The goal of this commercial remodel was
to transform a former warehouse space into an upscale wine tasting room.
The owners sold their original ranch location to move to the accessible
and popular urban “wine ghetto”. As the owner aptly describes, “We
started with a shoe box. The challenge was how to make it interesting
and inviting for our visitors and bring the earthiness of the ranch into
this very urban space.”
The process was organic with heavy
involvement by all team members and one that evolved with the project.
Finish materials include reclaimed Douglas fir originally harvested in
1912, local stone, metal, and a live olive tree – nicknamed “Olivia”.
Every inch of the space was modified during the remodel.
Other key elements of the remodel
included:
• Instead of a large bar in the main
tasting room where guests sample wine, “wine guides” pour at small group
tasting tables made with 30 x 40 in. reclaimed Douglas fir slabs. Metal
bases filled with diatomite rocks serve as foot rests. Pneumatic castors
make tables “floatable” and easily movable.
• Two large skylights impart ample natural light.
• Original concrete floors were polished and left exposed.
• Custom made wood and metal shelves showcase wine and a 19 ft. Douglas
fir bench provides additional seating along one entire wall of the
tasting room.
• A glass and metal “barn door” separates a space at the rear of the
building from the main tasting room for private parties and wine club
events.
• An elegant Rumford fireplace, with accent pieces from the original
Singer Sewing Machine building in New York, creates the “heart space."
2014 National Winner
