Visiting the pottery

The pottery studio, located behind the house (up the driveway on the left) contains a showroom full of finished ware and the production facilities. Jeff and his brother Tom built it , finishing in 1981. A visit will usually find Jeff at work at the wheel and Sally glazing or decorating bisque ware.  You will also find the work of potter-friends Michael Baines and Jeanni Holder. Sally and/or Jeff, typically both, work together Monday-Saturday. One of the Lilly girls is in charge on Sundays.

Either or both or all of the Manfredis will take a break from their work to answer questions and show you around their workplace. It's not difficult to get them into conversation about wine, restaurants, books or new ways to really see the valley.

The pottery they make is intended for everyday use. The glazes are lead-free, the ware microwave and dishwasher-safe. They will explain that pots used for baking most be treated like pyrex, no sudden thermal shock (such as refrigerator to oven) can be tolerated. Their clay is stoneware, which they fire to cone 10, bonding glaze and clay to minimize breakage and chipping at the edge. It will still break if you drop it.

Much of our work is commissioned for use in Valley inns, restaurants, wineries and homes. It's best to come to the studio to discuss special orders. That way the full range of possibilities can be explored employing actual pieces and various combinations. Open daily  9-5 Monday through Saturday and 11-5
Sunday, closed on all major holidays.