Cakebread Cellars is one of Napa Valley’s most renowned wineries, known for its world-class setting and wines. The design team was engaged to renovate and expand the property to create an elevated hospitality experience alongside enhanced production and administrative areas. Goals for the project included creating fresh experiences for guests, where visitors would feel more connected to the surrounding vineyards, wine-making process and history of the winery. Our clients also wanted an evolved, modern hospitality center and retail offering that blended with the timeless architectural style of the property's original buildings, which date to the 1970s.

Visitors are greeted inside an expansive new reception area, imbued with references to the craft of wine-making, including the use of banded oak staves and blackened steel in the welcome desk and a series of custom light fixtures overhead, made from the staves of retired Cakebread wine barrels. The South end of the visitor center is a comfortable space for groups to mingle and meet their wine educator while enjoying a first pour before embarking on their visit. With the feel of a grand living room, the space is gracious and comfortable, with the light tones of vertical grain Hemlock and cathedral grain European White Oak setting off the rich warmth of restored mid-century Carlo Molino chairs. A 16’ live-edge walnut slab table anchors the center of the space, while photography by Cakebread founder Jack Cakebread adorns the walls.

Addressing the client's desire to provide an immersive experience with each visit, nine tasting rooms were integrated throughout the site to bring guests closer to the wine-making process. Some, like Annahala Ranch, feature sweeping vineyard and garden views, while others, like Doggwood and Foster Road, are integrated within active production areas - in this case, the winery's new concrete 'egg' tanks in the Central Hall.

Photography: Bruce Damonte