinates drawings and renderings, refines the details, and manages the project through installation and startup. Clients have one point of contact instead of being left to coordinate several different companies.
Let’s Create Something Worth Enjoying
Whether the project involves a climate-controlled cellar, a custom wine room, or a commercial display, ARCA begins by understanding the collection, the space, and what the finished environment should become.
ARCA Wine Cellars works with homeowners, builders, designers, restaurants, and hospitality businesses throughout Greater New Orleans and the Northshore.
A Process Built Around Your Collection
Every step is planned around your space, your collection, and how you want to enjoy it.
Discovery
The process begins with a conversation about your collection, your space, and what you want the finished project to become. Details are gathered to establish the right direction.
Design Development
The layout, storage plan, materials, lighting, and overall design direction begin to take shape. Renderings help bring the ideas together and allow the details to be refined before work begins.
Build & Installation
Once the design is approved, the project moves into construction and installation. Decisions, communication, and scheduling stay organized as the space begins to take shape.
Ready to Enjoy
Once the work is complete, the finished space is ready for your collection, your favorite bottles, and the moments you planned it around. From there, it becomes part of how you gather, host, and enjoy wine at home.
Read What our Customers Have to Say
“Great experience. Construction was smooth and clean. Crew did a wonderful job on never leaving a mess. Final product was outstanding”
-Trip S.
(via Google Review)
“It came out absolutely amazing and we couldn’t be happier! I would highly recommend John!”
-Rodney C.
(via Google Review)
“From design to build , step by step Quality craftsmanship”
-Francisco D.
(via Google Review)
Why Wine Collectors Choose ARCA
A custom wine space has to do more than make an impression. It must support the collection, complement the surrounding architecture, and account for technical details that may never be visible once the project is complete.
ARCA brings wine knowledge, fine woodworking, and specialized construction experience together under one focused approach.
A Focused Specialty
Wine cellars, wine rooms, and displays are not an add-on service. This is the work ARCA is built around.
Wine Knowledge
Storage conditions, bottle formats, and collection habits shape better design decisions.
Fine Craftsmanship
Detailed woodworking experience brings precision to every visible finish.
Built Beyond the Surface
Cooling, insulation, vapor control, and airflow support long-term performance.
Proudly Serving Greater New Orleans and the Northshore
Our Service Area
Custom Wine Cellars Throughout the Region
ARCA Wine Cellars designs and builds custom wine cellars, wine rooms, and commercial wine displays for clients throughout Greater New Orleans and the Northshore.
Based in the New Orleans area, ARCA serves homeowners, builders, designers, restaurants, and hospitality businesses in communities including:
- New Orleans
- Metairie
- Old Metairie
- Lakeview
- Uptown
- Garden District
- Mandeville
- Covington
- Madisonville
Don’t see your location listed? Give us a call at (985) 283-2424 to discuss your project and confirm service availability.
Let’s Discuss Your Project