Project Data:

Completion Date:     2/4/2023

Square Footage:      3616

Building Use:           Wine Tasting Facility

Project Description:

The design objective was to create a sophisticated wine tasting room and event space for a site in the Shenandoah Valley, ( Plymouth, CA ). Further objectives were to meld the facility with the site, the vineyards, the four acre pond and the ancient oak tree with a spread of 80'. The oak tree sits above the pond with the building placed next to it so the entry experience embraces the tree. Once inside, the building opens to a grand terrace overlooking the pond and the event lawn.
With the building open to the terrace and facing west the northwest breezes were captured by opening the large sliding glass doors and opening the clerestory windows facing east, creating a natural cooling effect.
The owner also wanted the building and landscape to reflect the color of the soil and the rocks on site. The colors ranged from milk chocolate brown to dark reddish brown. This was achieved within the building with a 60' long wall of Clayworks / rammed earth that included the soil colors and some of the actual soil from the site. The landscape architect used some of the granite rocks on site as tables, low rock walls and sculptural elements.

Design for Integration, Design for Equitable Communities, Design for Ecosystems, Design for Water , Design for Economy, Design for Energy, Design for Well-being, Design for Resources, Design for Change, Design for Discovery 

Design for integration was one of the client's goals from the very beginning. The building fits into the site by reflecting the slope of the land in the roof form. It embraces the ancient oak tree at its entry and once inside the building the customers are greeted with walls of glass in the direction of the trees that surround the pond and the foothills beyond. The exterior colors of the soil are carried into the interior with the Clayworks / rammed earth wall that runs through the building from the entry and out to the pizza oven / patio.
With a moderate climate the 60' of sliding doors are able to be open most of the year which allows for circulation out to the Grand Terrace and the event lawn below. Numerous "garden pockets" allow customers to be seated in a garden setting while overlooking the pond with its egret, heron, ducks and occasional flocks of Canadien Geese. All while tasting great wine and enjoying the freshly made pizza.

The community is enriched by not only providing employment in an agricultural area but with the diverse activities such as art shows, live music and a place to gather. It brings a renewed sense of spirit to this area of the Shenandoah Valley.

The four acre pond, which is part of a live stream most of the year supports abundant fish and wildlife. The pond is not used for irrigation so it maintains its natural ups and downs as it did prior to the new building. What is different now is a stewardship by the owners of maintaining the pond in its natural state. The building and its terraces are far enough away from the pond that visitors can view it from many different areas without disturbing the wildlife.
Environmental engineers were consulted to control runoff from the sloping site.

The project has contributed to the local economy with meaningful jobs both for agriculture ( the vineyard ) but also for hospitality as part of the staff attending to the customers. After a year in operation the facility has exceeded expectations of the owners in the customers that it has brought to the new design. Many of which have joined the wine club to continue their connection to Casino Mine Ranch Winery.

As often as possible the north and west window walls are opened to allow the northwest breezes into the building. This is enhanced by the east facing clerestory windows that open to create a chimney effect.

The project is designed to connect the user to the outdoors. Garden areas have been integrated into the site to allow for individuals and groups to experience this wonderful site and its natural amenities.

The original intent was to use the natural clay soil for a rammed earth wall but tests showed that it was not sustainable so Clayworks, a natural clay/ plaster material that has no additives, was used for the rammed earth wall as well as the plaster for all of the building's walls. Externally, all of the stone walls in the landscaping are from the winery site and were built by local stone masons. Many of the tables and sculptures around the site are " found" objects that were slightly modified to become a part of the overall design.

Currently, consultants are evaluating the use of solar panels and thermal energy for possible inclusion.

Space around the building was left for future additions if needed. Currently an additional facility is being designed north of the existing building to handle more customers.

To date the customers visiting the tasting facility have reacted to the building in a positive manner, taking delight in the integration with nature while allowing them to enjoy a class of wine in a joyous space!

Completion Date:     2/4/2023

Square Footage:      3616

Building Use:           Wine Tasting Facility

Location:                 Plymouth, California

Don Jacobs, FAIA

Don Jacobs Architect, Inc.
309 Poppy AVe.
Corona del Mar, CA 92625

Jim Merryman
10690 Shenandoah Road
Plymouth, CA 94566

BKF, Civil Engineers
980 9th Street, Suite 2300
Sacramento, CA 95814

BORM, Structural Engineers
Masoud Bokaie / George Richards
2211 Michelson Dr., Ste. 450
Irvine, CA 92612

Lifescapes International
17461 Derian Ave. Suite 202
Irvine, CA 92614

AE Porter
4101 Power Inn Rd. Ste. D
Sacramento, CA 95826

Inside Source, Interior Designer
Kayte Compton
985 Industrial Road, Ste. 101
San Carlos, CA 94070

John Levy, Lighting Designer
The World Trade Center
350 S. Figueroa Street, Ste. 127
Los Angeles, CA 90071

Paul Kozal
39102 Ocean Drive
PO Box 1245
Gualala, CA 95445