Tasting room diary part 2

We are now in what I like to call “fun part” of the decision making process for the tasting room. While there is still a lot of paperwork, calculations and other not so fun decisions to make, we are getting closer to the actual construction of the building, which is very exciting and the part I have been waiting for!  I do not think that I was prepared for the extent of this project…and this is a small tasting room! We have been working closely with Lindsay our architect to really pin down how we want the building to both look and feel. My goal for this project has always been to keep it simple and clean yet rustic with a twist of refinement.

While this sounds easy to do, it can get really complicated.  I think our biggest challenge has been the design of the office/storage area. This space not only has to serve as our office but is also going to be our main wine storage area, which in the wine world means it must be temperature controlled. Yeah….So we decided to put in a small wine closet which we will seal and force cold air into so that the rest of the space won’t feel like Antarctica. The decisions that have to be made are endless, from where to put the fireplace to the size of the bar down to, do you want oil rubbed handles or bronze for the door and windows? It is enough to make you question your own sanity at times. I have learned a lot about architecture, lighting and what handicap accessible means. I have also learned how much fun it is dealing with the county….right. Even though we are very close to starting construction I still work daily on this project, it has definitely been a labor of love thus far. We are incorporating a rustic yet modern look that compliments the natural scenery of the area.

Here are some of the designs so far:

So we are wondering… what do you think is the most important design aspect of a tasting room? Is it the bar?  patio? fireplace? the bathroom perhaps? Let us know!