As any sommelier will tell you, the concept of terroir – the unique land characteristics that produce a grape variety – is fundamental to appreciating a vintage. In the new Tasting Room for siblings Alex and Alison Sokol Blosser, whose parents established Oregon’s first such boutique in 1978, this idea applies to the architecture itself.

Located on the 120-acre Sokol Blosser vineyard in Dundee Hills, the low-slung 465-square-metre building has a tectonic, yet earthy feel; and provides many dynamic views onto its surroundings.

Portland’s own Allied Works Architecture designed the faceted building, which is clad in slats of tight knot cedar, Douglas fir and hickory. Explains firm principal Brad Cloepfil, “It’s like a block of earth that’s been carved out, cut open for rooms and views.”

The eight tasting areas include the capacious main space, where you can enjoy wine flights at a dramatic wood bar or any of the bistro tables, and the library, kitchen and terrace. They all enjoy panoramic vistas; while sunlight is ushered in through skylights, with gaps in the slatted wood creating interesting shadows on the surfaces.

Tasting Room, which is pursuing Living Building Challenge certification, represents Allied Works’ first all-wood building. The firm is at work on the Calgary’s National Music Centre, among other projects.