TarraWarra Cellar Door By Kerstin Thompson
- Words
- Paula Lou Riebschläger
On the Tarrawarra Estate in the Yarra Valley Melbourne-based architect Kerstin Thompson created a subterranean wine experience with the charm of a European wine cellar surrounded by an Australian landscape.
Visitors enter the wooden door set into a circular stone forecourt enveloped by farmland. Inside the building holds an exquisit private dining room, a bar and a lounge area. TarraWarra Cellar Door provides an intimate space that places wine and its making at the center of the visitors’ experience. Therefore, the dining room is equipped with a glass wall offering a view of stored barrels and bottles. In this way, guests get an insight into the cycle of winemaking from grape to glass. The selection of materials, textured concrete with timber highlights and furniture made from recycled timber, create a cozy atmosphere that allows for extensive wine tastings and pleasant lunches, dinners or receptions. Inside TarraWarra Door nothing reminds of dusty, bleak wine cellars. On the contrary, black funnels direct daylight into the building. In addition, a large opening at the end offers a view of the enclosing vineyard. TarraWarra Estate is located in the Yarra Valley, a wine growing region situated east of Melbourne in Victoria, Australia. The vineyard covers more than 161 hectare estate, surrounded by picturesque rolling hills.
All images © Derek Swalwell