An invited competition for a new winery and hospitality center for Epoch Estate Wines'
York Mountain location. York Mountain is one of California's oldest wineries, and the
only one with its own American Viticultural Area (AVA) designation. The 150-acre site
is located west of Paso Robles, in California's Central Coast region, where the soils
are ideally suited for Rhone varietals. The project consists of four primary components:
Site:
The character of the existing site and production facilities is rural agrarian. Unlike most
private wineries, the existing facilities at York Mountain are bisected by a county road,
giving the site a uniquely public feel.
Hospitality Center:
The existing stone winery was built in 1882 with an addition utilizing 100,000 bricks fired on site.
The building was severely damaged in a 2003 earthquake and structurally condemned. Paradoxically, it is
a registered historic structure and cannot be removed. Within this context, the owner sought to create
a modern hospitality center capitalizing on the historic character while establishing a new aesthetic
representing the quality and vision of Epoch Estate Wines.
Farm House:
The existing Victorian farm house wil be restored as a guest house.
Production Facility Program:
The new 20,000sf facility accommodates the production of 10,000 cases/year and maximizes
the use of gravity for production. The design integrates wine caves for barrel aging and
ceremonial tastings.
