Located in the Templeton Gap AVA of California’s Central Coast wine region, Fulldraw Vineyard spans 100 acres of vineyards. Known for its limestone-rich soils and cool maritime climate, the area is ideal for cultivating Rhone-style varietals. Designed by Clayton Korte, the winery balances functionality with elegance, creating a space that is as much about winemaking as it is about connection to the land and its visitors. The project reflects the vision of owners Connor and Rebecca McMahon, embodying their passion and personality in every detail.
Visitors approach the winery via a long, looping drive that winds through the vineyards, offering an immersive introduction to the property before reaching the main complex. The design aims to balance contrasting qualities, offering a space that feels both inviting and sophisticated.
The Winery Complex
The 12,620 square-foot complex comprises three main structures: a 6,972 square-foot Fermentation Building and Barrel Aging facility, a 2,170 square-foot Case Good Storage area, and a hospitality building set to be completed by 2026. These buildings are connected by a spacious 2,703 square-foot covered Crush Pad, a functional and visually cohesive element that ties the facilities together.
The design places the two completed structures parallel but slightly offset to maximize access to views, natural light, and airflow. The layout respects the surrounding environment, with each building offering a direct connection to the vineyards and the wider region.
Sustainability and Resilience
Designed with sustainability in mind, the winery leverages its site’s topography and climatic conditions. The open-air fermentation spaces are framed in steel, allowing for natural cross-ventilation and night cooling, reducing the need for mechanical systems. Ample natural daylight improves the working environment, while an integrated photovoltaic system reduces dependency on external energy sources.
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The project incorporates materials selected for their resilience and practicality. Painted and weathered steel, burnished concrete masonry, and fiber cement cladding are consistent with the winery’s existing palette.
Balancing Form and Function
The architectural design emphasizes simplicity, using clean lines and straightforward forms to integrate the buildings into their surroundings. As a result, the winery integrates into the rolling terrain while also meeting the practical demands of modern winemaking. The configuration supports the production of up to 10,000 cases of balanced Rhone-style wines annually.
Indoor and outdoor spaces flow naturally into one another, creating opportunities for connection between visitors, the winemaking process, and the landscape. The Crush Pad serves as a central hub.
Clayton Korte project team: Brian Korte FAIA | Principal, Camden Greenlee, AIA | Associate, Christian Hertzog | Project Manager (former)
Architect: Clayton Korte
Planning Consultant: Kirk Consulting
General Contractor: Rarig Construction
Civil Engineer: Above Grade Engineering
Structural Engineer: SSG Structural Engineers
M+P Engineer: 3C Engineering
Electrical Engineer: Thoma Electric
Lighting Consultant: FMS Partners in Architectural Lighting
Fire Protection Engineer: Collings and Associates
Access Compliance: Access Compliance Consultants, Inc.
Energy Compliance: In Balance Green Consulting
Owners/Vintners: Connor and Rebecca McMahon
Photography: Likeness Studio
