4Winds Winery | Silverado Trail, Napa

4Winds Winery sits in the Stags Leap District, nestled among the volcanic landscape of the Palisades. True to its name, the area is windswept and wild, making it a prime example of Wine Country construction blending with its rugged surroundings. In 2017, the Kincaid fires swept through Northern California’s wine country, including 4Winds Winery, destroying one of the buildings along with the electrical and mechanical facilities that powered the PV battery system on the hill. Fortunately, the vines and foliage shielded the central estate, but the fire completely destroyed the Guest House and severely damaged the Caretaker’s house.

FORMA Construction collaborated with Taylor Lombardo Architects to rebuild the structure, ensuring it matched the original footprint and harmonized with the historic family estate.

The rugged terrain of the property posed challenges for rebuilding, requiring us to transport materials for the electrical and mechanical facilities using a 4-person ATV. Our team set up operations in the winery’s private tasting room inside the wine cave, fully equipped with Wi-Fi and a printer, which also allowed us to store salvaged items and construction materials.

One of the project’s key tasks involved restoring the cast bronze bell that hung on the guesthouse before the fire destroyed it. Historically, this bell called workers in from the fields and was a significant feature of the original building. To restore this important element, we ordered a new bell from Elderhorst Bells in Pennsylvania. The new bell weighs 132 pounds and is tuned to the ‘A’ note. You can ring it with the push of a button inside the house. Additionally, it bears the inscription ‘Franklin’s Tower,’ honoring the owner’s father, along with the year 2019 in Roman numerals, continuing the family legacy.