I selected each of these wineries for their visually stunning architecture or interior décor. Nearly every winery in Napa Valley exudes a certain pride of ownership, but I feel that these select few represent something visually special in Napa Valley. While the renowned wineries of Bordeaux offer a look of classic, old world style, these wineries present a modern sophisticated look that might be described as art.
Darioush (Oak Knoll – Silverado Trail) www.darioush.com
Located just to the south of the Stag’s Leap District, the architecture at Darioush is inspired by the Persian world. A field of columns flanking a long pool greats you as you walk up to the entry. Inside, tall ceilings, skylights and high windows provide an airy feeling. The glass-topped tasting bar provides a visual spectacle in the center of the tasting room, with a graceful modern waterfall providing a backdrop.
Located just to the south of the Stag’s Leap District, the architecture at Darioush is inspired by the Persian world. A field of columns flanking a long pool greats you as you walk up to the entry. Inside, tall ceilings, skylights and high windows provide an airy feeling. The glass-topped tasting bar provides a visual spectacle in the center of the tasting room, with a graceful modern waterfall providing a backdrop.
Domain Chandon (Yountville – California Drive) www.chandon.com
Unlike most of the architectural statements in Napa Valley, Domain Chandon features the best of seventies architecture blending the building into the landscape. The tasting room features floor to ceiling glass looking out over their gardens and opening onto a lush patio. A pond surrounds the entrance to the facility and is landscaped with a mixture of beautiful foliage and inspired art worked into the landscape.
Unlike most of the architectural statements in Napa Valley, Domain Chandon features the best of seventies architecture blending the building into the landscape. The tasting room features floor to ceiling glass looking out over their gardens and opening onto a lush patio. A pond surrounds the entrance to the facility and is landscaped with a mixture of beautiful foliage and inspired art worked into the landscape.
Opus One (Oakville – Highway 29) www.opusone.com
From the outside, Opus One and Darioush share some architectural similarities, especially where each has styled their facilities using a certain theme. While the Darioush tasting room is lavish, the Opus One building makes a statement of restrained luxury. A circular courtyard planted with olive trees welcomes you to the front door, which is trimmed in beautiful wood and glass, but not overly done. The one drawback of the Opus One environment may be that it seems overly orchestrated, lacking the casual nature inherent in most Napa Valley wineries.
From the outside, Opus One and Darioush share some architectural similarities, especially where each has styled their facilities using a certain theme. While the Darioush tasting room is lavish, the Opus One building makes a statement of restrained luxury. A circular courtyard planted with olive trees welcomes you to the front door, which is trimmed in beautiful wood and glass, but not overly done. The one drawback of the Opus One environment may be that it seems overly orchestrated, lacking the casual nature inherent in most Napa Valley wineries.
Quintessa (Rutherford – Silverado Trail) www.quintessa.com
This may be one of the pricier tasting experiences in the valley, but for fans of architecture, it may be worth the price. A sprawling, stone-faced gentle arch dominates the view of the property as you approach from Silverado Trail, just north of the Rutherford crossing. The stone facing covers the winery operations below, with a massive doorway serving as the equipment portal to the operations. Above the arch lie the offices and tasting room. Large glass doors greet visitors and welcome them into the reception area and ultimately to the tasting room. The inside is designed to have the modern feel of a chic New York City restaurant or night club. Advanced reservations are required.
This may be one of the pricier tasting experiences in the valley, but for fans of architecture, it may be worth the price. A sprawling, stone-faced gentle arch dominates the view of the property as you approach from Silverado Trail, just north of the Rutherford crossing. The stone facing covers the winery operations below, with a massive doorway serving as the equipment portal to the operations. Above the arch lie the offices and tasting room. Large glass doors greet visitors and welcome them into the reception area and ultimately to the tasting room. The inside is designed to have the modern feel of a chic New York City restaurant or night club. Advanced reservations are required.
No comments:
Post a Comment