Paradise Ridge Winery is known for its wines and stunning views of the Russian River Valley. After the estate’s hospitality and event center was destroyed in the 2017 Tubbs Fire, the owners sought to rebuild a structure that embraced the charm of the original. The redesign and reconstruction of the two-story, 7,700 square-foot building was completed in 2019.
The original 1990s design was replicated apart from a few architectural upgrades. Where possible (and following extensive material testing), existing foundations were salvaged and reused to support the new wood-framed structure. Trusses were utilized to shape the barn-like roof that extends out to a balcony. The balcony, enlarged from the original, is supported by exposed, full-height steel channel columns, which serve as an architectural piece at the south end of the building. The new design was constructed with strict adherence to the Wildland-Urban Interface mandates in the current building code and include the use of ignition-resistant exterior materials and low water-consumption plantings.
Additional architectural changes included adding natural light, as well as board and batten siding that favors a regional, agrarian style in lieu of the previous neo-Spanish design. Barn doors were also added to the lower level, which houses a wine bar and new private tasting room. Tall sliding glass doors at the second level, where the bar and kitchen are located, open to the balcony where guests can enjoy breathtaking views of the vineyard that some liken to “paradise.”
Photo Credit: Ricky Grossmann Photography