Definition of "wine-vault" [wine-vault]

• A vaulted winecellar; hence, any wine-cellar, or place for the storage of wines. (noun)
• Generally in the plural, a place where wine is tasted or drunk: often used as equivalent to tavern or “saloon.” (noun)

The Century Dictionary (Public Domain)

• "That night at about the hour of twelve, the dark figure of a man crossed the garden in the rear of Frank Sydney's house, and approached the iron door of the wine-vault wherein Nero, the African, was imprisoned."
• "Our guide's tongue went glibly as she pointed out these familiar objects, and in the kitchen, buttery, and wine-vault, which were situated conveniently near to the dining-hall, she seemed equally at home."
• "After the coal-bin, wine-vault, and sugar-bowl, and linen-closet had been locked up, what more did she need to lock up?"