Simple and unadorned, this corrugated metal building set atop tall concrete foundation walls creates a striking silhouette. A welcoming, wrap around broad porch shelters from the hot summer sun and winter rains characteristic of Napa Valley. Inside, exposed wooden beams throughout the hospitality areas soften and warm the space, creating a lodge like experience.
To avoid the typical white barn form found throughout Napa Valley, we turned to the rustic architectural traditions of western mining communities for inspiration. Steep roofs and tall internal spaces provide barnlike simplicity and facilitate efficient multilevel work. The design uses gravity to move the grapes and juice through the winemaking process from level to level, eliminating the need for energy-using pumping systems. A lift system moves the wine from fermentation tanks to barrels and another moves the aged wine from barrels to bottling.
In the hillside nearby, a custom crafted elm wood door pivots open to invite passage into the 6000 sq. ft. cave.
