The Monte Christo Winery is nestled into the hillside, surrounded by vineyards, a tasting room and an underground cellar. The site was chosen to enable a gravity-fed production process, with grapes arriving at a higher elevation than the main processing hall. Although substantial in scale, the building is designed to recess into its environment: barrel halls are tucked beneath the upper processing level and into the hillside to help maintain cool temperatures year‑round. The winery can process 180 tonnes of grapes and includes four barrel halls, a main production area, staff facilities, a laboratory and an aroma room for tasting and education.

Education was a key client requirement, and the layout was arranged so visitors can tour the winery and observe all stages of production while maintaining a separate, secure environment for winemaking.

Sustainability was a primary driver: all wastewater and stormwater are treated and returned to the reservoir above for vineyard irrigation. A PV solar system with battery backup allows the winery to generate most of its own electricity and rely on batteries for critical systems instead of a diesel generator. Heat‑recovery ventilation serves the office and staff spaces, and the building incorporates a fully insulated slab and thermal separation between conditioned and non‑conditioned areas.

We’re extremely proud of this project and grateful to have clients who allow us to enhance and bring their vision to life.