In 2021, MFLA began a collaboration with the Merriam family to renovate their 21-acre estate in the eastern Russian River Valley. The estate, known for its organic farming and CCOF certification, provided a foundation for the renovation's focus on sustainable practices. The project aimed to enhance the guest experience by improving the entryway and tasting environments. I was lucky to have the opportunity to assist with this project from SD to CD.

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The design objective was to create comfortable exterior tasting environments and microclimates. This included the reorientation of guest and winery parking, developing exterior tasting areas adjacent to the renovated Tasting Room, Tasting Terrace, and a new Garden Room. These spaces now offer varied experiences for guests visiting the winery.

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Key elements of the project included a strong entrance drive lined with columnar Hornbeams and an allée of antique olives leading from the gravel parking area to the Tasting Room. Ornamental grasses and Bay Laurel hedges were used to define outdoor rooms and create a cohesive horticultural language. The collaboration involved various partners, including Cello & Maudru Construction, Bertotti Landscaping, MK Engineers Inc., Medium Plenty, TA Structural, and Dickson & Associates. The project was completed in 2023 and is now fully operational.