Bouchaine Vineyards Hospitality Center

Location: Napa, CA

Project Architect(s): O'Malley Wilson & Westphal

Sq. Footage: 27,100

Sitting high atop a hill overlooking the historical existing winery building, the new 5,000 SF Visitor Center is designed in a semi-circle, intended to be reminiscent of an open embrace. The unusual shape of the new building maximizes the spectacular views of the vineyards and surrounding hills, and in the distance frames the San Francisco Bay.

The style of the new Visitor Center is modern in form and function and features crisp lines, structural steel with steel-framed exterior, reclaimed redwood siding, and floor-to-ceiling windows. The new facade matches the existing buildings that are clad in wood milled from historic redwood tanks. Repurposed 80-year old redwood planks were made into the vertical shade fins on the new building. The floor–to-ceiling redwood fins, 12” deep and spaced 3 feet apart, break up the massive glass facade of the building. The fins were conceived to help control heating and cooling of the structure, by keeping the interior shaded during the summer.

Cut from one tree, the striking Tasting Room bar is made from reclaimed solid cypress slabs, and provides an inviting view of the large terrace with breathtaking views just beyond. At one end of the building, the Copeland Room features a massive see-through fireplace built with stone from a local Napa Valley quarry, with a large mantle made from reclaimed timbers. Past the Copeland Room is a stunning 750 SF sleek and contemporary kitchen with an open-look design created by Frank Müller, of Müller Design Associates, Inc.

The overall project also includes a renovation of the existing 3,000 square foot tasting room building, a 22,000 square foot expansion of the production facilities, a new 2,100 square foot terrace, and ample parking space, including handicap and clean air vehicle parking. The outdoor terrace is the perfect place for a relaxed winetasting, surrounded by two soothing water features, landscaped gardens, comfortable sofas and armchairs, and the warm glow of firepits.