Architecture
Designed by Michael Graves as a world-class destination that would express wine as an art form to delight, illuminate, and surprise.
The History
When the founders of Clos Pegase, Mr. and Mrs. Jan Shrem, decided to build a winery, they wanted it to be a world-class destination that would express their conviction that wine is an art form that should delight, illuminate, and surprise. After selecting a scenic site in the northern section of the Napa Valley, the Shrems sought out a visionary architect to design their dream winery. In association with the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art, they came up with the concept for an architectural design competition with the project going to the winning design. This competition began in May 1984 with the participation of 96 design teams. The esteemed competition jury narrowed the field to five finalists, and then declared the winning design to be that of architect Michael Graves.
Construction was completed in 1987 and the Postmodern look of Clos Pegase that he designed merges modern and ancient architecture with a nod to ancient Mediterranean culture. Graves describes the character of his creation as tending “to evoke memories of a European ancestry” and having a “timeless sensibility.” The selection jury explained, “it embodies a celebration of the lifestyle that is unique to the Napa Valley.”
A Monument to Wine
Clos Pegase consists of both the winery and a residence atop the volcanic knoll immediately behind the winery where the Shrems lived. The winery is divided into two sections: one for production and the other for the enjoyment of wine. The grand entrance portico supported by two massive pillars provides not only the entry point to the winery, but the separation of these two sides to the right and left respectively. Within the winery are 20,000 square feet of caves, including the breathtaking Cave Theater, a dramatic setting for celebrations and special events. According to House and Garden Magazine, Clos Pegase “has raised two ancient arts – architecture and winemaking- to a height that resonates with echoes of the ages” and is a must-see destination by anyone visiting the wine country. The national press has been generous in its praise as well, describing Clos Pegase as “a place of pilgrimage” and “America’s first monument to wine …”
The Garden
The portico is the entrance to the winery. With its grand columns and open roof represents the integration of the winery structure and the natural environment in which it is located. This allusion to ancient, Mediterranean architecture also embodies the melding of indoors and outdoors that is a key part of the Napa Valley lifestyle. It is this type of feature that the selection jury of the design competition appreciated, explaining, “it embodies a celebration of the lifestyle that is unique to the Napa Valley.”
The Friendship Bench
“The Friendship Bench” is not only a functional bench, but also an interactive contemporary sculpture from world-renowned public artists, Gillie and Marc. Incorporating their iconic characters Rabbitwoman and Dogman, you are invited to take a seat between them, inspiring conversations between friends, family, and even strangers! Rabbitwoman and Dogman tell the autobiographical tale of two opposites coming together to become best friends and soul mates. As unlikely animal kingdom companions, the Rabbit and the Dog stand for diversity and acceptance through love.
“The Friendship Bench” is a way of celebrating these differences rather than retreating in fear and division. Through “The Friendship Bench”, you are given the opportunity to take a moment and open yourself up to another with love and friendship, two of the most important things in the world. “The Friendship Bench” is the chance to become Rabbitwoman and Dogman’s friends, to make new friends, or just to take a photo to remember friendships.
The courtyard
The courtyard is another important location on the grounds of Clos Pegase. The cypress-lined courtyard has the formal structure of a European garden but with a comfortable inviting feel to experience the scene at one of our benches. At night the strings of lights running between the cypress trees adds a magical ambiance to special events hosted at the winery.
The success of Clos Pegase is legendary. According to the New York Times and the French government, Clos Pegase inspired the Chateau Bordeaux exhibit at the Centre Pompidou in Paris, where it was the only foreign winery featured as a point of comparison to Bordeaux Chateaux.
