By Melissa Wagoner
In 2011, when Elise Trask decided to get married on the farm where she grew up, she not only gained a husband, she gained a career as well.
“That got our wheels turning,” Trask’s sister and business partner, Clarissa Rapacz, said, recalling how that wedding – held amongst a field of flowers – became the first of many, thanks to the creation of a special new event space they called The Farm on Golden Hill.
“When my grandparents were growing crops, everyone said we lived on a hill of gold, everything grew so well, but we always called it ‘the farm’,” Rapacz said of the name she and Trask created by combining the two endearments. “It’s been special to us to keep it in the family because we grew up in these fields.”
Passed down through five generations – and counting – the 40-acre farm, located on Kaufman Road in Silverton, has been home to numerous crops throughout its history including grass seed, strawberries and flowers. But it’s the rustic outbuildings – especially the arched wooden barn, built in the 1940s – that have made The Farm on Golden Hill the perfect venue for memorable events.
“Our old equipment shed is now the groomsman’s space with an old fridge that matches one that used to be used as a toolbox.” Rapacz said. “We’ve tried to stay true to utilizing what’s on the farm.”
And that includes the fertile soil which, in 2018, saw the introduction of seven acres of chardonnay grapevines.
“Our parents were looking at a crop to put in that’s more permanent,” Rapacz said of the choice. “And it’s been a fun family experiment.”
So much so, that the vineyard has continued to expand with the addition of Pinot noir and Riesling during the past six years.
“Now we do dessert wine, Riesling and we’re toying with sparkling,” Rapacz said. “And now we have enough wine to have a tasting room.”
The first new structure built on the property in some time, the combination tasting room and event space opened its doors to the public on Feb. 10 for a wine and chocolate pairing.
“Part of what we love about the bar is the warmth and old wood,” Rapacz said, gesturing toward the new building’s high, paneled ceiling. “So, we tried to bring that in here and keep it neutral with the colors and textures.”
Because the plan for the new venue is that it will be truly multipurpose – open for wine tasting on Fridays and Sundays from 12 to 4 p.m., weddings on Saturdays and corporate and smaller functions during the week.
“And we designed it for year-around use,” Rapacz said, pointing to the row of French doors dividing the event space – which has the capacity to host 299 guests – from the large outdoor patio overlooking the vines. “We want a very indoor-outdoor experience.”
The sisters are also excited to host their own events, which will give the community a chance to try The Farm on Golden Hill’s namesake wine and enjoy the new space.
“March 2 we’re having a Princess Tea Party Fundraiser for a special girl we know,” Rapacz began. “Then a Sip and Shop on April 6. And on the first weekend in October, we always do our Harvest Party.”
These events are just some of the ways Rapacz and Trask hope to connect with the community, sharing the place they love.
“People say, ‘I drive by and never knew this was out here,’” Rapacz said. “It’s been really fun to get people up here to see the view.”
For venue information or event tickets: www.thefarmongoldenhill.com.
