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J UNE 2017 | 75 Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery And Distillery RENDERINGS COURTESY GREN WEIS ARCHITECT AND ASSOCIATES Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery And Distillery by NATALIE BRUCKNER-MENCHELLI T he team involved in the new Wayne Gretzky Estates Winery and Distillery in the heart of Niagara-on-the-Lake can be proud of this project for so many reasons. Not only is the 23,000-square-foot facility the first of its kind in the region to feature both wine and distilling production and tasting rooms, but it is a stunning building that truly complements its surroundings and a mark of honour to a true Canadian Icon. Nestled among the vineyards, the barn-inspired yet contemporary facility includes a winery, a craft distillery, tasting area, retail and hospitality spaces, fermentation facilities, offices and storage areas as well as high-quality landscaping. Being located on a former brownfield site, close to both a waterway and adjacent to the Trius Winery, required some careful planning on the part of the owners Andrew Peller Ltd., architect Gren Weis Architect and Associates and PCL Constructors Canada Inc. "Getting water to the site was a challenge," explains Adrian Wong from PCL. "The City originally thought we could tap into the adjacent winery, but that would have required one- kilometre of piping, so instead we connected to the city waterline from the street. As the waterway runs close to the winery we also had to put in a bridge so as not to disturb the ecology." When it came to the design of the new building, Gren Weis Architect and Associates, who was also behind Peller Estates Winery, was tasked with creating a building that had a rural feel but with a contemporary vision. Using glass, wood panels and Corten steel (that has the ability to change colour and develop an attractive, weathered rusty patina when left exposed to the air for a few years), gives the illusion that the building has been sat on this very site for many years. "To increase the oxidization rate so that the building would blend in quicker we sprayed a 50/50 water vinegar solution," explains Adrian Wong from PCL Constructors Canada Inc. The building is made up of two simple barn-like structures that create an L-shape and are connected by a covered walkway. "On the left, as you approach the entrance, is the distillery and on the right is the winery. There is a considerable amount of glass on the distillery end to showcase what's inside, including a copper column and tall glass tower to provide maximum exposure," says Terry Martino, architect at Gren Weis Architect and Associates. In the centre and running up on the exterior of the building is a ribbon spiral stair that goes up to what is essentially a striking glass box but that mimics a hay loft. Here you find the VIP lounge and temporary residence for Wayne Gretzky and his family. This area offers 180-degree views of the vineyard and looks right across to the U.S. As you enter the building, visitors will come to a ramp that goes down into the barrel cellar and up to the main tasting level. "From the beginning we wanted the main tasting level to seem like it was floating above the vineyards, so it stands five feet off the ground, which affords some incredible views; your feet are basically at the same level as the top of the vineyards," explains Martino. The ramp is also used as a wayfinding route offering an educational insight into Gretzky's life and achievements. There is a considerable amount of glass used inside the distillery to showcase the state-of-the- art equipment, while the winery entrance is more subtle with soft furnishings and a fireplace in the lobby to give the sense you are being welcomed in to Gretzky's home. "The architect and owner were interested in using an exposed structure inside the building, so we developed specialized truss framing for the larger spaces," explains David Watson, principal at Entuitive. "The distillery area utilizes exposed steel beams and deck for a more industrial look and the wine cellar basement includes exposed cast-in-place concrete." Wong adds that the building features a polished concrete floor in addition to softer wood accents and glass railings to offer maximum light, transparency and warmth within. When it came to the interior design, Wendy Edwards from Edwards Designs Inc. continued the theme of gently blending a classic contemporary look in a home-like environment. "The trick was to not create a 'Hockey

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