The tasting room at Woodshed Wine Company in Dundee, Oregon, is a finalist in the 8th annual GRAY Awards for Hospitality Design. Fieldwork Design & Architecture transformed a traditional woodshed into a refined space that honors the region’s farming history and the owners’ personal style.
The 910-square-foot building takes cues from The National’s 2017 album Sleep Well Beast. Its quiet, thoughtful mood comes through in simple shapes and natural materials, creating what the designers call an “inspiring work of architecture.”
A Space Built for Discovery and Belonging
The winery, a small family-run business launching its own label, wanted a tasting room that felt inviting and unique. They asked Fieldwork to create something memorable without overspending, which guided every choice from materials to placement.
Inside, exposed plywood, rough cedar, and concrete set the tone. The materials were chosen for their honesty and warmth, with details that make them feel intentional. A classic gable roof and metal siding tie the building to its rural setting, while the front design blocks views of the road and parking lot, focusing instead on the vineyards beyond.
Outdoor seating, both covered and open, lets the space adjust to different seasons. The building sits at the base of rolling hills, so the scenery changes throughout the year, offering visitors a changing view of the land.
Economy Without Compromise
The project kept costs low without sacrificing quality. The compact size—just under 1,000 square feet—reduced site work and infrastructure expenses. Efficient plumbing and lighting cut additional costs, while durable materials like metal roofing and stained cedar were selected for their long-term resilience and fire resistance.
Future growth was also considered. A site plan marked areas for expansion, and the building itself was designed to adapt as the business grows. The owners, still building their brand, wanted a space that could serve them for years to come.
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Fieldwork’s work here aligns with their belief that architecture should reflect a client’s values while staying true to its environment. For Woodshed Wine Company, that meant a design that feels both lasting and personal—a space that honors music, land, and family rather than following typical tasting room conventions.
The GRAY Awards, which celebrate Pacific Northwest design, will reveal winners later this year. The Woodshed project is competing in the Hospitality Design category.
Dana Klein photographed the space, capturing how light, materials, and setting come together to shape the tasting room’s mood.
Fieldwork Design & Architecture, the firm behind the project, has offices in Portland, Oregon, and Samsø, Denmark. Since 2011, interior designer Tonia Hein and architect Cornell Anderson have led the studio, focusing on projects that emphasize sustainability, local materials, and a strong connection to nature. Their work includes architecture, interiors, and custom furniture, often blending all three in a single project.
For Woodshed Wine Company, the tasting room represents more than a place to serve wine. It embodies the family’s vision, built to last longer than the bottles it helps introduce.
Designers working with vulnerable populations often use similar principles to create safe, adaptable environments. Trauma-sensitive design in youth facilities follows a comparable approach, balancing practical needs with emotional well-being.
