We’ve been taking a look at the design of wineries around the world over these past few weeks from a rather holistic point of view, writes Gregory Dal Piaz from the United States. The truth is that almost every winery is designed with some aesthetic, some just resonate more with me and some are just simply a better expression of that aesthetic.
So what of the rest? Well, today I just want to look at the cool bits and pieces. Some of these are fairly iconic elements of their wineries, some are famous, but all of them make you want to visit!
So without further ado, here’s what makes a winery cool. Put them all together and I think you end up with Las Vegas!
Boutari’s Dome
Built in 1989, the dome of the Boutari Winery on Santorini is layered with symbolism. First off, it’s white, which is symbolic of the island’s architecture, but since there’s a law on Santorini that says your building has to be white, that should probably be considered a design restriction rather than a choice.
The design of the dome, however, is classically proportioned. And while dictated in part by an internal layout that allows for an amphitheater as well as tasting rooms, it serves as an iconic symbol for the island’s burgeoning wine industry. It also helps keep the interior cool, as does the white exterior, all good and fine for protection against the sun. But Santorini is a volcano you know, and that dome looks suspiciously like a Turkish grill. Big white egg? I’m just saying!
Ceretto’s Cube
The oven of Castiglione. Designed to take in the breathtaking, nearly 360-degree view from the top of a hill in the Barolo-producing village of Castiglione Falleto, Ceretto’s cube is well-known. Not only is it a fascinating break with tradition, but the bare glass walls and thick metal floor seem particularly better suited to roasting chickens than welcoming customers. Still, it is eye-catching.
Bodegas Protos’ Arches
It seems wineries love simple architectural features and a large scale. Spain’s Bodegas Protos really take this thinking to heart. Their deceptively simply looking winery structures are five huge arches that look sort of like the barbecue pavilions at state parks – on steroids.
These things are huge, but they have to be to house the state of the art winemaking facilities that fit under these multiple roofs. And it’s those roofs that both make this striking as well as functional. It’s hot in Spain and wines hate to be hot, so by creating a huge expanse of roofing, the winery is able to take advantage of the thermal mass of the massive triangular plinth the structure sits on without looking like a Soviet factory. It’s a win-win.
Hillinger’s “Sleeper” Obsession
The Austrians are a funny people, peculiar even. And while Leo Hillinger’s exquisite little winery really is an exceptional integration of man and nature, I can’t help but think of the Woody Allen movie, “Sleeper”!
I can almost imagine that there are, in fact, giant mutant chickens running around outside the winery. But the real question has to be: Where is the Orgasmatron?
Darioush’s Monument to Persia
Okay, monument might be a little bit of a loose usage here, but Darioush Khaledi, the founder of the eponymous winery and gentleman of Iranian origin, did build one crazy looking winery! Actually it’s not the winery, just the entrance to the visitor’s center and the visitor’s center itself that harken back to the times of Arabian nights.
Incidentally, it’s kind of ironic that Darioush is actually from Iran’s Shiraz region. While the winery has stuck with modern Bordeaux-inspired blends, it seems the owner has a little bit more in common with the Hermitage Bordeaux blends of the past.
(Well now, what does South African wineries have to offer? We wait in anticipation. – Ed.)
(Source: SNOOTH)
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