I think tonight is a great night to swing by a winery… and wait, it’s designed by Tom Kundig?  SIGN ME UP!

There’s an elegant simplicity to the layout here:  two bars, one that follows the slope of the land, the other that juts outward to hover above it, both clad in weathering steel that grounds it visually into the surrounding hillsides.  The sloping bar contains the functions of the winery while the other contains offices and hospitality bits.  Where they meet, a large covered portico shields entry both for visitors as well as for the grapes, entryways for where all the magic begins.

This straightforward arrangement is accentuated by highlighting the changes of elevation and playing up where the two bars interact.  This is accompanied in no small measure with the hallmark Kundig-style precision detailing that embraces the best of industrial craft.  And  absolutely, a precision deployment of theatricality (which is totally appropriate here).

I’ll raise a glass to that!  And now that’s at least two amazing wineries in BC by Olson Kundig Architects… all the more impetus for me to visit sometime.

Martin’s Lane Winery by Olson Kundig Architects