Into the ground
Located at the eastern edge of the Texas Hill Country along a secluded bend of the Blanco River, this private wine cave serves as a unique destination for wine enthusiasts.
Structural Integrity
Excavated into the north face of a solid limestone hillside, this lined “tube” is protected on the east and west by tall oak and elm trees, allowing it to seamlessly disappear within the native landscape, while heavy limestone boulders, collected from the excavation, and lush vegetation further camouflage the entry.
A tasting lounge, bar, wine cellar, and restroom are all tucked into a 45cm tall by 178cm deep tunnel. A door made of concrete boards leads to the interior of the cave and attaches to the irregular surfaces of the limestone, while structurally retaining the artificial opening. The concrete erodes naturally over time as native moss and ivy climbs onto the flanking limestone walls to further blend the entrance with its surroundings.
Material Palette
Once inside, white oak clads the walls and ceilings, acting as a warm contrast to the more rugged concrete and stone surfaces. Custom, thermally insulated windows separate the interior and exterior along with the entertainment lounge and cellar. Reclaimed cedar was salvaged and used for the countertop surfaces and restroom vanities, while all wood components are deliberately kept away from the existing cave walls so that the room remains adaptable.
Thermal Insulation
The private cellar is surrounded by casework providing storage for an ever-expanding private collection of +/-4,000 bottles. This space is thermally controlled by the naturally colder subterranean temperatures as well as supplemental cooling to help maintain an optimal atmosphere of 12-15 degrees Celsius.