ST. HELENA, CA—The historic stone building at Freemark Abbey has been an iconic Napa Valley landmark for more than 100 years. Originally constructed in 1886, the Freemark Abbey building graces the bottle label. But it was its participation in the Judgment of Paris wine tasting of 1976 that placed Napa Valley squarely on the world wine stage.

The genesis of Freemark Abbey dates back five years prior to that, in 1881, when Josephine and John Tychson purchased 147 acres in the Napa Valley. Five years later, after John's death, Tychson built her original redwood winery on the current site of Freemark Abbey in St. Helena. She earned a place in the history books as the first female vintner in California, making the winery that would become Freemark Abbey groundbreaking in more ways than one, GlobeSt.com learns.

Originally less than half its current size, the stone building at Freemark Abbey was built over time, as more temperature-controlled space was needed for wine-making functions and stone provided the perfect material for that. The original structure was constructed by the same hands that farmed the grapes and made the wine in the historical tradition of a barn-raising. The various stages of construction are evident in the different stonework and coursing patterns throughout the rambling structure, and in the hand-hewn quality of the stone and mortar walls. According to SB Architects' project manager Jim Brenza, “Every elevation had its own logic, but no two were the same.”

Through the years, the historic significance of this naturally beautiful structure was obscured as additions covered the original facade, new uses unrelated to winemaking filled the street-facing spaces and rear spaces were under-utilized. Jackson Family Wines, which purchased the historic winery in 2006, sought to restore both the history and beauty of the rough-hewn structure, re-connecting it to its history and making it a compelling destination in the modern era.

Freemark Abbey reopened this summer during its 130th anniversary, after the historic building was transformed to offer new guest offerings. Some of those offerings include wine education and tasting options in addition to the new restaurant, Two Birds One Stone, led by acclaimed chefs Sang Yoon and Douglas Keane, GlobeSt.com learns in this exclusive.

What is unique about this project, say the designers and owners, is the renovation preserved the century-old stone building while introducing modern updates. San Francisco design team, SB Architects, captured the historical significance through updated materials.

The primary design challenge was to bring light into the low-profile stone structure. Now, as visitors cross the threshold of original stone facade, they are now greeted by a light-filled space. The solution lay in a 6-foot wide skylight that runs nearly the entire length of the ridge line, augmented by a board-and-batten clerestory. Punctuated by windows, this clerestory also serves to raise the roof line by 3 feet above the height of the original 7-foot stone walls. Distressed Douglas Fir floors emphasize the sense of history and steel trusses were also fitted into the original structure. The exposed structure with arched underside is modeled on the trusses found in San Francisco's Ferry Building.

This new space is now the setting for a flexible space that is able to meet a multitude of needs as the hospitality elements of the winery continue to grow and evolve. A boardroom now plays host to VIP tastings. The lower level houses one of the largest wine libraries in the Napa Valley, where vintage tastings will be offered for club members and collectors. The original barrel room, which has been completely restored, will be available for larger groups of up to 200 people.

To the left of the historic entry, (rediscovered during demolition), lies Two Birds One Stone. The new space that houses the restaurant is designed as an indoor/outdoor space, taking advantage of the existing openings in the facade. A 1970s addition at the front of the property has been replaced by a terrace, and lounge seating, fire features and fountains were added along Highway 29.

Instant Insights /

Retrofit Preserves 100-Year-Old Napa Valley Landmark

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