Inspired by the two ancient arts of wine making and hospitality, Owera Vineyards has been designed to capture the connection to the earth dictated by the growing and processing of the fruit as well as the kind of spaces that bid the visitor welcome. The location of the winery in a softly rolling hillside near the village of Cazenovia, New York added an additional theme to the design concept through links to local architectural styles and the lay of the land. Owera rises from the hillside, as the expression of these several themes as well as deference to Craftsman sensibilities.
The general massing of space divides the winery into two discrete levels, with the focus of the upper level on wine tasting and other gatherings .The lower level snugged into the hillside provides a naturally cool environment for the production and storage of wine as well as additional wine tasting space.
At the end of a 2000 foot drive, Owera welcomes the visitor at the upper level at the porte cochere. Guests walk under a covered canopy and porch into open, light filled rooms constructed of natural wood and stone. The wood plank floor covers a concrete substrate with imbedded radiant heat. Natural themes continue in the massive wood trusses, columns and beams which the support the soaring cathedral ceiling, itself clad in complementary wood. At the far end of the room, the tall windows are backdrop to the tasting bar while the large stone fireplace on an adjacent wall welcomes visitors with its promise of warmth. The interior stone fireplace is a replica of its twin which faces outward providing its warmth and additional possibilities for gathering on the covered porch. Two adjoining circular spaces have been designed as tasting rooms for special events, capturing some of the rural flavor of silo-like shapes with large window walls and conical roofs.
A large kitchen area creates opportunities for many types of gathering in the upper as well as the lower spaces.
Integral to the expression of the architect’s design is the inside/outside feeling and access. The ease of access to the semi-open pergola and covered deck reflect the blending of exterior and exterior functions and planned ease of flow. These exterior structures wrap the central space allowing daylight into the main space; guests can easily meander out onto these areas to enjoy the vista of the vineyard, the orchards and ponds that are Owera.
On the lower level, accessible by centrally located circular staircase and elevator, the winery takes on a more traditional flavor with a large vaulted tasting area where the wine making and storage processes become visible. The staircase itself is lined with windows that give the visitor direct views of the vineyard, the ponds and orchards. The wine tasting room on the lower level has been envisioned as capturing an “old world” wine cellar, a more intimate space with masonry walls, textured surfaces, mood lighting, oak barrels and racks of wine to enhance the tasting experience. An historic wrought-iron gate further defines this area. Guests may also access the exterior green areas from the lower levels, with the ability to experience the winery on the ground. |
