Inside Woodshed Wine Company’s Artfully Designed Tasting Room Inspired by The National.

GRAY AWARDS
Jul 7
3 min read

Woodshed Wine Company by Fieldwork Design & Architecture is a finalist in the 8th annual GRAY Awards in the Hospitality Design breakout category.

Modern wine tasting room with dark roof amidst lush vineyard at sunset, surrounded by tall trees. Sunlight casts a warm glow over the serene landscape. GRAY Awards. GRAY magazine. Hospitality design.

FINALIST

Breakout category: Hospitality

Designer: Fieldwork Design & Architecture

Photographed by: Dana Klein

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SUBMISSION

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The tasting room at Woodshed Wine Company is a modest structure inspired by the surrounding agricultural architecture and the music and imagery of the client’s favorite band, The National. Through the use of simple forms and honest material expression, the design elevates the woodshed into a refined and inspiring work of architecture. The subdued and melancholic mood of The National’s music, along with the cover art from their album “Sleep Well Beast”, provided additional avenues for design exploration. Situated at the base of the surrounding hills, the building’s location and orientation respond to the rolling topography of the vineyards, offering curated views that evolve with the seasons. With only 910 square feet of conditioned interior space, the design integrates both covered and uncovered exterior areas, allowing for various seating configurations as seasonal demand fluctuates.

Woodshed Wine Company is a small, family-owned winery located outside Dundee, Oregon. As part of their effort to establish their own wine label, they challenged the design team to create a memorable and unique tasting room on a modest budget. The values of warmth, comfort, discovery, and belonging guided the design from the project's inception. By working with humble materials, including exposed plywood, rough cedar, and concrete, the design team remained within budget while delivering a tasting room experience that is both sophisticated and unexpected.

Designed as an interpretation of a woodshed, familiar forms and materials are elevated to create a unique architectural expression. Using a traditional gable form, metal roofing, and rough exterior cedar, the building is grounded in its agricultural setting. The façade is carefully articulated to screen the adjacent parking lot and road while offering direct connections between visitors and the vineyard.

As a small family winery establishing its own identity, the design team approached the project with the understanding that it could become a cornerstone of the family business for generations to come. Drawing on lessons learned from previous winery projects, the designers guided the clients toward a building that would be functional from day one while also being flexible enough to accommodate future growth. An initial master plan for the site identified additional locations for architectural interventions, and both the design and construction teams remain invested in the ongoing success of this youthful family business.

Wooden interior with gray sofas opens to lush vineyard on a sunny day. A small centered vase on the table adds a cozy touch.

Value, economy, and sustainability were key factors in all design decisions throughout the project. The building’s small size, prudent material selections, and efficient plumbing and lighting fixtures contribute to a project that offers maximum impact at minimal cost. Additionally, the building was sited to minimize its impact on the existing site drainage, reducing infrastructure expenses.

Materials were chosen to be economical and long-lasting. Metal roofing provides durability and wildfire protection, while stained exterior siding and exposed concrete floors will develop a patina with age, reducing the need for future replacement. The warm interior plywood and filtered natural light create a welcoming environment that encourages visitors to relax and linger.

DESIGN TEAM:

Cornell Anderson, AIA, Principal/Architect

Tonia Hein, Associate IIDA, Principal/Interior Designer

Brannon Soens, Project Architect

Karen Marx, Project Designer

COLLABORATORS:

Contractor: Cellar Ridge Construction

Structural Engineer: IDA Structural Engineering

Photographer: Dana Klein

DESIGNER PROFILE:

Fieldwork Design & Architecture is a woman-owned architecture and interiors studio based in Portland, Oregon, and Samsø, Denmark. Founded in 2011 by interior designer Tonia Hein, Associate IIDA, Principal, and architect Cornell Anderson, AIA, Principal, they lead a team of talented designers who work in a collaborative studio culture, focused on well-detailed, concept-driven design.

Fieldwork’s approach to each project is to develop a design that reflects the client’s values and philosophy, drawing inspiration from the site’s context and history. This results in an architectural expression that is forward-thinking, innovative, and timeless, creating a memorable and meaningful experience. Whether working on architecture, interiors, furniture, or a blend of the three, Fieldwork’s designs have a profound connection to the natural environment. They incorporate sustainable, local materials, maximize views of the surrounding landscape, and utilize natural ventilation and daylighting. Sensitivity to and inspiration from existing architecture, history, and landscape are fundamental to their design process.

The 8th Annual GRAY Awards is sponsored by: