Having just opened its doors to the public in 2016 in Huron County, Dark Horse Estate Winery is one of these pioneer wineries. With eight hectares of grapes and a 31,000 square foot facility containing everything a winery could need – from production facilities to tasting rooms and event space – Dark Horse seeks to establish a new industry in Huron County and the surrounding region. 

William J. Krohn in association with VELD architect took care in the design of the facility is a matter of good business. As a team the were involved with the early concept design through permit drawings. They co-ordinated the efforts of a structural, mechanical, and electrical design team, along with a wine process equipment consultant and kitchen consultant.

Throughout its design, the winery seeks to simultaneously celebrate the surrounding rural setting and the finesse and attention to detail required in the crafting of good wine. Its massing is reminiscent of a livery stable – inspired by the owner’s love for horses - and its rich material palette evokes the surrounding countryside with rustic stone masonry and plentiful use of reclaimed lumber. Reclaimed timber columns provide a rustic contrast to the sleek contemporary polished concrete floors. Below the main floor, an elegant concrete vaulted ceiling provides space for a barrel cellar as well as a dining and cocktail area featuring a 30’ sawn tree banquet table.

Programmatically, the winery is a complex grouping of retail, social, and industrial spaces. Through careful design consideration, these functions have been distributed to make best use of solar orientation and different solutions have been employed for daylighting – responding to the sensitivity of each program. Towards the south end of the building, a large overhang provides shading for the patio and the large glass expanses that provide views towards the vineyard. In the production space, a shaded clerestory window allows daylight into the space without affecting the temperature of the interiors – essential for the winemaking process.