Wednesday, May 26, 2010

On the Move: Amavi Cellars

Travis Goff, of sales, marketing and partner of Pepperbridge and Amavi Cellars, just sent me the newest scoop regarding Amavi's new facility in Walla Walla!

After seven years in its rustic Walla Walla facility, Amavi Cellars has announced a move to its new and contemporary tasting room in the heart of Pepper Bridge Vineyard near the Washington/Oregon border (I kept noticing the building as I was traveling back and forth during Spring Release weekend, as it is very visual from the highway). The new building features expansive Southeastern views of the Blue Mountains, vineyards and other agriculture in the area. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a spacious elevated deck create a sense of intimacy with the surrounding rural area. A stunning, 20-foot-long zinc bar invites guests to gather and provides an exquisite platform for sampling the winery's highly rated, estate-grown wines. It is located at 3796 Peppers Bridge Road in Walla Walla, the 1,000 square-foot tasting room and adjacent 500-square-foot conference room are complemented by a 500-square-foot elevated deck, offices, dry goods storage and wine-production areas. The new facility will keep usual business hours from 10 am - 4 pm daily.

The new location is a realization of the owners' desire to provide a better Walla Walla experience for its customers and to move operations closer to its estate vineyards. Referring to the vineyards as the “soul” of Amavi wines, Managing Partner Ray Goff says that it is the winery's goal to honor and underscore the role of agriculture in fine wine. “In our previous urban location, we ran the risk of becoming disconnected from Mother Nature and the year-long process of creating each vintage,” Goff says. “Being among the vines produces a refreshing, humbling sense of awe — and a deeper appreciation for the wines our winemaker and viticulturist Jean-François Pellet crafts — that we would like to share with our guests.”

Goff adds that in addition to providing a better atmosphere, the new tasting room offers significantly more space and a layout designed for entertaining. “Hospitality is a cornerstone of our values, and we now have the appropriate venue for our events and for customers' small weddings and business retreats.”

Seattle architect David Clinkston of Clinkston Brunner worked closely with the winery partners to create a building that tucks neatly into the hillside while simultaneously flaunting clean, dramatic lines. The wood, steel and glass building contrasts tastefully with the rolling hills and surrounding agriculture, inviting passersby to take a closer look. Landscaping is underway and will feature drought-resistant, native plants.

Owned by the Goff, McKibben and Pellet families, the winery is known for its estate-grown, sustainably farmed Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Sèmillon wines. Its single-vineyard Les Collines Vineyard Syrah has attracted particular attention from wine critics over the last few vintages. The grapes in the winery's three estate vineyards — Les Collines, Pepper Bridge and Seven Hills — are certified sustainable and in high demand. In the overall wine market, Amavi Cellars' wines are categorized as ultra-premium, yet they are commonly considered a value among their Walla Walla peers.

I am looking forward to visiting Amavi.

3 comments:

Melanie said...

I can't wait either! I love the south end wineries. Amavi's new facility is sooo awesome! From this picture, it makes me think of "modern" 1950's airport terminal/winery.. or something like that. There's something retro about it - though only in this picture. I hope they have an opening party!

Melanie said...

My description of the visual impressions new facility has on me is a GOOD thing... It is meant as a complement. I LOVE it.

wild walla walla wine woman said...

Hi Melanie,
Thanks for checking in. You're right on with your description - perfect!
Cheers,
C~

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