Article source: Olson Kundig

Situated on a prominent hill rising from the floor of the Okanagan Valley, the Mission Hill Winery is a complex intended to bring the winery facilities in line with the quality and demand for their wine. Once a nondescript facility, the new expansion began with the idea that the unique quality of the winery’s wine should be reflected in the quality of their visitor and production facilities.

On the exterior, earth-toned concrete give the building forms an understated, contemporary aesthetic. The buildings surround a central courtyard and amphitheater. Inside the buildings, the visitor is embraced by quiet, cool, and dimly lit spaces. An 85-feet high viewing tower-the belltower rises above the courtyard affording incredible views of the valley and becomes a signature for the winery itself. Dramatic underground cave cellars highlight the winemaking education tour, media center, boutique and tasting areas. Exterior courtyards and gardens provide space for picnicking.

Image Courtesy © Nic Lehoux

• Architects: Olson Kundig
• Design Principal: Tom Kundig, FAIA, RIBA
• Project: Mission Hill Family Estate Winery
• Location: Westbank, British Columbia, Canada
• Photography: Paul Warchol, Nic Lehoux
• Size: 11148 m2, 120,000 SF
• Completed: 2000

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