Project name: CHO Wines Tasting Room and Production Facility

Location: Hillsboro

Completion: February 2024

Size: 7,250 square feet

Owner/Developer: CHO Wines

Architect: Open Concept Architecture

Engineers: James G. Pierson Inc., Humber Design Group

General Contractor: O’Brien & Company

Submitting Company: O’Brien & Company

Subcontractors: Always Pure Water Systems, Clearwater Pump Service, CS1 Real Interior, Gore Electric, Iron Head Roofing, J J Overhead Door, JC Concrete, Jonas Co., Leland MacDonald and Associates, Martin Sheet Metal, McMinnville Gas, Miller’s Sons Contracting, Nicholas Carver dba Carver Construction, Northwest Mechanical, Salinas Pro Works, Trinity Flooring, Turley Excavation, Twin Rivers Plumbing

Perched at the highest elevation in the Willamette Valley, CHO Wines stands as a testament to vision, heritage and collaboration.

Dave and Lois Cho’s dream of building a winery from scratch materialized on a 77-acre estate where century-old white oak trees stand as silent witnesses to Oregon’s pre-colonial past. The winery distinguishes itself as the first Korean-American venture in Oregon’s wine country, blending Japandi minimalism with traditional Korean hanok influences. This cultural fusion creates a refined yet inviting atmosphere where expansive windows frame vineyard views.

The project team, notably led by women, included Sarah Young from Open Concept Architecture; Carolina Depiante from general contractor O’Brien & Company; Lois Cho, CEO of CHO Wines and founder and executive director of the Oregon AAPI Food and Wine Fest, and Jessica Cortell from Vitis Terra Vineyard Management.

Their collaborative approach became essential in balancing the Chos’ ambitious vision with budgetary constraints. The team implemented cutting-edge Building Information Modeling technology, creating detailed three-dimensional digital representations that enabled virtual walkthroughs and prevented construction conflicts.

The Chos themselves contributed to site clearing and demolition efforts, working to preserve a grove of 200-year-old native white oaks – among the last remaining pre-colonial specimens in Oregon. This preservation effort extended to partnerships with Willamette University’s Growing Oaks program, where Wine Club members gathered acorns to propagate new trees.

Sustainability guided construction decisions. The tasting room features predominantly wood construction, while the production facility utilized metal prefabrication for durability and efficiency. Buildings were strategically angled to maximize natural light for passive solar heating and tree shade for natural cooling.

Beyond production, CHO Wines has established itself as a cultural hub championing Asian American and Pacific Islander representation in Oregon’s wine industry. The winery challenges conventional norms by combining high-end finishes with a welcoming atmosphere that hosts signature events like karaoke nights and harvest parties. This approach has successfully attracted both traditional wine enthusiasts and younger, diverse audiences to a facility that honors heritage while embracing innovation.

“This project is a reflection of the Chos’ passion for great wine and their dedication to creating a space that fosters connection,” said Sarah Young, senior project manager at Open Concept Architecture, in the project nomination form. “It’s designed not just for tasting, but for gathering – where the architecture frames the vineyard, works with the landscape, and invites people to pause and take in the experience.”

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PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Oregonians will soon have more options for camping — especially those looking for a quick trip — as the state parks department works to finalize details on a capital improvement plan.

Oregon Public Broadcasting reported on Thursday staff in the Oregon Parks and Recreation Department staff recently outlined some of the plans at a Parks and Recreation Commission meeting.

Park Services Manager Matt Rippee said expanded campgrounds are in the works for several state parks in the Willamette Valley, including Silver Falls and Champoeg.

“It also gives folks an opportunity, if a big storm comes through in the middle of the night, or a baby is crying, they can hop in the car and head home, and it’s not a four hour drive,” he said.

The expansion is part of an approved $50 million, by state lawmakers, to fund a series of projects over the next five years.

In addition, as part of the package the iconic Smith Rock State Park is set to receive $4 million to $6 million for upgrades throughout the park — including added parking, extended hiking trails and a visitor center.

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