The Monte Christo tasting room in Gibbston breathes new life into a former stables building dating from around 1874, originally part of the Gibbston Hotel.

After years of varied use, the building had fallen into disrepair, with its historic stacked-stone wall becoming unstable and vulnerable to water ingress. Our brief was to improve the building’s performance and durability while creating a welcoming tasting room that sits comfortably within its rustic setting.

The design takes a considered approach to intervention, retaining and celebrating the building’s original character. New display shelving integrates with and helps stabilise the existing stone wall, while a new pergola and louvre system provide sheltered outdoor space. Fireplaces, discreet weathertightness upgrades and a complementary interior fit-out enhance the building’s comfort and functionality without compromising its historic fabric.

The result is a carefully balanced renewal that preserves the character of the original building while giving it a new and enduring life as a destination for Monte Christo Winery.