All-season sun hats at sosta house
Very much aligned with Shop Boswell in their commitment to artistry, sustainability and care, Sosta House, a bed & breakfast just thirty minutes from Portland, is a true gem. Perfect as a little getaway, or as a day trip for one of their events, we love this small inn, and think that our newsletter readers would too.
Over the summer, we sent over the Sosta House team a few Brookes Boswell hats to use while gardening, tending the grounds, and soaking up hot days in wine country. Even as winter looms, the team is wearing these sunhats while doing everything from shearing their sheep, to enjoying a little crisp sunshine, (while keeping sun protection in mind).
Below we have a sweet interview with the four-person Sosta crew…
First off, can you tell us a little about Sosta House, and who makes up the team? Who on your staff is wearing Shop Boswell hats?!
Our team is small but mighty. Sosta House is owned and operated by brother-sister duo Nico and Chef Mia Ponzi Hamacher. Our grandparents planted the grapes (the oldest pinot gris in Oregon!) and built the winery next door first, then the house in 1969. After years away from the Northwest, we have returned home to bring new life to this special place. We spent our early years with our cousins in this house while our family worked in the winery next door. It’s always been a place full of people and life, we are proud to keep that legacy alive.
Mia is our innkeeper and touches most everything related to the b&b’s daily operations - sourdough pancakes, events, ironing pillowcases, the list goes on. Nico is a groundskeeper of sorts, constantly working on a new project, whether it’s building a stage for summer concerts, creating a native seed garden, or making a home for resident lambs.
Since we opened two years ago, our team has grown from two to four with the additions of Joni and Laura. Joni manages much of our front of house operations - answering emails, making bouquets, tidying rooms, coordinating events. Laura works with Nico to tend to the land, maintaining our beautiful gardens, caring for the animals, all of the various tasks that keep the property up and running.
Can you share how they’ve broken in over the last season or two, and what your favorite uses have been?
We’ve loved wearing the hats picking flowers, tending to the garden, shearing sheep, harvesting grapes, grilling under the summer sun, building a glass house, getting eggs from the chickens in the morning, refilling the cold plunge, hanging at the rodeo, enjoying lunch on the back deck with a glass of wine.
These hats are handmade with a lot of love and care, similar to the energy that y’all put into Sosta House. Tell us about that crossover - whether it’s tending the garden, putting on crafty events, or curating your rooms with one-of-a-kind items.
There’s a shared philosophy with Boswell and their craft that feels really natural to us. Everything at Sosta House is rooted in care, routine, practice, and we love that Boswell approaches their craft the same way. Whether our team is drying garlic, mending a fence, arranging a room with pieces we’ve collected over decades, or planning events, it comes from that same place of intention and respect for process.
Any recommendations for wearing these summery hats year round? Or do we just all need a mid-winter vacation from Portland rain to wear our fave accessories?
We think these hats shine anywhere there’s a hint of winter sun, whether it’s a bright day here or a quick escape somewhere warmer. We’re big on pieces that marry form and function and these do just that. It’s cute seeing guests in them with robes on coming out of the sauna. A mid-winter vacation never hurt anyone.
What can Sosta House guests look forward to if they want to do a winter visit?
Our perfect itinerary includes a stroll through the vines, hanging in the great room by the fire, a walk next door to @winerylanecollective, Thursday & Sunday dinner service by candlelight, sauna + cold plunge before brekky in the morning, a hot hot shower to rinse (and repeat).
Thank you, Sosta House, for sharing a little piece of wine country magic with us! To purchase a Boswell hat, check them out here.