A new architectural landmark in the Yarra Valley is taking shape as the sculpture-like custom steel frame has been erected at Levantine Hill Estate. This spectacular new building will serve as a state-of-the art winemaking facility and brand showcase to the world.

Levantine Hill’s new $20+ million project is located along the Maroondah Highway, with its sculptural form comprising three levels, combining a winery, display and events space, as well as wine tasting and presentation areas. The building has been personally designed by renowned Melbourne architect Karl Fender of Fender Katsalidis Architects and its soaring curved roof complements his existing design of the winery’s adjacent cellar door and restaurant.

Apart from aesthetic appeal, the building design incorporates the highest levels of environmentally sustainable principles. This includes the incorporation of a skylight along the roof and integrated openings for cooling and natural ventilation.

The winery’s exterior will feature carefully chosen materials that fit their environment – like natural galvanised steel purlins and corrugated iron cladding, which reflect the cultivated natural surroundings of the Yarra Valley.

“In keeping with our commitment to pursue perfection in all that we do, we worked with Fender Katsalidis to create an embassy for the brand and a sculptural building to benchmark ourselves against the best in the world. We hope this winery makes a global statement from the Yarra Valley and continues to elevate the region as a world-class producer of fine wines – and architecture,’’ said Samantha Jreissati, Managing Director of Levantine Hill.

The Levantine Hill brand is truly a success story worth telling. Its fine wines have become renowned for their unique quality despite the vines growing atop a steep hill which many experts deemed to be unsuitable.

“Our family has a long-standing history of grape growing in biblical lands of the Middle East. The story is larger than any one of us and this building is designed to be larger than life. The idea is to provide an entire sensory experience in a similar manner as our wines,” said Samantha. “Whilst visually stunning and making a statement about us, our region and our country, it is also designed to be highly functional and efficient, respecting the bucolic vineyard surrounding it.”

Describing his design, architect Karl Fender said, “The soaring vaulted presence of the wine production building, situated between native eucalypts and the undulating vineyard is visually heightened by the beautiful backdrop of distant rolling mountains. This building belongs here. And it was our mission to create an enduring, unforgettable experience for wine lovers, those celebrating special moments, and all other visitors enjoying the best quality food imaginable. I believe we succeeded.”

The three-level complex, which will include an underground barrel store, is expected to be completed at the end of 2020.

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