California winery

With the task to return an old winery to its agricultural and pragmatic simplicity, studio Aidlin Darling Design centerded the wine-tasting experience around a majestic oak tree.

Aidlin Darling Design, Brecon Estate Winery

Winner of the Merit Design Award for Architecture at the 2016 San Francisco AIA Design Awards, the Brecon Estate Winery remodeled by Aidlin Darling Design, is located on the “Emerald Necklace” of Paso Robles’ progressive wine growing region.

**Top:** Aidlin Darling Design, Brecon Estate Winery, Paso Robles, California. Northwest Elevation, after renovation. **Above:** Cantilevered deck at outdoor tasting area.

The renovation involved a complete facelift and reorganization of an existing production facility and tasting room. The previously existing structure had virtually no relationship to the land that surrounded it. Aidlin Darling Design set out to return the building to its agricultural and pragmatic simplicity. Faux-historic decoration was stripped away and replaced with earthen plaster and an untreated cedar rain screen. These naturally weathering materials were chosen to age gracefully, and are intended to reciprocate the agrarian structures found along California’s Central Coast.

The visitor’s approach to the building’s tasting area was reorganized in an effort to reconnect them physically and experientially to the landscape and the adjacent vineyards. Revolving around a majestic oak tree, the tasting area connects indoor and outdoor space, and includes a large cantilevered deck, large pocketing doors, and a tasting bar positioned as a hinge between inside and outside spaces. Aidlin Darling’s approach to design seeks to connect to the inherent spirit of a space, intertwining our experience with our environment through design that is both rational and sensual.

Aidlin Darling Design, Brecon Estate Winery, Paso Robles, California. Cantilevered deck at dusk

Aidlin Darling Design, Brecon Estate Winery, Paso Robles, California. Facade, after renovation

Aidlin Darling Design, Brecon Estate Winery, Paso Robles, California. Tasting Room entry

Aidlin Darling Design, Brecon Estate Winery, Paso Robles, California. Front Facade

Aidlin Darling Design, Brecon Estate Winery, Paso Robles, California. View from tasting room to entry footpath

Aidlin Darling Design, Brecon Estate Winery, Paso Robles, California. Members lounge with overlook to production area

Brecon Market Drawings - Plans

Aidlin Darling Design, Brecon Estate Winery, Paso Robles, California. Floor plan

Aidlin Darling Design, Brecon Estate Winery, Paso Robles, California. Lanscape connections scheme

Brecon Estate Winery, before renovation

Brecon Estate Winery, before renovation

Brecon Estate Winery, Paso Robles, California
Program: renovation
Architects: Aidlin Darling Design
Project team: David Darling, Peter Larsen, Katie Stuart
Client: Brecon Estate
General contractor: Specialty Construction Inc.
Structural engineering: Taylor & Syfan
Electrical engineering: Thoma Electric
Mechanical engineering: Brummel, Myrick & Associates
Civil engineering: North Coast Engineering
Landscape: Madrone Landscapes
Area: 1,800 sqm
Completion: 2016

California winery

With the task to return an old winery to its agricultural and pragmatic simplicity, studio Aidlin Darling Design centerded the wine-tasting experience around a majestic oak tree.

Brecon Market Drawings - Plans

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