Winemakers and Geologists

The intriguing combination of great wine and good architecture captivates my senses time and time again. Jana and I recently took a trip north into wine country to attend one of Law Estate Wines’ infamous Black Label dinner parties. We were hooked from the first sip, and surrounded by wine lovers tossing out their own recommendations, we noticed something interesting.

Law Estate Wines was started by Don and Susie Law—both geologists. A couple we met from the Central Valley revealed a handful of Paso Robles vineyards that have family, winemaker, terroir, and friendships in common. Upon further research, I found that at least one of them was started by a geologist!

I immediately messaged the only geologist I know personally to make sure he knew that if he ever wanted to start a winery he definitely has an architect! His response? It’s the dream of every geologist to own a winery!

On the drive home, Jana and I started thinking more about the connections between geology and wine:

Terroir. Winemakers wax poetic about the soil, the vines, the weather. Terroir offers a fundamental sense of place and is the most romanticized part of describing wine.

Time. Good wine requires patience and relies on the long game. The practice is ancient. The liquid is quite literally, biblical.

Experience. All of the most memorable winery entrances have an unpaved portion, making sure visitors experience the gravel, the dirt, the earth beneath our feet.

We believe that wineries need and deserve great architecture. Our craft very possibly might find its highest purpose creating the space required to produce and enjoy exquisite wine. Like a vintner sows, tends, and processes to create a memorable wine, an architect can plan, organize, and design the environment needed to offer an unparalleled experience.