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The best design solutions begin with a story. From logo to concept, the story of Benom is about complementary talents of two brothers that have come together to create something magical—a wine that would have been completely different had each approached it individually. With an ethos equally devoted to the craft of wine and the art of hospitality, our design for Benom forms a journey that ensures that guests feel cared for from the moment they arrive, with a flow of space that prioritizes privacy, smooth transitions and seamless service, ensuring a memorable experience that reflects the exclusivity and quality of Benom.
Framed by three oak trees, the structure is set amid the rolling hillsides of the York Mountain AVA in western Paso Robles. The design solution, inspired by the circular form of the Benom logo, grows organically from the convergence of site and people. Blending contemporary design with age-old connections, the architectural language is simple and minimalistic. A series of small structures is aligned on axis with views of the vineyards and heritage oak tree, guiding sightlines and forming a continuous journey from initial arrival through to the vineyards.
Two circular courtyards form the organizing principle behind the design, each representing one of the two brothers. The first courtyard, representing Guillaume, is embedded in the site with eye-level views through to the vineyards, providing space for gardens and wine education. A bridge leads to a second courtyard, the core of the hospitality experience that represents Arnaud’s dedication to hospitality. Surrounded by individual tasting pods, each accommodating different sized groups, the simple design is formed to promote flexibility of use. Highly transparent with a restrained palette of materials, the language of the buildings is simple and straightforward, so that the land and programming can do the talking.