The low-lying building blends with the UNESCO World Heritage Cultural Landscape of the region.

 “When Jonathan Maltus first approached us, he expressed a desire to create a distinctive new winery, set against the unique backdrop of St Emilion. He wanted the building to be a celebration of the beautiful site, focussing on the views of the vineyard and making the landscape the primary protagonist in the design. The idea was to blend the building with its surroundings while creating a welcoming space for visitors and wine enthusiasts,” said Norman Foster, founder and executive chairman of Foster + Partners.

Visitors approach the winery along a tree-lined avenue, at the end of which is a circular-plan building. Two ramps – one external to emphasise the relationship with the site and the other internal, allowing visitors to walk through the different stages of the wine process – lead up to a gallery on the upper level. Here tasting tables, a wine bar and entertainment spaces are all wrapped by 360-degree views of the adjoining vineyards.