cellar door: delatite's sustainable wine haven in rural australia

a winery for australia’s taungurung country

Nestled in the vast foothills of the Victorian Alps, Delatite Cellar Door winery stands as the result of process driven by the sustainable design principles of Lucy Clemenger Architects. This newly completed project offers wine enthusiasts and visitors a unique tasting and dining experience in the heart of Mansfield, Australia. With sweeping views across Taungurung Country, the wood and Timbercrete building reflects the warmth and generosity of Delatite’s owners while honoring their commitment to sustainability through biodynamic farming and wine production practices.

images © Derek Swalwell | @derek_swalwell

cellar door: Delatite’s multi-functional gathering place

From vineyard management to wine production, Delatite‘s dedication to sustainability is evident in every aspect of its operations of the Lucy Clemenger-designed Cellar Door winery. The architects designed the space to serve as more than just a place for wine-tasting — it is a gathering space for a range of experiences, from festivals and markets to vineyard tours, dining, and private events. The aim is not only to showcase Delatite’s wines but also to provide a place where visitors can immerse themselves in nature and indulge in the beauty of the surrounding landscape.

the architecture by lucy clemenger

The architects led by Lucy Clemenger site the Delatite Cellar Door winery along an idyllic site with panoramic views across Mount Buller, the High Country, and Australia’s surrounding farmland. Its design comprises a series of interconnected pavilions that extend along the ridge line, complemented by expansive decks, terraces, and courtyards.

The strategic use of Timbercrete blade walls open out with curated windows that offer glimpses through and across the land, lending a visual connection between the architecture and its natural surroundings. The horizontal timber lining, inspired by the construction of local cattlemen’s huts, envelops the building, infusing it with a rich textural warmth. The result is a grand, solid structure from the outside, which exudes an inviting and domestic atmosphere along the interiors.

the structure takes shape with Timbercrete blade walls