05 Feb Weathering Steel and Wine: How Do They Pair?
Weathering steel and wine may sound like an odd pair, but they complement each other surprisingly well.
We’ve seen corten, or weathering steel, be used in various outdoor applications, including garden design, stormwater management, security solutions, and building construction. Why not in wine making? Weathering steel’s corrosion-resistant and aesthetically-appealing properties make it ideal for various applications on vineyards.
According to Architectural Digest, vineyards and wineries are becoming a destination for world-class food and drinks, stunning architecture, luxury lodgings and idyllic settings. The publication also highlighted two notable vineyards that used corten steel in their construction.
Weathering steel under the Tuscan sun
At the Antinori nel Chianti Classico vineyard in Bargino, Italy, architect Archea Associati used corten steel to construct a spiral staircase and steel facade on the vineyards hillside facility. Check out a photo of the structure here.
Weathering steel in Spain
In Ribera del Duero, Spain, one of Spain’s foremost wine-producing regions, corten exterior walls are used for a structure on the Bodegas Portia vineyard along with other modern design elements. Check out a photo of Foster + Partners’ design here.
Weathering steel in Wine Country
Weathering steel has also been spotted on vineyards and wineries in California. For instance, Halter Ranch features several weathering steel elements, including the entry gate, directional signage, fencing and roof pictured below.
Tablas Creek Vineyard also used weathering steel for vineyard signage.
Applications for weathering steel on vineyards
Weathering steel is not only functional and architectural, but its color and texture blends well with the grasses and grapevines of wine country. Here are a few ways to consider using cor-ten equivalent weathering steel on your vineyard or winery:
- Vineyard posts
- Landscape edging
- Planter boxes
- Fencing and gates
- Signage
- Building facades
Now, let’s raise a glass to this great pair! Contact Central Steel Service for your corten-equivalent weathering steel needs.