In recent years, wineries have become destinations as much for their on-site architecture as for their bottles – an oenophilic twist that’s very much in evidence in this bucolic corner in wine-rich Russian River Valley.
After years of neglect, the original 1970s winery and facilities have been revived by San Francisco-based Walker Warner Architects and Maca Huneeus Design into a sleekly understated suite of buildings that now act as both a hospitality venue and showcase for Flowers Vineyard & Winery’s sustainably produced Sonoma Coast wines.
The amble through the shaded redwood grove and gardens framed by rammed-earth walls leads to an airy hilltop retreat that’s lined with bald cypress, customised California walnut bench, stone tiled fireplace and oak floors.
Wine-tastings of the house vintages of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Rosé are, of course, de rigueur, but so is settling down to head chef Jamil Peden’s paired menu of local seasonal produce.§
