"Col Solare Winery"

Col Solare winery sits in the Red Mountain appelation, east of Benton City, WA. This particular appelation has been reported to be one the most optimal areas for growing wine grapes outside of France. Whether or not it is actually, "that good," I think remains to be seen. .

Red Mountain's hillside is covered with vineyards and wineries. The most prominent winery, from far and wide, is the Col Solare. Stationed near the top of the hill, it looks out across the valley to the Horse Heaven Hills on the southern side and on westward toward Mt. Adams and Mt. Rainier.

Architecturally, Col Solare is like no other building I am familiar with. In this sketch, the bell tower is just out of the image to the right, and the roof, which really can't be seen here, is semi-circular in structure.

I think the most interesting characteristic of the building is the front entrance; which really isn't an entrance at all. The main entry is actually up on the portico behind the far wall behind the stairs. It is accessed from the parking area to the right of the building. These stairs lead one down into the vineyards. Still, they are striking in appearance; so that's where I spent my energies earlier today when the small group of artists I hang out with caravaned here.

watercolor, ink