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Karen Magner
Located just southwest of Portland, in the heart of the majestic Willamette Valley, WillaKenzie Estate is celebrated for its Pinot Noir expressions and embodying the unique terroir of the neighborhoods on our estate. The diversity of soil, aspect, elevation, slope, and vine selection enables us to grow texturally intriguing wines with grace and finesse. From Erik Kramer’s winegrowing philosophy to our newly redesigned tasting room and our sustainability practices, this blog will shelter deeper dives into the passion and dedication that powers our sense of place.
With Erik Kramer’s winegrowing philosophy in mind, we redesigned our tasting room to prioritize texture as a concept. Our refreshed tasting space offers a textural, sensory, classic, and sophisticated experience. From earthy materials, intriguing artworks, and organic lines to topographical and vineyard hints at every turn, there’s something to unearth every time you visit.
Here are just 10 textural elements to discover:
1) The visual and tactile layers of the WillaKenzie Estate Woodcraft Topographical Map.
Created by artist and fabricator R. David Sanderson with Jackson Family Wine’s Toni McWilliams, Director of Estate Operations, and Summer Roberts, GIS analyst, the woodcraft map was cut using 3D printing technology in one continuous movement from start to finish in 13 hours. Guests are drawn to it, as they try to discern what it is, and then, to their delight and surprise, discover the topography which is hidden in plain sight.
2) A pleasing mixture of materials in one place: the conical fireplace.
The metal shroud, glass enclosure, and stone base help create the tasting room’s dramatic focal point.
3) The warm wood grain of the timber cloud ceiling.
Crafted from Douglas Fir beams, the suspended feature extends over the fireplace and main club lounge to create an intimate atmosphere.
4) A vibrant combination of warm and cold metals.
A trio of warm platinum (akin to the capsule on Clairière Pinot Noir), antiqued gold, and cool matte black runs throughout the tasting room, from lighting to furniture accents and décor.
5) The prominent use of soothing, smooth stone.
The limestone tabletop pedestals, the polished stone cocktail tabletop, and the sleek gray porcelain with white calcite streaks in the wet bar pay homage to Winemaker Erik Kramer’s background and passion for all things geological.
6) An intriguing variety of textiles.
From the nubby oatmeal-toned bouclé on the custom dining chairs and the rich, buttery cognac leather on the Charleston Forge lounge chairs to the recycled wool Tartan throws, a variety of fabrics enlivens the senses.
7) An emphasis on curvature and soft organic lines.
Two curved settees frame the conical fireplace, allowing guests to enjoy the warmth and ambiance of the fire. Curves repeat in the rounded arms of the window loveseat, the rounded backs of the swivel lounge chairs, and in the rippling channeled tufts on the main lounge sofa.
8) The multi-layered painting, Water Currents.
Created by local Willamette Valley abstract artist Tangie Pape Belmore, this mixed media piece on wrapped canvas alludes to one element of WillaKenzie’s name origin, the confluence of the Willamette and McKenzie rivers.
9) The ethereal light emanating from the foyer’s Luna Modern Vine Chandelier.
This warm, inviting fixture resembles a cluster of grapes, with eight organically shaped amber globes.
10) We’ve paid attention to all the details, even in the little things.
Notice the fine Indian wool area rug, for example, which displays a linear pattern that feels like the strata of the Willakenzie soils – the other element for which our Estate is named.
Immerse Yourself in Texture at WillaKenzie Estate
The newly redesigned WillaKenzie Estate wine tasting room is more than just a place to sample exceptional wine. It's a full sensory experience, meticulously crafted to reflect the textural intrigue of our wines and the unique terroir of the Willamette Valley. For those seeking a truly immersive Willamette Valley wine tasting experience in the heart of Oregon wine country, a visit to WillaKenzie Estate is a must. Come explore the captivating textures of our newly redesigned tasting room, savor the distinctive flavors of our handcrafted wines , and discover the beauty of the Willamette Valley.
Ready to embark on your own textural adventure? Book your Willamette Valley wine tasting experience at WillaKenzie Estate today. We look forward to welcoming you and sharing our passion for wine with you.