2025 Winery Design Award: Bella Union by Pacific Building Workshop

Author:

While Far Niente’s Bella Union Winery, led by winemaker Brooke Price, is committed to innovation and experimentation, that spirit wasn’t reflected in their location. So when a 120-acre property on Highway 29 became available, they jumped at the opportunity to create a space that showcased their goal of being “a playground for the wine-curious.”

The Atrium is a modern Parisian brasserie-inspired tasting room. Photos by Yoshihiro Makino.

“They envisioned it as the physical embodiment of the out-of-the-box thinking that goes into creating Bella Union’s unique blends,” says Pacific Building Workshop’s Mike Niemann, who was tasked with reimagining the new location’s dour building as a compelling and vibrant destination. “We wanted to design a fun, multilayered experience that would appeal to a young audience, encourage repeat visits and convey winemaking’s inherent creativity,” he explains. A visitation permit meant they could consider events outside the usual scope of winery activities. “Of course they can have serious tastings,”
he explains. “But they can also welcome casual groups, host creative events and offer cultural programming, like their artist-in-residence program, launched with LA-based artist Harold Mendez.”

Based on the idea of a “chef’s table,” the Winemaker’s Table offers a space for the local makers to share what they’re doing in an intimate setting. Photos by Yoshihiro Makino.

Collaborating with JK & Co.’s Jason Kerwin, who wore the architect hat, Carmel Brenden, also of JK & Co., who assumed interior design duties, and Girvin Associates’ George Girvin, who oversaw the landscape design, Niemann led the transformation of the existing concrete box into a welcoming and airy structure. A series of distinct yet connected indoor and outdoor spaces, spread out over two stories, cascades through experiences including the Jewel Box, a glass-enclosed room on the second floor that showcases breathtaking views of the Napa Valley; The Wren bar, a lively outdoor patio and lounge; and the Winemaker’s Table, an intimate “chef ’s table” for oenophiles. “We took a challenging structure and recast it as a venue that can stand toe- to-toe with any of Far Niente’s landmark caliber properties.” Adventure awaits!

The Wren bar is a lively outdoor patio space perfect for entertaining. Photos by Yoshihiro Makino.