Louis M. Martini Winery, a cornerstone of Napa Valley and one of its founding wineries at the end of Prohibition, announces the restoration of the historic winery. The scheduled opening is March 2019.
Howard Backen of Backen, Gillam & Kroeger Architects was selected to carefully restore the original winery, and infuse it with a timeless design. “Howard Backen’s vision celebrates the historic 1933 winery building and seeks to preserve its unique structural elements,” says Matt Gallo, Vice President, Coastal Operations.
Backen, who was named one of the top 100 architects and designers in the world by Architectural Digest, sought to remove the non-historic additions made throughout the 85-year-old building’s history and meticulously restore it to its original form.
An atrium draws guests into the building’s open floorplan, seamlessly integrating indoors and out. The building includes 30-foot-high glass walls with views into the barrel cellar, a demonstration dining room, an underground cellar with private wine libraries and a range of immersive Cabernet Sauvignon experiences. The design showcases reclaimed materials, including the original terra cotta wall tiles, juxtaposed against contemporary materials.
The expansive Martini Park features a beautiful sycamore grove with tables in dappled sunlight and private cabanas for al fresco wine service. The area is anchored by a culinary pavilion creating a spectacular walled garden.
Carolyn Martini, granddaughter of founder Louis M. Martini and daughter of Vintner’s Hall of Fame member Louis P. Martini, said she has been following the restoration with enthusiasm. “Both my father and grandfather would be extraordinarily proud of how the winery’s heritage is being carried forward. Their legacy of producing Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley will continue to be shared with generations to come.”
During the restoration, Louis M. Martini winery is welcoming guests in the adjacent Monte Rossotasting room on the south side of the historic winery. The tasting room is open daily from 10 am to 6 pm.
