Set in an Up-and-coming Wine Destination, This Immersive Glass Pavilion Reflects the Creative Approach of The Bureau, a California-based Design Studio That Works Closely With Local Artists and Designers for Each of Its Projects
Located in an awe-inspiring location, just a short drive southeast from California’s Napa Valley, the Caymus-Suisun winery is worth the trip. Caymus Vineyards, established in 1972 by the Wagner family who is still at its helm, opened this new Suisun Valley location that includes a new 5,500-square-foot glass tasting room pavilion with retractable walls and operable transom windows on all four sides, allowing guests to “celebrate the landscape,” according to Gregory R. Mottola, principal at Bohlin Cywinski Jackson, who took care of the architecture.
“It was important to have a visual and physical connection to the vineyards and out to the mountains from every part of the building.”
A retail building, as well as 29 acres of orchards, vegetable gardens and a “walking vineyard” complement the exploratory experience.
Inside, the team of The Bureau—a design studio led by Sarah Giesenhagen—shaped the different spaces in collaboration with Thad Geldert, founder and creative director of Geldert.
“The majority of the furnishings, fixtures, art and attire were custom crafted by over 30 creative collaborators,” says Sarah Giesenhagen.
“I deeply admire and hold great respect for the act of creation. I watch for artists that want to get their voice out there. I watch for people who are forging against adversity to create space for themselves and for their communities. I watch for the odd, the curious, clever, the brazen but graceful—those that can create such a strong visual presence you feel moved or provoked in a beautiful way; for those who love what they do and show signs of wanting to further their thread of creating into the future.”
Fascinated by the storytelling through bespoke creations and the act of collaboration, the team of The Bureau creates visual narratives.
Among some of the key custom-made pieces that adorn the fascinating spaces of Caymus-Suisun are: a hanging sculpture by Tanya Aguiñiga constructed with a combination of naturally dyed materials including cotton and cane—all woven together to evoke rebirth by fire; a pair of custom sconces, containers that insert into the concrete tasting bar, and a set of 17 custom monolith planters by LGS Studio (a collaborative design and ceramic art studio led by Thomas Renaud and Noel Hennessy); custom indoor/outdoor chairs, tasting tables and a bar cart by Waka Waka (a studio led by Shin Okuda).
Striving to further honor this artistic process, Sarah Giesenhagen captured it through a series of videos she conceived, titled “Making,” directed by Yoshihiro Makino, which put the spotlight on these three makers.
While the Caymus-Suisun winery has already become a hot spot in Northern California, Sarah Giesenhagen is starting a new project—among others on the boards—further south where she will continue to focus on the custom and locally made: a 14,000-square-foot residential project in the Pacific Palisades with an estimated completion date of fall 2025.
The Bureau | thebureau.design
Photography Courtesy of The Bureau, Taken by Yoshihiro Makino & Michelle Pullman