September 24, 2019, Napa, CA – Bouchaine Vineyards has announced the completion of their new Visitor Center and planned opening to the public in mid-October.
The renovation and expansion at Bouchaine Vineyards began at a time when winery improvements had become much more challenging to achieve in Napa Valley. Acknowledging this changing environment for approvals, the owners of Bouchaine Vineyards, Gerret and Tatiana Copeland, developed a well-thought out process to ensure support from Bouchaine’s neighbors and Napa County.
As a result, the project design led by Michael Cook and his consulting team, including architect Kevin O’Malley of O’Malley Wilson & Westphal, was approved by the County at its first Planning Commission presentation.
Photo by Michael Hospelt Photography
Project leader, Michael Cook, stated, “I engaged with the owners to understand their vision for the new Visitor Center and quickly came to realize that what they were looking for was a “WOW factor” – one that would provide each visitor with an unforgettable experience, along with incredible views overlooking the surrounding vineyards. We used the awe-inspiring vistas to our advantage and perfectly oriented the construction of the most unique and interesting building that I have ever worked on.”
Sitting high atop a hill overlooking the historical existing winery building, the new 5,000 square foot Visitor Center is designed in a semi-circle, intended to be reminiscent of an open embrace. The unusual shape of the new building maximizes the spectacular views of the vineyards and surrounding hills, and in the distance frames the San Francisco Bay.
As the building was designed to have no straight or parallel lines, the radius configuration is a welcoming experience as they enter the building. The style of the new Visitor Center is modern in form and function and features crisp lines, reclaimed redwood siding, and floor-to-ceiling windows.
The new facade matches the existing buildings that are clad in wood milled from historic redwood tanks. Continuing Bouchaine’s commitment to preservation, the Copelands repurposed 80-year old redwood planks from Martini & Prati wine tanks to be made into the vertical shade fins on the new building. The floor–to-ceiling redwood fins, 12” deep and spaced 3 feet apart, break up the massive glass facade of the building. The fins were conceived to help control heating and cooling of the structure, by keeping the interior shaded during the summer. The soaring roof was developed to address the “WOW factor” the owners desired.
Cut from one tree, the Tasting Room bar is made from reclaimed solid cypress slabs, and provides an inviting view of the large terrace with Carneros views just beyond. At one end of the building, the Copeland Room features a massive see-through fireplace built with stone from a local Napa Valley quarry, with a large mantle made from reclaimed timbers. The room provides seating for up to 80 people, easily accommodating large groups or intimate gatherings.
Past the Copeland Room is a 750-square foot sleek and contemporary open-design kitchen created by Frank Müller, of Müller Design Associates, Inc. The world-class kitchen features two Molteni ranges, a combi oven, custom double hoods with a Streivor air system and an Ansel fire suppression system, two working stations, refrigerated drawers, dessert and plating stations, two large Euro-Cave Professional Show Cave Wine Cellars, and Cambria Stone countertops throughout.
The overall project, constructed by Wright Contracting, also includes a renovation of the existing 3,000-square foot tasting room building, a 22,000-square foot expansion of the production facilities, a new 2,100-square foot terrace, and ample parking space, including handicap and clean-air vehicle parking. The outdoor terrace is the perfect place for a relaxed wine tasting, surrounded by two soothing water features, landscaped gardens, comfortable sofas and armchairs, and the warm glow of multiple firepits.
Paintings purchased by Gerret and Tatiana Copeland over the past decade now hang throughout the new building, including works by well-known Napa artist Lowell Herrero. Influenced by the owners’ love of life, art, wine and music, embossed in the floor by the entrance to the new Visitor Center are the words “WINE MAKES YOU HAPPY”.
Bouchaine Vineyards has long been both critically and environmentally acclaimed as a premier producer of Estate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Noted as the first “Fish Friendly Farming” certified vineyard in Napa Valley, and also Napa Green certified, Bouchaine continues to seek sustainable farming methods that elevate the distinct quality of their wines.
Family-owned Bouchaine Vineyards is located at 1075 Buchli Station Road, Napa, CA 94559. The winery is open daily for tasting and tours. Reservations are required for groups of six or more guests. More information is available at www.bouchaine.com or by calling (800) 654-WINE or (707) 252-9065.
About Bouchaine Vineyards
Bouchaine Vineyards is the oldest continuously operating winery in the Carneros District. Originally planted in the late 1880s, Gerret and Tatiana Copeland have been the proprietors of our estate since 1981. Meticulous sustainable farming techniques and the estate terroir allow for crafting award-winning Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. Bouchaine continually endeavors to create the perfect bottle of wine embodying the excellence of Burgundy, the exuberance of California and the terroir of Carneros.
