The new J. Christopher Winery and Appassionata Vineyards (our joint venture with winemaker Jay Somers) is rising rapidly in Newberg, Oregon. Here are the latest pix.
This pic is part one of a two-part panorama of the pre-cast concrete arches that were set in place to form the barrel caves. There are five caves, which radiate out like spokes of a wheel.
Part two of the panorama of the concrete arches set in place to form the barrel caves.
Inside the common room that joins all five barrel caves.
Loosen Bros USA VP Kirk Wille standing in one of the caves to show you the scale. Each cave will have a row of barrels down each side and two rows down the center.
(left to right) Jay Somers, Stuart Pigott and Mike Weersing standing in the doorway to the barrel cave vestibule. Stuart Pigott, renowned wine critic and author, had stopped by on his way to Riesling Rendezvous. By coincidence, Ernie Loosen's pal Mike Weersing, winemaker at Pyramid Valley Winery in New Zealand, was also visiting that day.
Waterproofing and insulation were installed over the caves before backfilling.
The winery is cut into the side of a north-facing slope, so the completed caves are now covered with the original soil. This, combined with the insulation, will keep the caves naturally cool, reducing energy needs and giving us a really “cool” place to raise the wines, which stay 15-18 months in barrel.