In the heart of California’s Napa Valley wine country, the Clos du Val winery lies on the Silverado Trail, the first permanent road that runs from Napa to Calistoga. Drawing inspiration from the history and legacy of the winery and its iconic brand, Surfacedesign created an immersive experience through the design and reinterpretation of the existing site, adding a complex layer of sensorial character to the guest experience.  

The gardens bring a contrasting informality to the winery’s refined and bold architecture, awakening the senses and elevating the overall tasting experience. To enjoy a glass of wine is to take the time to pause, see, smell, and taste. Clos du Val’s fragrant perennials – sweet salvias, soft lamb’s ears, tufted plumes of grasses – are layered in a composition that evokes depth and gentle movement with the soft color, fragrance, texture, and sounds of a natural meadow. Grounded in the site, the tasting gardens connect with views of the surrounding valley.  

Location: Napa, CA

Status: Completed 2023

Project Type: Winery

Photography: Marion Brenner