The Punch House

Jon and Melissa handle winemaking, service, and the business behind The Punch House in Central Point, Oregon. Melissa brings experience in food, hospitality, and nursing; Jon draws on work in film, restaurants, and wineries. Their guiding idea borrows from chef Thomas Keller: less is more. The winery’s name nods to the small, house-shaped building where their first wine production begins—a play on “Juice House,” rather than a reference to a bowl of party punch.

At 9115 Blackwell Road, the tasting experience runs Thursday through Sunday, noon to 5 p.m. Guests enter through a curtain, and music is part of the experience, with a house playlist providing the soundtrack. Outdoor tasting gives the visit a different rhythm from a conventional tasting-room counter.

For travelers making a weekend of it, the one-bedroom, one-bath bungalow sits within walking distance of the tasting experience. Views take in Mount McLoughlin and Table Rocks, while free-ranging chickens and turkeys add their own activity. Inside are a wet bar and electric fireplace; outside, a private back patio provides space for stargazing. The bungalow normally carries a two-night minimum, with a one-night option for wine club members.