Woodshed Wine Company’s new tasting room, designed by Fieldwork Design & Architecture, is a finalist in the 8th annual GRAY Awards hospitality breakout category. The modest 910-square-foot structure blends farm-yard forms with the mood of the band The National, whose album cover “Sleep Well Beast” influenced the interior palette.
Farm-inspired form meets music-driven atmosphere
The tasting room sits at the base of rolling hills outside Dundee, Oregon. Its orientation follows the vineyard’s topography, offering seasonal views that shift as vines leaf out and recede. A traditional gable roof and metal sheeting echo nearby agricultural sheds while the façade screens the parking lot.
Designers used simple geometry and honest material expression to enhance the building. Exposed plywood walls, rough cedar siding, and concrete flooring create a tactile interior that feels both rustic and refined. Natural light filters through skylights, casting soft shadows that echo the band’s subdued, melancholic sound.
Clients wanted a space that felt warm, comfortable, and inviting. The brief emphasized discovery and belonging, prompting the team to arrange both covered and open-air seating. As the weather changes, visitors can move between indoor benches and outdoor tables, adapting to seasonal demand.
The project’s modest budget guided every decision. By selecting locally sourced plywood and cedar, the cost stayed low while maintaining durability. Metal roofing provides fire resistance, a practical choice in an area prone to wildfires. The materials are expected to develop a patina, reducing future replacement needs.
Efficiency and sustainability at a small scale
Only a small conditioned space required efficient plumbing and lighting. Low-flow fixtures and LED lights keep energy use minimal. The building’s placement respects existing drainage patterns, avoiding extra infrastructure and limiting site disturbance.
The space feels inviting.
Structural engineering from IDA Structural Engineering ensured the roof could bear snow loads without excessive material. Concrete floors remain exposed, eliminating the need for costly finishes. The design team also considered future growth, leaving room for additional architectural interventions on the property.
In practice, the space functions as a cornerstone for the family winery. It offers a venue for tastings, small events, and daily operations, all while reflecting the owners’ values. The flexible layout allows the business to expand services without major renovations.
Looking ahead, the modest footprint could serve as a model for other small producers seeking high-impact design on a shoestring budget. The combination of local materials, thoughtful orientation, and cultural references demonstrates that a well-planned space can convey a strong brand narrative.
The building whispers its own story, letting the surrounding hills and the band’s mood speak louder than any signage. This subtle dialogue between place and music may help visitors linger longer, tasting wine and soaking in the ambience.
The exterior’s rough cedar panels weather naturally, while the stained siding adds depth over time. Inside, warm plywood surfaces contrast with the filtered daylight, creating a welcoming environment that encourages guests to relax and explore the winery’s offerings.
Photographer Dana Klein captured the project’s essence, highlighting how the structure fits within its surroundings. The images show the building framed by vines, emphasizing its role as both shelter and showcase for the surrounding terroir.
Fieldwork’s principals, Cornell Anderson, AIA, and Tonia Hein, IIDA, led the design, supported by project architect Brannon Soens and designer Karen Marx. Their collaborative approach ensured that each detail aligned with the client’s philosophy and the site’s context.
It shows how modest budgets and clear vision can produce architecture that feels both timeless and site-specific. The nomination for the GRAY Awards highlights the industry’s recognition of such thoughtful, economical design.
