Winery Guide
In this round-up of architecturally designed wineries, we take a closer look at stylish spots to sample a grape or two immersed in incredible design.
Words : Emma-Kate Wilson
From the cool-climate wineries in South Australia's Adelaide Hills, Victoria's Yarra Valley and Mornington Peninsula and Tassie's Freycinet, we looked at five examples where the architecture offers a novel experience to enjoy the vino.
TARRAWARRA CELLAR DOOR
Found within an existing tunnel on the winery, the Tarrawarra Cellar Door provides an immersive experience akin to exploring the barrel the wines are created in, thanks to the dark tonal palette and slight curve to the ceiling. This reminder is nearby, adjacent to the bar, rows and rows of the vintage pinot noir direct to the site of production. An impressive spot to sit, the visitor is invited to witness how their sips were made, the winemaking the heart of the experience.
Entering via the large timber door, through the circular stone forecourt that provides vistas out towards the Yarra Valley, takes you under the ground, where the choice of materials by Kerstin Thompson Architects amplifies the colour, taste, and smell of the wines. The architects settled on a palette of textured concrete with timber highlights and furniture from recycled timber for the subterranean wine bar. With circle skylights punching through, the result is a warm and inviting ambience through the colder months and a refreshing break in summer.
“Located in an extension of the existing tunnel, TarraWarra Cellar Door is imagined as an intimate space that places wine and its making at the centre of the visitor experience. Its delight derives from combining an Australian landscape setting with the subterranean charm of a European wine cellar.”
JACKALOPE
In the majestic landscape of the Mornington Peninsula, Jackalope takes shape as a monolithic juxtaposition to the environment, slowly emerging as the visitor approaches the long driveway through the Willow Creek Vineyard. A hotel and winery, Jackalope provides more than one occasion to witness the vistas, all within the dramatic and unexpected architecture.
Completed in 2017, architects Carr Design redefines the scope of a destination hotel with imposing black pyramid sculptures that play off the surrounding agricultural vernacular. The architects wanted Jackalope to stand out yet complement the matrix of Indigenous mass landscaping. Throughout, the visitor is returned to a sense of curiosity and engagement with the winemaking on site, the process engaged through the architecture by Carr and contemporary art sculptures.
“Implicit rather than explicit, Jackalope represents a homage to Australian architectural typologies and mythologies, evidenced most profoundly in the direct siting and form of the main building as an imposing agricultural barn – a counterpoint to the existing winery infrastructures.”
DEVIL’S CORNER
Located along a popular tourist drive on Tasmania’s East Coast, near Freycinet National Park, Devil’s Corner was designed to stand out against the rolling landscape. Cumulus Studio were tasked with upgrading the Cellar Door and Lookout in the lush grounds of Devil's Corner vineyard for a full experience that centres the wine.
Cumulus Studio used a series of timber-clad shipping containers for three distinct spaces, which form a modern interpretation of regional buildings. Oriented around a courtyard space, the Cellar Door and Food Market allow for a welcoming, warm space while windows engage the picturesque environment beyond. The Lookout continues this, both acting as an architectural landmark for passing drivers and returning the favour as a platform to view panoramas over the Freycinet Peninsula.
Devil’s Corner Winery by Cumulus Studio. Photo: Adam Gibson
Devil’s Corner Winery by Cumulus Studio. Photo: Adam Gibson
“The view here is irresistible; a corridor of eucalyptus parts to reveal the first glimpse of Freycinet Peninsula’s iconic granite mountains, jutted above Moulting Lagoon. And there, amidst the lush grass and grapevines, you’ll find Devil’s Corner’s rectangular forms, crafted from refurbished shipping containers.”
HUBERT ESTATE
Melbourne-based architects Cera Stribley were entrusted with updating the iconic Hubert Estate in Yarra Valley in 2019, revamping the legacy of pioneering winemaker Hubert de Castella winery, first established in 1862. Throughout, contemporary architecture contrasts the traditional, with the architects redesigning the family-style restaurant (Quarters), Indigenous art gallery (Hubert Gallery of Art), event space (Harriett), and St Hubert’s cellar door.
St Hubert’s is the best example of this engagement with the landscape and heritage, all within a modern interpretation — authenticity is at the heart of the design. A large copper door sets the scene through two high concrete walls within the monolithic earth building. Inside, Cera Stribley continues the earthy materiality with concrete and copper, timber panelling, smooth natural-edged timber wine tasting benches and brown leather seated stools.
Hubert Estate by Cera Stribley. Photo: Courtesy of Hubert Estate
Hubert Estate by Cera Stribley. Photo: Courtesy of Hubert Estate
“Architecture is a large part of the attraction for this latest Yarra Valley destination, and Cera Stribley’s design response undeniably makes it so.”
BIRD IN HAND
Located in Adelaide Hill, Enoki were brought onboard for Bird in Hand's private cellar door and art-filled boutique accommodation inspired by the winemaking.
Transforming the 100-year-old dairy, the new cellar door received a complete refurbishment inspired by the name of the winery and their love of art and sculpture. Enoki employed raw and natural materials, allowing contemporary lighting, sculpture, and artworks to take centre stage; an exciting display mixing up the traditions of regional wineries.
Within the cellar door, Enoki added golden timber panels that create an immersive experience, stretching across the ceiling—a suspended fireplace adding warmth, homeliness and informality. However, they drew on the cool climate vinos served up with a natural palette of limestone tiles, steel-framed windows, and charcoal bar unit.
“Enoki nicknamed one of their private suites ‘Sparkling Suite’ after one of their best-selling bottles. Designed to feel light and airy, the room is crisp and ebullient, and even incorporates fizz-inspired glass pendant bauble lights over the bath.”
