Document text
0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate NEWS NOW Our View: Cheers to jobs, fish; jeers to canceled insurance ... From the council: Medford-Alba sister city bond is a special one ... Emergency Services ... Our View: Cheers to jobs, fish; jeers to canceled insurance ... From the council: Medford-Alba sister city bond is a special one ... Emergency Services ... WINE COUNTRY Dancin Vineyards covers up Jacksonville-area winery builds an all-weather space Comment By Greg Stiles Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Greg Stiles Mail Tribune Posted Apr. 9, 2015 at 12:01 AM By Greg Stiles Mail Tribune Posted Apr. 9, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Social News Yes, it still rains in Southern Oregon. But why let a cold, blustery afternoon or rainy evening put a damper on those outdoor dining or wine-tasting plans? During a wine club gathering at Dancin Vineyards off South Stage Road outside of Jacksonville last November, owners Dan and Cindy Marca erected event tents warmed by portable heaters. But they had something much better on the drawing board. Taking a break from the usual routine this past winter, the Marcas solved the seasonal problem by building a barrel-shaped cover over what is known as the piazza outside the wine cave. "We wanted a space to accommodate our guests no matter the weather," Dan Marca said. "Before, we were limited to the tasting room and the cave in the winter, but now we have been able to extend the season to year round. ... In Italy, the piazza is a place where people gather at the city square to meet converse, and that's really what our vision was for this space." The winery can now comfortably handle 125 people during the peak months and nearly that many the rest of the year. "It wasn't a part of our original plan," Marca said. "We've slowly responded as the need has arisen, added more landscaping around it. It provides another opportunity to enjoy the views without any concern for the weather." The Marcas took their concept to Jerome White of Kistler+Small+White Architects in Ashland, and landscape architect Laurie Sager, also of Ashland, to weave the design into the existing terrace, pond, hillside park and vineyard surrounding the tasting room. "We wanted a barrel roof, mimicking the cave," Marca said. "We put a mock-up together and wanted to make sure it wouldn't hinder the property views. We wanted to make sure it was done right." The cave at the rear of the piazza was originally going to provide a cellar-like tasting room when Dancin debuted its 2010 vintage. It has morphed into storage, private meeting and release space. "The piazza actually accentuates the cave and makes it underground at this point," Marca said. Dancin Vineyards opened to the public Memorial Day 2012. It has extended its estate plantings to 20 acres of pinot noir and chardonnay vines. A new winery completed in mid-August 2014 allowed Dancin to produce 2,400 cases of its own vino on its own estate for the first time, with four clients filling the rest of the winery's 5,000-case capacity. "We're looking at putting in another barrel room," said Marca. "There's a great benefit to having your own winery. When it's your own facility, you call the shots, when you pick, when you process, and that's absolutely huge." Beyond that, he said, fruit can be put immediately into a cold room rather than sit on a trailer for hours. "The wine-making facility is now literally a few feet away," he said. "A forklift comes down, picks up the bin and delivers it within minutes." Reach reporter Greg Stiles at 541-776-4463 or [email protected] . Follow him on Twitter at www.twitter.com/GregMTBusiness , on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/greg.stiles.31 , and read his blog at www.mailtribune.com/ Economic Edge . By Greg Stiles Mail Tribune MailTribune.com By Greg Stiles Mail Tribune Posted Apr. 9, 2015 at 12:01 AM » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Southern Oregon Directory Featured Businesses Loading... Business Name address Location, ST | website.com Find Southern Oregon Attractions Bars Restaurants Beauty Salons Entertainment Doctors Medical Specialists Contractors Education Lawn Services Lawyers Shopping Travel Tanning Used Cars Wedding Services ▼ Add your business here + Events Calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Propel Marketing Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Mobile Site Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms of Service | Local Media Group Publications Original content available for non-commercial use under a Creative Commons license, except where noted. MailTribune.com | P.O. Box 1108, Medford, OR 97501