What is it about wineries, distilleries, and breweries that appeal so deeply to human culture? Why have these places served as cornerstones of society for thousands of years? Good food and drink act as a social lubricant, and do a fantastic job of opening up conversation. Coming together to share stories and common passions over a drink is an exceptionally powerful experience, one that dates back to before recorded history. It’s how we evolve as individuals, as industries, and as communities. These are the moments you look back on; the time you shared with friends, loved ones, even complete strangers. And each of these memories is deeply connected to the place that moment was spent.
These places are where ideas spread; where connections are built and fostered within our communities. It’s where we meet up with our coworkers after a hard day’s work, or where we go to catch up with an old friend.
“It’s where we laugh together, and cry together, and feel alive together.”
Connecting over food and drink allows us to take a deep breath, exhale, and leave the day behind. Each sip helps the stress and anxieties of modern living fade away and allows you to feel the presence of the people around you. These places are where we enjoy the moment for what it is. It’s where we laugh together, and cry together, and feel alive together.
For all these reasons and more, wineries, distilleries, and breweries serve as engines of community. They have both economic and cultural impact because they create a sense of pride in who we are, and where we come from. Having the opportunity to design and create these places is a great honor, and it’s what brings us together at O’Brien.
THE FLAVORS OF THE LAND
But the answer to the question of why we drink is not only about creating memories. It’s also about how we got to where we are today. An appreciation for the beauty of the land is strongly rooted in the human experience. Even those who live in the city feel the longing to return to nature. It’s why we camp, and hike, and preserve our natural wonders as National Parks. And there is something special about that warm, fuzzy feeling you get from sipping a drink that was born of the ground we live on.
“No two wines, beers, or spirits are quite the same, and each tells its own unique story of the land that made it.”
Everything from the geography, to the water, to the contents of the soil contributes to an utterly singular product. No two wines, beers, or spirits are quite the same, and each tells its own unique story of the land that made it. You can taste the soil that grew the grapes and the sun that fed them, or the wildfire that imbued them with smoke. You can taste the glacial minerals in the water that was used to brew or distill a drink. This process is how we celebrate our connection to the land, and our thousands of years of agricultural achievements.
At O’Brien, our goal is to open up this space for more communities to express themselves and become a part of Oregon’s regional story. Our home is defined by all who live here, and only by coming together can we grow a more vibrant future.