Success brings its own challenges. After nearly two decades of making wine and attracting big crowds, Paradocx Vineyard needed more space. The Chester County winery undertook an ambitious expansion to accommodate the growing number of folks who stop by to sip, chat, and shop.
Instead of just renovating the existing tasting room, the ownership team decided to build a second level on top of it. This move more than doubled the square footage and also created a prime overlook across the vines. With The Stave at Paradocx Vineyard, the winery now has the ability to welcome more guests and to host private events without impacting walk-in traffic.
“There have already been Saturdays where we have so many visitors that we have had to use the upstairs and the downstairs,” says General Manager Trish Brown. “This is a fantastic challenge to have.”
Brown has been with Paradocx Vineyard for three years, and when she interviewed for the job, construction permits were already in the works. The winery is owned by two husband-and-wife teams, and all four are equal partners. Each owner had something to offer in the design process.
“All four of them have incredibly different tastes and visions,” says Brown. “You’re dealing with four different styles and also trying to figure out what the Paradocx family — which is how we describe staff and patrons of Paradocx — needs and expects. And then how can we go one step beyond?”
The completed space blends traditional elements, farmhouse touches, and industrial chic. The vaulted ceiling is accented by wooden beams. The space is lit by both a flood of natural light from patio doors and large windows and industrial light fixtures featuring caged bulbs. Alice James, mother of co-owner Carol Hoffman, who creates all of the artwork for the Paradox wine labels, contributed pieces for the new tasting room.
Upgrades go beyond just the design: The winery is launching a Paradocx blend of coffee and opening a full barista bar. A professional chef curates a small bistro menu along with customizable cheese trays boasting imported Italian meats and local cheeses to pair with flights and tastings.
Here’s a quick tour of the stunning space’s most buzz-worthy details.
THE BAR
The most eye-catching element in the bright, friendly room is the large bar. It features a front fashioned from staves — the wooden slats from the winery’s spent barrels – and the inspiration behind the new space’s name.
“It’s a huge conversation piece and something that the owners are very passionate about,” says Brown. “We tried very hard to reuse, recycle, and be environmentally friendly while we were doing construction. There are also tables made using wood from family farmhouses.”
CORK COLLAGE
One of the most engaging elements of the tasting room is a circular collage of wine corks above the bar. A former tasting room worker created the piece and included a single cork that is different from the rest. Guests who can locate the outlier are rewarded with a free glass of wine.
CRUVINET
A centerpiece of the Stave’s bar is a large Cruvinet, a temperature-controlled system that dispenses wine and limits exposure to oxygen, keeping bottles fresh for up to six weeks.
THE MEADOW
Outdoor upgrades were a vital part of the master plan. Families flock to what the Paradocx team calls “The Meadow,” a grassy expanse accessed from the original tasting room. The winery sets up cornhole games, and guests often bring frisbees and footballs. Picnic tables dot The Meadow and provide comfortable views of the arbor-like stage and vineyard backdrop.
Plan your own visit to Paradocx Vineyard’s new tasting room. Visit their website for location, hours, and special events.
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