For the creation of a new hospitality and visitor experience at Joseph Phelps Vineyards, the architects worked within the two-story volume of the original winemaking facility, designed in 1973 by architect John Marsh Davis. Davis’ work celebrated the poetics of wood construction; the architects have used this as a springboard in the design of new interior spaces, with the ultimate goal of a cohesive, integrated whole.
The project is situated almost entirely within the original building, and the Phelps family wished to preserve existing finishes as much as possible. The majority of the building’s interior was removed, and a new seismic upgrade and additional interior floor added without removing the original exterior materiality.
A new guest path leads to the original entry trellis, allowing visitors to experience for the first time the full drama of this masterpiece connecting the hillside site to views over the estate. Inside, BCV created several different tasting experiences for guests that vary in scale and mood. Through the reception area, the Great Hall has been completely transformed from its former use as the winery’s fermentation cellar. Interior trusses integrated into the structural system of the building reference Davis’ exterior trellis and guide visitors toward the Barrel Room at the far end of the hall. The Barrel Room includes a mural-sized photograph of the ranch’s estate vineyards and houses the winery’s latest vintages in barrel.
Off the Great Hall, the Library was developed to tell the winery’s history with an incredible visual of the historic bottles of Joseph Phelps Vineyards. Custom climate-controlled displays offer guests a visual catalogue of renowned wines, with each bottle set in the proper storage position and with each label legible.
Located on the vineyard side of the building, the Oval Room offers a relaxing environment with expansive windows that frame views of Spring Valley and the Mayacamas mountains. Outside, an expanded terrace and patio bring increased opportunities for guests to enjoy their visit overlooking the vineyard.