A winery in Provence, France; architecturally carries the past and the future yet valid part of the landscape with its trees and bushes around.

Château Bois d’Arlène

Located in the AOC Vacqueyras in Provence, France, this winery is a product of its unique terroir. The building is grounded, solid, restrained. Local materials and methods are combined with modern architectural thought and detailing. Provencal stonework, chaux and clay tile form the basic palette of exterior materials. On the interior, steel, concrete and glass are thoughtfully integrated and contrasted with the more rustic materials.

The complex is focused around an arena of double-tiered, gravity-flow fermentation tanks. This cylindrical arrangement of concrete tanks is the heart of the winery. To the east is the Bergerie: a 13th century agricultural building, restored and renovated to include the tasting room, offices and two residences. Bridging between the tasting room and the restaurant to the west is an open gallery that can expand each space as needed. From here visitors can connect terroir to wine—exterior vistas to the south and multiple views into the winemaking arena to the north. And hidden underground, the winery’s cave cellar and private wine library are housed under a series of concrete barrel vaults. 

In collaboration with Dany & Febvay Architectes. Gigondas, France.

Harvesting process on the grape field.
Entry view of the winery, light blue wooden blind symmetrically pop up on the light beige walls on the multiple story building.
Detail photo of the main facade of the winery, the facade carries of a shiny day's colors with its wall and blind colors and marks the entry door with a heavy, wooden door.
Top view of the winery building from distance on a bright and shiny day.
Outdoor patio in shade with brick wall in the back.
Exterior gathering at the winery, a great sycamore tree provides shade for the visitors.
Grandiose interior space leads to the wine tasting room.
An arena of double-tiered, gravity-flow fermentation tanks which is in the focus of the work to process the fruit.
Exterior photograph of the winery from a distance, the building shines in the rays of the setting sun.

Location: Sarrians, France
Architect of Record: Dany & Febvay Architectes
Photography: Norge Larson, Clothilde Dufresne, Jonathan Loussinian

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