Introduction

How can revitalizing a few buildings transform an entire wine estate?

The architecture of the new Tasting Room and Barrel Building at Cuvaison Estate Wines adds a warm, yet modern feel to the property and conveys that it is not only an inviting “place” for tasting wine, but also a symbol of the entire Cuvaison experience. The Tasting Room’s glass box with wood detailing and a slate terrace wrapping around the space provides transparency and accessibility between hospitality areas and the impressive surrounding landscape. Separate spaces within can cater to groups of visitors or reserved for VIP/Club Members. Guests are guided up the long pathway to this visible destination by a series of staggered concrete pylons which form an optical, yet open, fence.

Background

site of cuvaison estate wines

Placemaking

Previously, visitors to Cuvaison were often discouraged by the lack of visible hospitality, choosing to turn around half way up the rural drive. With no clear arrival point, visitors had difficulty finding the tasting room. The existing tasting room was too small and not designed for hospitality experience and the outdoor experience was uncomfortable due to high wind exposure.

There was a clear need to create a sense of place for Cuvaison Estate wines. One that not only welcomed visitors to the property, but one that also reinforced the brand of a certified sustainable wine estate that has been continuing a tradition of wine making in Napa Valley for over 30 years. The end result is one that showcases the distinctive characteristics of place that are unique to Cuvaison.

before

after

“A conscious decision was made to adapt two existing structures in an effort to minimize waste and lower the amount of resource materials. Many efforts were also made to incorporate as many sustainable features as possible to truly create a project embedded to its place.”

—Douglas Thornley, Principal at Gould Evans

site plan

Implementation

Design Drivers

Design a world class environment to celebrate the winery’s brand

Create an indoor/outdoor experience that is sheltered
from the wind

Develop a clear sense of arrival
and demarcation of entry

Provide the ability to separate
VIP/Club Members
from the public tasting area

Reinforce the sustainability goals
of the winery by incorporating sustainable features into the design of the buildings. Scuppers direct rainwater into a bioswale to be reused for irrigation

Reaction

“We would like to congratulate our architects for helping us bring this stunning and architecturally intriguing structure into fruition. Each day we are delighted to share this unique space with our guests.”

—Jay Schuppert, President of Cuvaison Wine Estates

Facts

432 acres of vineyard

9,350 sf Barrel Building

Renovation of two existing buildings to become one 2,350 sf tasting room

Rainwater collection

Denim building insulation

Passive cooling

Natural daylight harvesting

Reclaimed/FSC certified wood siding and millwork