
To enhance guests’ enjoyment at the Jeriko Estate Resort and Winery in Hopland, California, owner Danny Fetzer constructed two pergolas. The larger one, located outside the main tasting room, provides a cool outdoor space for patrons; the smaller pergola is attached to a casita on the property.
Fetzer chose redwood for the pergolas not only for its appearance, but also for its minimal maintenance requirements, sustainability, and overall performance as a building material—all qualities that builders should prioritize when considering similar projects such as decks and garden structures. Benefits of redwood include:
Durability. While redwood is popular for residential applications, such as decks, planter boxes, and shade structures, it is well suited for commercial applications as well, such as in the hospitality sector. Redwood’s durability and minimal maintenance are assets to business owners and facility managers. Less time spent on facilities maintenance allows for greater focus on other important areas, such as guest experience.
Sustainability. Sourced from nearby certified forestlands, redwood trees are indigenous and have been used locally for centuries. Modern forestry practices mean that more trees are grown each year than are harvested, and additional protections are put in place around old growth stands, flora and fauna, and water courses, to name a few. These practices align with Jeriko Estate’s organic, sustainable values, and they aren’t alone. Businesses throughout the U.S. and around the world prioritize lumber, pulp, and other wood products that are FSC-certified.
Functionality. In exterior applications, redwood offers unmatched functionality. Versatile and easy to work with, redwood can be used to construct any number of features from shade structures to trellis, to gazebos and arbors. In the Jeriko Estate example, the redwood pergolas create an outdoor space where guests can enjoy beautiful views of the property while remaining comfortable. On hot days, the patio serves as an oasis, providing shade and remaining cool to the touch.
Beauty. In addition to its practical qualities, redwood is an attractive building material. In the hospitality sector, looks are everything. The warm, earth tones of redwood invite guests to relax and linger a little longer. The beauty of redwood also complements many other natural materials, like travertine and marble.