Efficient Winery Design for Well-Known Winemaking Couple

Designing a Winery for Luminaries in the Industry

Melka Estates & Winery is a project created by Signum Architecture for a couple who are well-known in the winemaking community. The winery is designed to reflect the owners' humble personalities while making a bold statement. The emphasis is on functionality and efficiency, with a lean budget in mind.

Efficient Use of Space

Although the winery is adjacent to Highway 29, it only has a total of 2,000 square feet of interior space and 1,400 square feet of covered exterior space. The barn-like structure is derived from traditional agricultural vernacular, with a prefabricated structure painted a deep shade of charcoal. The front of the site is lined with a landscaped berm, which runs interference between the winery and the road.

Central Point of the Winery

An existing oak tree is the central point of the winery. Set perpendicular to the road, on axis with the oak, a breezeway opens up the structure to form a vaulted cavern equally well-suited for production or events. The production facility is augmented on nearly every side with covered space formed by extrusions of the standing seam roof. Over the hospitality-facing facade, a deep overhang creates a covered crush pad. A screened breezeway provides flexible indoor/outdoor space.

Flexibility is Key

In a small facility, flexibility is critical. Three cooling systems allow the winemaking team to move the wine from place to place as it progresses through fermentation and barrel aging in the two structures. The French approach to the winemaking process is followed, and mobile cooling units can be relocated as needed.

Melka Estates & Winery is a testament to the importance of functionality and efficiency in winery design. The lean budget has not compromised the quality of the building, which makes a bold statement while reflecting the owners' personalities. The winery's central point is an existing oak tree, which is the focal point of the entire structure. Flexibility is key, and the three cooling systems ensure that the winemaking team can move the wine from place to place with ease.

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