Rustic Barn Turned Mod Tasting Room by Hawkins Interiors

All photos by Ryan Rosene

Picture this: You're nestled in California's Carmel Valley, surrounded by rolling hills and old olive trees, sipping on wine made from sustainably and organically farmed grapes in a space that seamlessly blends rustic charm with modern sophistication. That's the magic of Pelio Estate's tasting room, a clever adaptive reuse project by Backen & Backen Architecture with Napa Valley–based Hawkins Interiors that turned an old barn and gravel lot into a welcoming pavilion. Honestly, this is somewhere I want to be right now—cozying up by the central fireplace, gazing out at those valley views through massive glass doors that fold away to invite the outdoors in.

The vision, as firm founder Julie Hawkins shares, was to connect the 1,900-square-foot space to its stunning surroundings while honoring the winery's sustainable ethos and focus on family (two sisters run it). "The initial vision was to create something that was more open to the exterior, so adding glass doors that completely open allows one to capture the view, and a warm material palette harmonizes exterior to interior," Julie explains.

Drawing from the site's natural beauty, the design emphasizes indoor-outdoor flow, with a layout that funnels guests from a meandering path lined with olive trees into intimate outdoor seating areas with custom trellises. Inside, vintage furnishings and linens with a modern-country vibe keep things casual yet refined. I’m sure you can imagine it: Think soft, textured cushions on contemporary chairs around a live-edge dining table, all under exposed beams that nod to the barn's heritage.

Materials play a starring role in crafting the space's atmosphere. "The goal was to create an elevated experience that still feels warm and welcoming," Julie notes. "By blending rustic wood elements with smooth plaster walls and refined modern lighting, the design achieves a harmonious balance, resulting in a modern, rustic barn aesthetic that is both sophisticated and inviting." For durability in this high-traffic spot, fabrics were stain-treated and wood surfaces received a protective coating—practical choices that ensure the space ages gracefully.

Visitors can return again and again to this tasting room to discover new details—from the bar's logo-etched mirror to shaded trellises. It's a testament to thoughtful design by Hawkins Interiors that feels timeless, inviting, and as memorable as a fine vintage.

—Murrye Bernard