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 Oregon Wine History Archive Podcast

Oregon Wine History Archive Podcast

By Linfield Archives

The Oregon Wine History Archive at Linfield University was created to collect, preserve, share, and continue the narrative of Oregon wine.

The growth of the Oregon wine industry extends from the farmers and winemakers to the marketers, scientists, innovators, and dreamers of the enterprise — all of whom are vital to the industry’s success. It is our aim to link the past, present, and future of the industry in hopes of sharing the story of Oregon wine.

Some oral history interviews are conducted on site and may contain background noise from nature, winery, or tasting room operations.
Currently playing episode

Carmine Campione: Oral History Interview

Oregon Wine History Archive PodcastAug 24, 2023

00:00
01:08:20
Peter Gibson: Oral History Interview

Peter Gibson: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Peter Gibson. In this interview, Peter speaks about discovering his love for wine and how that guided him through his journey to finding a role in the wine industry.


He first dives into his childhood and growing up in Virginia. Peter shares how he was introduced to the world of wine through his brother who was a wine steward throughout college. He goes on to talk about attaining a business degree and how he found himself still finding ways to be involved with wine.


Later on, Peter goes on to share about his experience in home-winemaking. He then shares about the process in creating a wine database and becoming an independent wine data consultant.


This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Portland Wine Storage in Portland on March 26, 2024.

Apr 30, 202450:41
Becky Potter: Oral History Interview

Becky Potter: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Becky Potter of Meraviglioso. In this interview, Becky talks about her journey from nursing to finding wine. She dives into her first introduction with wine and how she found herself owning a vineyard and producing wine. Becky talks about being born and raised in Oregon and how she found her significant other, Terry. She goes on to share about all her different careers that eventually led to wine in 2017. Later in the interview, Becky dives into all the ins and outs of the Oregon wine industry and creating the Meraviglioso label. Becky shares her excitement regarding the label and the Oregon wine industry in general. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Meraviglioso in Newberg on March 19, 2024.

Apr 23, 202401:13:07
Michael Bockstahler & Mariel Hartley: Oral History Interview

Michael Bockstahler & Mariel Hartley: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Michael Bockstahler & Mariel Hartley of Guerrilla Wine Company. In this interview, Michael & Mariel dive into their wine journey and creating their own label. The couple dives into their earlier lives and what it was like growing up for each of them. They then share how they met right before Covid and what lock-down was like with their full house. Mariel also talks about her path regarding nursing and pharmaceutical sales, while Michael shares about his different jobs in the wine industry. Later in the interview, the couple shares about their process in making wine to sell commercially. They then go on to share some of their hopes for both their brand and Oregon wine. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt in the Nicholson Library at Linfield University in McMinnville on March 11, 2024.

Apr 17, 202401:35:47
Ed Fus: Oral History Interview

Ed Fus: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Ed Fus of Angelvine. In this interview, Ed talks about his journey to wine and how he found himself in the industry without any formal training. Ed dives into how he was born and raised on the East Coast. He goes on to talk about his college days and how he ended up spending ten years in Denver as an Environmental Consultant. Ed then shares how his life began to shift and focus on the wine industry. Ed talks about all the adventures, people, challenges, and rewards that came with his journey through the wine industry. Before he leaves, Ed shares his retirement plans of traveling, relaxing, and spending time with his family. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Three Angels Vineyard in Amity, Oregon on March 7, 2024.

Apr 05, 202401:31:02
Marissa Kipp: Oral History Interview

Marissa Kipp: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Marissa Kipp of Cru and Domaine. In this interview, Marissa speaks about finding a passion for wine through education and service, especially as it gave her a chance to compete against herself to learn more and more about the world of wine. She talks about her time working in all aspects of food, wine, and hospitality, with education always being a focus. She also talks about her perpetual state of studying for the next exam, improving her credentials and expanding her knowledge while always looking for more. She then talks about how she found her way to Cru and Domaine and what's she's brought to the program, as well as what is coming next. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Cru and Domaine in Portland on February 28, 2024.

Mar 27, 202452:09
Amael Orrego: Oral History Interview

Amael Orrego: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Amael Orrego of Benton-Lane Winery. In this interview, Amael shares his wine journey and how he found himself in Oregon after growing up in Chile. Amael talks about his childhood and growing up in rural Chile. He reminisces about the countryside and his family. He then shares how these factors drove him to find a profession in the wine industry. Amael then dives into finding jobs after his time spent at a university in Chile. He talks about being introduced to Pinot and Chardonnay in California and how he has come to fall in love with the varieties while in Oregon. He also shares what all he loves about wine and winemaking. Amael leaves us with some of his aspirations and observations about Oregon wine. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Benton-Lane Winery in Monroe, Oregon on February 27, 2024.

Mar 25, 202401:29:50
Don Heistuman: Oral History Interview

Don Heistuman: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Don Heistuman. In this interview, Don shares his journey, first paved with music, to wine and where wine has led him.
Don dives into being born in Portland and raised in Washington. He talks about his early love for food, sociology, music, and culture. He then shares how all of his passions and experiences led him to the wine industry. 
Later in the interview, Don shares what he finds to be his proudest accomplishments and what he hopes to do in the future.
This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt in the Nicholson Library at Linfield University on February 26, 2024.

Mar 18, 202401:12:11
Joel Sokoloff: Oral History Interview

Joel Sokoloff: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Joel Sokoloff. In this interview, Joel talks about how he found farming and how that led him to wine.

Joel dives into how he grew up in the suburbs of Illinois and how he found farming later in life. He shares why he loves the industry, the family, and the tight-knit community Joel then talks about how his passion for farming led him to wine.

Later in the interview Joel talks about why he is endlessly interested in farming and wine. He leaves us with some of his hopes and advice for the future of Oregon wine.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt in Joel’s home in McMinnville, Oregon.


Mar 13, 202401:26:06
Aldie Howard: Oral History Interview

Aldie Howard: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Aldie Howard. In this interview, Aldie speaks about his life before wine, which included time in the Navy sailing to all parts of the world, and in public service in Oregon and Alaska. While in Oregon, he talked about meeting Charles Coury, Dick Erath, Myron Redford, Barney Watson and other early Oregon winemakers.
Aldie talked about working with all these different people, learning to make wine, and about then going to work at his brother's winery in New Hampshire. He also talks about his impressions of Oregon wine and its growth, and about his new venture in the industry.
This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt in the Nicholson Library at Linfield University on February 12, 2024.

Mar 11, 202459:34
Dillon Glusker: Oral History Interview

Dillon Glusker: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Dillon Glusker of Prufrock Wines. In this interview, Dillon talks about all things tea, chocolate, and wine. He shares about his journey to finding wine and how he fell in love with both tea and chocolate along the way.


Dillon dives into how he has always loved specialty foods and flavors. He also shares how he wanted to “use his palate to make money.” He talks about finding his love for aged tea in college and how his tea passion transpired into different career opportunities.


Later in the interview, Dillon talks about traveling and shares some of his favorite memories. He also discusses what he loves about his current role and some hopes he has for the future.


This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at the Prufrock Wines warehouse in Portland, Oregon on February 9, 2024.

Mar 05, 202401:07:21
David Heatherbell: Oral History Interview

David Heatherbell: Oral History Interview

This interview is with David Heatherbell, former enology professor at Oregon State University. In this interview, David speaks about how he found wine through his love for science.


David shares about his time growing up overseas, but how he has always been connected to the Pacific Northwest through his father. He goes on to talk about getting his PhD from OSU and some of his fondest memories from that adventure.


Later in the interview, David dives into his involvement in the wine industry and organizing the Cool Weather Viticulture Wine Symposium of 1984. He leaves us with some thoughts about Oregon, the wine industry, and some of his current wine intrigues.


This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt via Zoom from David's home in New Zealand on February 8 (in the US) and February 9 (in New Zealand), 2024.

Feb 29, 202401:09:15
Phil London: Oral History Interview

Phil London: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Phil London of Cameron Winery. In this interview, Phil speaks about both his journey to finding wine and Oregon. He shares about everything from the wine castles of California to finding his place in Oregon.


Phil shares about his wine journey in California and all the travels and adventures it led him on. He then dives into what led him to Oregon and all he enjoys about the Oregon wine industry.


Later in the interview, Phil shares what he believes makes great wine. He leaves us with his hopes for both Oregon wine and his career.


This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt in the Nicholson Library at Linfield University in McMinnville on January 31, 2024.

Feb 23, 202401:15:14
Justina Bice: Oral History Interview

Justina Bice: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Justina Bice of Patton Valley Wines. In this interview, Justina speaks about how she knew wine was going to be her path in ninth grade, though she didn't know what route she would take. An internship with the Idaho Wine Board and a desire to be in Oregon led her to working at Patton Valley 2015.

She talks about her work in Oregon, leading up to purchasing (along with winemaker Derek Einbarger) Patton Valley in 2022. Included in this process was a rethinking of the business model, finding a tasting room space, and working with her wine club to understand the changes. She also talks about how she's seen hospitality evolve, the effects of the pandemic, and what comes next.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Patton Valley Wines tasting room in McMinnville on January 29, 2024.

Feb 14, 202401:09:27
Joe Padulo: Oral History Interview

Joe Padulo: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Joe Padulo of Portland Wine Storage. In this interview, Joe speaks about his journey to finding wine and where the industry has led him. Joe talks about what first drew him to wine and how he made a business of creating cool spaces to store and enjoy wine.


Joe dives into growing up on the east coast and how he eventually found himself across the country at a culinary school in California. Joe then shares how he found himself in Portland, where he and Tom Harvey started Portland Wine Storage.


Joe goes on to talk about everything from getting his driver's license at 30 to someone flying wine to the Canadian border for a hand delivery. He leaves us with some of his future hopes and his thoughts about the Oregon Wine Industry.


This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Portland Wine Storage's annex in Portland on January 25, 2025.

Feb 12, 202402:05:51
Justin Litwin: Oral History Interview

Justin Litwin: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Justin Litwin of Oregon State's Woodhall III Vineyard. In this interview, Justin speaks about how he found his way to being the vineyard manager for Oregon State University's vineyard. He talks about joining the Navy after high school and some of his experiences working on a submarine, then coming to Oregon State and learning more about wine and vineyards.


Later, he speaks about the challenges of managing a research vineyard, and the excitement of helping the state advance its viticulture practices. He talks about what comes next for the vineyard, and for his little winemaking projects as a "farmer with a pension."


This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Woodhall III Vineyard. in Monroe on January 24, 2024.

Feb 07, 202458:33
David Hunter: Oral History Interview

David Hunter: Oral History Interview

This interview is with David Hunter of Cru and Domaine. In this interview, David speaks about discovering a passion for wine, service, and wine education while working in the Bay Area. He talks about starting to learn about wine and feeling the need to pursue his education by studying in the Court of Master Sommeliers.


Later, he talks about coming to Oregon and finding his people here, and how that led him to Cru and Domaine. As he is preparing for the final level of the CMS exams, he also speaks about the preparation and study for the intensity of the exams, as well as what else he hopes to accomplish.


This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Cru and Domaine in Portland on January 23, 2024.

Feb 06, 202401:27:08
Tom Danowski: Oral History Interview

Tom Danowski: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Tom Danowski of the Oregon Wine Board. In this interview, Tom speaks about his work before wine with brands like Coca-Cola, Starbucks and Kraft Foods, and his introduction to wine when he took a position with Chateau Ste. Michelle in Washington. He discusses his excitement at returning to the Northwest after growing up in Oregon, and his growing enthusiasm for learning about wine. From there, Tom talks about his role as president of the Oregon Wine Board and Oregon Winegrowers Association. He discusses the state of the OWB when he arrived and some of the projects/accomplishments he's proudest of. He also takes a look at the future for the Oregon wine industry and how the work of the OWB might support that and evolve as he prepares to step down from his position, as well as what the future holds for himself. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Stoller Family Estate in Dayton on December 13, 2023.

Jan 11, 202401:10:12
James Osborne: Oral History Interview

James Osborne: Oral History Interview

This interview is with James Osborne of Oregon State University (OSU). In this interview, James speaks about his time studying wine in his native New Zealand and his path to becoming a professor of Wine Microbiology at OSU and director of the Oregon Wine Research Institute (OWRI).


With his interest in wine stemming from his passion for microbiology James discusses his experience in the industry from an academic and research perspective.


This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Oregon State University in Corvallis on December 12, 2023.

Jan 03, 202401:33:30
Rob Clarke: Oral History Interview

Rob Clarke: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Rob Clarke of Terrapin Cellars. In this interview, Rob speaks about finding wine as a career change, and the many opportunities afforded to him by pursuing wine education through Chemeketa Community College.


Rob then talks about starting and growing a vineyard management company, and the circumstances that led to him beginning to make his own wine as well. He speaks of the growth of both businesses and where they stand today, as well as what he expects to happen next.


This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt in the Nicholson Library at Linfield University in McMinnville on December 4, 2023.

Jan 03, 202459:10
Tom Mortimer: Oral History Interview

Tom Mortimer: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Tom Mortimer of Le Cadeau Wines. In this interview, Tom speaks about learning about wine as a consumer and collector before being taken in by the Willamette Valley and deciding to purchase property here. Once the property spoke to him, he knew he had to plant grapes and, later, produce wine.

Tom talks about all the learning moments along the way, including the process of clearing land, choosing clones, finding winemakers and remaining patient and optimistic over a long growth process.

Tom also speaks about how Le Cadeau has evolved and what comes next for his brand and for the Oregon wine industry.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Le Cadeau's tasting room in Dundee on November 29, 2023.

Dec 20, 202302:10:48
Katy Armes: Oral History Interview

Katy Armes: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Katy Armes of Scissortail Wine Tours. In this interview, Katy speaks about growing up in Oklahoma and attending Oklahoma State University, where a couple of life-changing conversations led her into wine and hospitality. From there, she talks about her impulsive move to the Willamette Valley and the number of roles she's had in the industry since arriving. She also talks about the ways the industry has grown and changed, and how that has affected her career. Finally, she talks about her new venture, Scissortail Wine Tours - how it came about, how it's gone so far and where it's headed. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Patton Valley Wines' tasting room in McMinnville on November 28, 2023.

Dec 18, 202301:21:46
Joe Chepolis & Carmen Nydegger: Oral History Interview

Joe Chepolis & Carmen Nydegger: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Joe Chepolis & Carmen Nydegger of Sound and Vision Wines. In this interview, Joe and Carmen speak about their lives before wine, meeting each other, and starting down the path of creating their own wine brand.


They discuss how they found themselves in the Rogue Valley and how they got their first grapes to work with, as well as their role in creating the collaborative Catalyst Wine tasting room in Talent. Later in the interview, they share their big news that they'll be moving into their own winery and tasting room in 2024, and look ahead to the future.


This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt in the Nicholson Library at Linfield University in McMinnville on November 17, 2023.

Dec 14, 202357:24
Alex Fortson: Oral History Interview

Alex Fortson: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Alex Fortson of Twill Cellars. In this interview, Alex speaks about his early work in photojournalism and his growing interest in wine. A chance meeting with Chris Dickson of Twill Cellars led him down the path toward working in wine production, and he dove deeper into wine from there.


Alex talks about working in wine retail, photography and web design, and about finding the inspiration to start his own wine label. He also talks about the changes he's seen in the industry, and about the transparency he hopes to showcase in his work.


This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at August Cellars in Newberg on November 14, 2023.

Dec 12, 202301:27:11
John Wrigley: Oral History Interview

John Wrigley: Oral History Interview

This interview is with John Wrigley of J. Wrigley Vineyards. In this interview, John speaks about finding wine and his path in creating J. Wrigley Vineyards.


John shares how he got into wine through beer, even buying a winemaking book from a beer shop. He then dives into how the mysteries and challenges of wine hooked him. John talks about his time spent selling insurance during the day and teaching himself winemaking at night.


Later in the interview, John talks about coming to Oregon and falling in love with his now wife and vineyard. He shares his journey in creating J. Wrigley Vineyards and what he hopes for the future.


This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at J. Wrigley Vineyards in Sheridan on September 29, 2022.

Oct 18, 202301:13:55
Vocal Vines: Andrew Riechers

Vocal Vines: Andrew Riechers

Tune in for the fourth episode of the Oregon Wine History Archive’s bonus podcast Vocal Vines. I interviewed Andrew Riechers, of Audeant Wines, and talked about everything from embodying Champagne to harvest bonding abroad. So grab a glass, sit back, and get ready to sip on the juice of the vocal vine Andrew Riechers.

Oct 11, 202323:55
Vocal Vines: Travis Todd

Vocal Vines: Travis Todd

Tune in for the third episode of the Oregon Wine History Archive’s bonus podcast, Vocal Vines. I interviewed Travis Todd, of de la boue wines, and talked about everything from practical jokes to the true escapades of pinot camp! Travis also talked about de la boue wines’ growth and all that has transpired since we last talked to him in 2021. So grab a glass, sit back, and get ready to sip on the juice of the vocal vine Travis Todd.

Sep 28, 202326:35
Jessica Miller: Oral History Interview

Jessica Miller: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Jessica Miller of Little Crow Vineyards. In this interview, Jessica speaks about her journey to finding wine and viticulture.


Early in the interview, Jessica shares how wine did not enter her life until college. She dives into her discovery of wine, which happened while she attended Boston University. Jesscia then talks about finding her niche in viticulture.


Later in the interview, Jessica shares about her time in California, abroad, and eventually how she found herself in Oregon. She then touches on starting her own label, Little Crow Vineyards, and what that journey has been like. Jessica leaves us with her hopes for both the future of Little Crow and Oregon wine in general.


This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Hollow Oak Acres in Sherwood on August 31, 2023.

Sep 13, 202301:49:06
Vocal Vines: Grant Coulter

Vocal Vines: Grant Coulter

Tune in for the second episode of the Oregon Wine History Archive’s bonus podcast Vocal Vines. I interviewed Grant Coulter, of Hundred Suns Wine, and talked about everything under the sun. From stories being traded like baseball cards to crashing into a canopy, Grant shares it all! So, grab a glass, sit back, and get ready to sip on the juice of this vocal vine.

Sep 07, 202314:53
Madeleine Rowan-Davis: Oral History Interview

Madeleine Rowan-Davis: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Madeleine Rowan-Davis of Atlas Vineyard Management. In this interview, Madeleine speaks about her background in science and starting to work in wine almost on a whim. Her work in hospitality and sales at Bonny Doon Vineyard allowed her to develop a passion and curiosity and led her to study at UC Davis.


After getting into vineyard management and viticulture, Madeleine talks about the various positions she held before coming to Atlas, including customer expectations and understanding different vineyards. She also talks about what brought her back to Oregon and how it has gone so far.


This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Abbott Claim Vineyard in Carlton on August 22, 2023.

Aug 28, 202301:12:43
Sam Stetser: Oral History Interview

Sam Stetser: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Sam Stetser of Atlas Vineyard Management. In this interview, Sam speaks about his winding path to wine and to Oregon, starting with a childhood interest in agriculture. He describes working in fine dining and doing agriculture and viticulture in Colorado before finding his way to Oregon vineyard management. He also talks about the work he does at Atlas, and how the growth of the industry has affected his work. And he looks ahead to what comes next. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Sam's home in McMinnville on August 10, 2023.

Aug 28, 202301:35:47
Chris Thomas: Oral History Interview

Chris Thomas: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Chris Thomas of Celestial Hill Vineyard. In this interview, Chris speaks about discovering wine and eventually entering the industry.


Chris talks about growing up in up-state New York and meeting his wife. He dives into being a CPA by trade, but shares how that career did not stick. Chris then talks about living in Europe and falling in love with all things Burgundy, Fance.


Later in the interview, Chris talks about creating Celestial Hill Vineyard and all that went into creating both the label and the vineyard. He leaves us with both his professional and personal hopes for the future.


This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Celestial Hill Vineyard in McMinnville on August 21, 2023.

Aug 25, 202301:01:04
Jim Bernau: Oral History Interview

Jim Bernau: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Jim Bernau of Willamette Valley Vineyards. In this interview, Jim speaks about his introduction to wine and his journey through the industry.


Jim starts the interview by diving into his childhood introduction to wine, which spurred him and his brother to steal and experiment with their mother’s frozen grape concord concentrate.


Jim also talks about his educational journey, where he went everywhere from Oxford to Willamette University. He then shares that after college he was introduced to wine professionally through legislation.


Later in the interview, Jim dives into the creation of Willamette Valley Vineyards. He leaves us with some advice about entering the wine industry and his hopes for the future.


This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Domaine Willamette in Dayton on August 18, 2023.

Aug 25, 202301:48:55
Alisa Jacobsen: Oral History Interview

Alisa Jacobsen: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Alisa Jacobsen of Rare North and Turning Tide. In this interview, Alisa speaks about her wine journey and love for all things agriculture.


During this interview, Alisa dives into growing up surrounded by agriculture in California. Born and raised around all things crops and animals, Alisa talks about her original interests when attending UC Davis, before she found wine. She shares about making her first wine at 19 and all what has motivated and compelled her during her wine journey.


Later in the interview, Alisa talks about balancing her crazy workload and exciting adventures. She leaves us with her professional and personal hopes.


This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Northwest Wine Company in Dundee on August 16, 2023.


Aug 24, 202301:01:25
Dave Rice: Oral History Interview

Dave Rice: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Dave Rice of Chehalem Winery. In this interview, Dave speaks about his lifelong interest in wine and how it brought him to his current role.


Dave talks about his career in sales and how it prepared him to work in wine sales and hospitality. He speaks on his initial impressions of the Oregon wine industry and how he's seen it grow and change. And he talks about how his role has grown and evolved, and what he does now.


This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at the Chehalem Winey tasting room in Newberg on August 14, 2023.

Aug 24, 202358:08
Carmine Campione: Oral History Interview

Carmine Campione: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Carmine Campione of Possessed Wines. In this interview, Carmine speaks about his wine journey and love for clean enjoyable wine.


Carmine dives into his life before wine, sharing about his childhood in Kentucky and his time spent serving our country. He then speaks about his educational journey where he sought to learn anything and everything about wine. Carmine shares how he fell in love with Oregon’s cool climate and soon found himself working at Redhawk Vineyard & Winery.


Later in the interview, Carmine talks about his hopes for the Oregon Wine industry, his own life, and his label, Possessed Wines.


This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Carmine’s home in Lake Oswego on July 26, 2023.

Aug 24, 202301:08:20
Karl Mecklem: Oral History Interview

Karl Mecklem: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Karl Mecklem of Eagles Nest Reserve. In this interview, Karl speaks about his journey to finding wine and creating his label, Eagles Nest Reserve.


Karl talks about his childhood in Oregon and how this influenced his path to wine. He then dives into planting his own vineyard and creating his label. From water challenges to currently only having Pinot Noir to work with, Karl talks about it all.


Later in the interview, Karl shares his aspirations for his vineyard, his label, and the Oregon wine industry as a whole.


This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Eagles Nest Reserve winery in Hillsboro on August 9, 2023.

Aug 21, 202301:35:09
John Soares: Oral History Interview

John Soares: Oral History Interview

This interview is with John Soares of Lone Wolf. In this interview, John speaks about his introduction to wine and all the steps along the way of his wine journey so far. This includes working in production and vineyards, selling wine, distribution and helping a number of friends in the industry with their projects.

John also talks about important travels to Greece, Hungary, France and elsewhere, about some of the impactful people he has met and worked with, and about what is coming next.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at John's home in Portland on August 4, 2023.

Aug 18, 202303:20:10
Jana McKamey: Oral History Interview

Jana McKamey: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Jana McKamey of the Oregon Winegrowers Association. In this interview, Jana speaks about her wine journey and path to finding a career associated with wine. Jana talks about growing up in Wyoming as a Finnish dual citizen, and how she eventually found herself working in international relations and diplomacy. She then dives into her careers, which ranged from being part of the European Union to working in a little wine bar in London. Later in the interview, Jana shares how she now found herself in Portland and working for the Oregon Winegrowers Association. She then dives into her personal and professional aspirations for the future. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at VIDA Coworking in Portland on August 8, 2023.

Aug 18, 202301:05:56
Kenny & Allison McMahon: Oral History Interview

Kenny & Allison McMahon: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Kenny & Allison McMahon of Arabilis Wines. In this interview, Kenny and Allison speak about their journey in meeting each other during grad school and later creating Arabilis Wines.


Both Kenny and Allison talk about how they fell in love with wine, whether through sensory for Allison and memories for Kenny. They then talk about how science and research shaped their path in creating their own label and winemaking philosophy.


Later in the interview, Kenny and Allison share their aspirations for their label Arabilis.


This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Arabilis Wines in McMinnville on August 3, 2023.

Aug 17, 202301:10:47
Peter Adesman: Oral History Interview

Peter Adesman: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Peter Adesman of Peter William Vineyard. In this interview, Peter speaks about discovering wine at a young age and starting to explore it while pursuing his medical education. Tasting groups and travel helped him engage with and understand the fine wines of the world. After his career brought him back to Medford, he talks about starting Peter William Vineyard, choosing what to grow and make, and figuring out how to sell wine. He also talks about the evolution he's seen in the region's wine industry. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt in the Nicholson Library at Linfield University in McMinnville on July 31, 2023.

Aug 17, 202301:04:10
Sean Davis: Oral History Interview

Sean Davis: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Sean Davis of Marshall Davis Wines. In this interview, Sean speaks about his journey to finding a career in wine. Sean talks about his love for wine as an artistic medium and dives into his previous degrees and endeavors before he found wine. He also dives into some of his current projects, as well as what he hopes to try in the future. Later in the interview, Sean dives into what he sees for the future of Oregon wine and his label Marshall Davis Wines. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Marshall Davis Wines vineyard in Yamhill on July 28, 2023.

Aug 14, 202340:60
Chris Bertsche: Oral History Interview

Chris Bertsche: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Chris Bertshe of Coelho Winery. In this interview, Chris speaks about his path to becoming involved with wine.


Chris dives into growing up in California and his introduction to the California wine scene after college. He also talks about how his accounting and finance degree has come in handy during his wine career.


Later in the interview, Chris talks about the wine industry in terms of expansion, innovation, and efficiency. Chris also leaves us with both his professional and personal hopes.


This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Coelho Winery in Amity on July 27, 2023.

Aug 10, 202358:35
Dave & Deolinda Coelho: Oral History Interview

Dave & Deolinda Coelho: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Dave & Deolinda Coelho of Coelho Winery. In this interview, Dave & Deolinda speak about meeting while growing up near Tracy, Calif., and becoming high school sweethearts. They talk about farming in California and then moving to Oregon, where they were introduced to wine and bought the property for what is now their home vineyard.


They also talk about their other businesses along the way, their philosophy on hospitality, and the importance of family to their business.


This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Coelho Winery in Amity on July 27, 2023.

Aug 08, 202301:27:55
Jon Foster: Oral History Interview

Jon Foster: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Jon Foster of Ribbon Ridge Winery. In this interview, Jon speaks about his passion for wine and the journey it has led him on.


Jon shares about growing up in Texas and how he ended up in the Caribbean after college. He dives into where he found a passion for wine and what opportunities and jobs his wine passion led to.


Jon also talks about ending up in Oregon and finding his place at Ribbon Ridge.


This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Ribbon Ridge Winery in Newberg on July 26, 2023.

Aug 08, 202301:15:30
Bobby Rowett: Oral History Interview

Bobby Rowett: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Bobby Rowett of Mellen Meyer. In this interview, Bobby speaks about his wine journey and love for sparkling wine.


Bobby dives into his love for wine and the inclusive culture that surrounds it. He talks about his love for science and how it has shaped his wine knowledge and journey. Bobby also shares about his many wine jobs whether related to enology, harvest, cellar work, or winemaking.


Later in the interview, Bobby shares some of his personal hopes and passions.


This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Portland Wine Storage in Portland on July 25, 2023.

Aug 07, 202301:09:56
Mike & Kristy Thayer: Oral History Interview

Mike & Kristy Thayer: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Mike and Kristy Thayer of Pete's Mountain Vineyard and Winery. In this interview, Mike and Kristy speak about their interest in viticulture coming from an interest in a rural lifestyle, and planting grapes with the idea of farming and selling them only. Encounters with their neighbors at Campbell Lane Winery and with Laurent Montalieu convinced them to start making their own wine, and opening their doors to sell wine.


The Thayers also talk about the meaningful parts of the industry for themselves, and the relationships they've built, as well as what might come next.


This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Pete's Mountain Vineyard and Winery in West Linn on July 21, 2023.

Aug 07, 202301:17:29
Adrian Cornejo: Oral History Interview

Adrian Cornejo: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Adrian Cornejo of Nueva Aventura. In this interview, Adrian speaks about being introduced to agriculture and then viticulture at an early age, and becoming interested in wine production.


He then talks about working at Hiyu Wine Farm and drawing inspiration from their winemaking methods, starting Nueva Aventura with his brother and recently making the move to focus on the brand full time.


This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Hiyu Wine Farm in Hood River on July 20, 2023.

Aug 03, 202333:33
Scott Stursa: Oral History Interview

Scott Stursa: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Scott Stursa. In this interview, Scott speaks about his background in information technology and history, and how he came to write "Oregon Wine: A Deep-Rooted History."

Scott discusses his research and some of the most interesting things he learned, as well as grappling with what he sees as common misconceptions about Oregon wine's history. He also talks about the future of Oregon wine and some future projects for himself.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Scott's home in Corvallis on July 17, 2023.

Aug 03, 202301:28:28
Alyssa Vera: Oral History Interview

Alyssa Vera: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Alyssa Vera of 00 Wines. In this interview, Alyssa speaks about her upbringing and education, and about discovering wine because her partner was in the wine industry. She talks about her first wine adventures in wine - in Margaret River on the west side of Australia - and being taken in by the idea of wine and community. Next, she talks about returning to Oregon and working in a variety of roles before coming to work at 00 Wines. She discusses the skills she's learned and the parts of her work that have been impactful, as well as what comes next. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Seven Springs Vineyard in Salem on July 18, 2023.

Aug 03, 202337:24
Morgan Schick: Oral History Interview

Morgan Schick: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Morgan Schick of Grape Ape Bar and Wine Shop. In this interview, Morgan speaks about his history in fine dining, spirits and wine. He discusses how he found a passion in natural wines, and how he came to Oregon. He then talks about the concept of Grape Ape and getting the bar off the ground, as well as how the process has gone so far. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Grape Ape in Portland on July 19, 2023.

Jul 31, 202346:49