One of our most exciting projects during the Silicon Valley boom was a private winery in the hills above the Santa Clara Valley, with views stretching from Hollister to San Francisco. The owners, both of whom were born and raised in the Valley during its agricultural era, have an innate love of the land and its produce. In one photograph you can see the raised circular vegetable garden at the base of the hill near the barn. In other areas olives will be planted in order to create a second home-grown gourmet product in addition to their private-label wines.

The masonry bench and raised planter are part of an immense retaining wall supporting the entertainment terrace with the twin rills, as well as the swimming pool and spa terrace above. The water features are accented by fiber optic lighting, and can change colors with one’s mood. Above the pool and spa terrace there is a third level for cooking and entertaining which includes an outdoor barbeque and pizza oven.

At the end of this installation, the clients threw a lavish "thank you" party for all the work force involved in creating this spectacular garden — from the architects and designers to the laborers on the construction crews — a generous and much appreciated gesture of good will. This garden will enhance and expand the sense of joie de vivre that this lively couple extends toward the world.