Our building used to be the local neighborhood grocery, built sometime in the ‘20s. We had to take it down to the studs, rebuild the entire storefront, erect seismic sheer walls and pour a new concrete floor. Not to mention installing an entirely new roof.
The back section of our building was erected in the ‘50s, when the street became a bit more light-industrial. It’s the perfect shell for winery production. Lots of roll-up doors and strong floors. All we had to do was put in trench drains, electricity, water, lighting, gas heat, ventilation, a couple of extra doors . . . that’s all.
We finished up construction and got approved for occupancy in the beginning of September (just in the nick of time), moved in our truckloads of equipment and wine in barrels in a big hurry, and then saw our first grapes come through the doors on September 5th. Most of the equipment worked, and the fermentation was smooth (always an unknown in a new space). The drains worked. Phew.
We have never had a tasting room before, but now was the time to open one. Many of you were at our opening party or have been by since to check it out – thanks. We are trying to make it a cool and welcoming place to hang out and enjoy our wines. It’s a pretty room with a full view of the barrel cave. We look forward to putting some tables out on the sidewalk come Springtime so neighbors can bring their dogs. We have started booking some private events – so think of us for your next party or work function. We have also been planning some public events, starting with a special menu we had last Friday for Valentine’s Day.
We got a few mentions you can read more about: EATER PDX and a longer list on our site, here
HERE’S A RECAP OF 2019
Here’s a few things Love & Squalor got up to in 2019
