project

The new cave, which houses barrel storage and members-only tasting spaces on three levels, is discreetly tucked into the hillside behind the existing winery. The journey to the cave follows a trellis-lined pathway set adjacent to the existing winery and tasting room, through a stone portal, (which echoes the existing winery’s entry portal), to the cave’s main entry. Set directly on an axis with the trellised walkway, the entry is flanked by a series of curved landscape walls, which establish a delicate frame for the entry sequence. The broken lines of this matching set of walls creates a visual layering of space and enhances the sense of privacy for this member’s-only destination within the winery.

A second set retaining walls curves inward toward the cave entry, forming a gentle transition from hillside to cave. In a striking contrast to the soft curve of the retaining walls, the entry is marked by a bold overhang of wood and steel resting directly atop the walls. Within the cave, a split-level design – with tasting area at ground level and barrel storage set a half-level below – creates a sense of internal topography. A balcony provides visitors a view of the barrels below while ushering light and views into the lower level. Designed to be flexible and adaptable, each of the three tasting areas opens to a broad entry terrace to form a seamless indoor/outdoor experience for members. Bifold doors between the interior spaces can be opened to accommodate larger events. An elevator provides access to a private upper terrace, formed to follow the curve of the hillside.