The Oregon Wine History Archive Podcast

This interview is with Jordan Hostetter of Open Soul Wines. In this interview, Jordan speaks about discovering a love of hospitality at a young age and spending a career trying to curate good experiences for guests and customers.After moving to the east coast pursuing a music career, Jordan found himself working on the White House advance team, supporting events for a variety of politicians beginning with First Lady Laura Bush. He describes the adrenaline rush and excitement of working on events like these and shares stories from this part of his life.Seeking a change in career, he talks about enrolling at Walla Walla Community College and studying enology, followed by working at a variety of wineries in the Walla Walla area. Finally, he talks about the idea of starting Open Soul - the ethos, logistics, and planning of a new wine brand, as well as how it has gone so far.This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Boundary Social Club in Portland on April 23, 2025.

This interview is with Layne Witherell. In this interview, Layne shares his journey from growing up in Los Angeles during the 60s to retiring in Portland, Maine as a foodie. He talks about his education, jobs, hobbies, and everything in between.Layne dives into his early life in Los Angeles, California and how he eventually found himself serving in the U.S. Navy. He then talks about going to college and finding wine. Layne goes on to share about living in Oregon and his time and memories associated with selling the wines of the early wine pioneers of Oregon.Later in the interview, Layne goes on to talk about moving to Virginia and selling Oregon wine on the East Coast. He then shares about writing his own book, Wine Maniacs, and the passions he has found with retirement.This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on Zoom on April 16, 2025.

This interview is with Gisela Kreglinger. In this interview, Gisela talks about her relationship with wine and her studies regarding spirituality and wine.Gisela dives into growing up on a family winery in Germany. She shares how this time shaped her view of wine and food. She goes on to talk about her studies abroad and how she eventually found herself in North America teaching. Later in the interview, Gisela shares about her endeavors in writing books related to spirituality and wine consumption. She then talks about her newest project with Randy Frazee and her future hopes of publishing a children's book. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on Zoom on April 16, 2025.

This interview is with Simon Davies of A&B Vintners. In this interview, Simon shares about his journey in getting involved with the wine industry in London and how he eventually became involved with buying and distributing Oregon wine in the UK.Simon talks about growing up in a small town in the country and how he found his way to London. He shares about falling in love with wine while working in a wine shop and how his interest transpired into an opportunity with the Fine and Rare Wines company. He then shares about his career transition from Fine and Rare Wines to A&B Vintners. Simon goes on to share about his first impressions of the Oregon wine industry and his views regarding the future of the wine industry.This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on Zoom on April 9, 2025.

This interview is with Ken Brown. In this interview, Ken shares about his career as an extension agent of Oregon State University and how he eventually found himself helping the winemakers of Oregon.Ken talks about his early life and growing up in Oregon. He shares about joining the Navy for 5 years and then his time spent at Oregon State University. He goes on to talk about his different jobs and how he stumbled into helping the early icons of the Oregon wine industry. Ken goes on to share about his involvement regarding Phylloxera and fruit set. He also dives into his travels to New Zealand where he shared some Oregon wine. Later in the interview, Ken talks about his family and what he is proudest of.This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on March 31, 2025 at the Chemeketa Community College Eola Campus in west Salem.

This interview is with Savannah Mills, of Brick House Vineyards. In this interview, Savannah talks about how she ended up in the Oregon wine industry after growing up in the south and having a corporate career.Savannah dives into growing up in the south and her early travels to Oregon to visit family. She shares about her decision to attend college in Colorado and how she found a corporate job after she obtained her degree. She then goes on to talk about how she decided to shift her life to wine and work her first harvest at Brick House in 2013. Savannah goes on to talk about her journey in working at Brick House and the different roles she has held. She then dives into what it has been like to be an assistant winemaker to her uncle and then be promoted to the winemaker. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Brickhouse in Newberg on March 26, 2025.

This interview is with Steve Vuylsteke of SakéOne. In this interview, Steve talks about growing up in the early Oregon wine industry and his transition to the saké industry.Steve dives into his early childhood and his parents' escapades with garage fruit winemaking. He goes on to talk about his parents' journey in creating Oak Knoll Winery and how this journey affected him. Later in the interview Steve shares about his involvement in helping to market some of the early iconic Oregon wines, like those of Erath. He then talks about his transition from wine to saké and how he faced the uphill battle with educating the early sake consumers.This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on March 24, 2025 at the SakéOne office in Beaverton.

This interview is with Cara Pepper Day, of Andavi Solutions. In this interview, Cara talks about her journey in finding wine, and how she now finds herself in a job that combines alcohol and software. Cara dives into growing up in Oregon and how she eventually found herself attending college at Linfield University. She goes on to talk about her jobs after graduating in 2000 and how she soon found herself in the wine industry after working in catering.Later in the interview, Cara shares some of her many adventures and memories from being in the Oregon wine industry. She then dives into the time she spent consulting before she pursued a career in the technology industry. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt in the Nicholson Library at Linfield University on March 12, 2025.

This interview is with Robb Bell of Cathedral Ridge Winery. In this interview, Robb speaks about his career in marketing and how that led him into wine through connections with many of the early winemakers in California.After finding himself in Hood River, he talks about purchasing a vineyard and starting to learn about growing grapes and making wine. And he talks about the philosophy behind his wines and hospitality model, while also speaking about the growth he's seen in Oregon wine, specifically the Columbia Gorge.This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on January 31, 2025 at Cathedral Ridge Winery in Hood River.

This interview is with Mark Kronquist. In this interview, Mark talks about growing up in Oregon and his journey in the Oregon wine industry.He dives into growing up in Lake Oswego and finding his way to Linfield. He then shares about meeting Myron Redford and his many memories associated with his time spent helping Myron in his "double-wide" tasting room. He then talks about his life after Linfield and how he found his life still circling wine.Later in the interview, Mark talks about IPNC and his memories associated with the event. He goes on to share his current views related to the Oregon wine industry and where he hopes it will go in the future. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on March 10, 2025 at the Troon Vineyard tasting room in McMinnville.

This interview is with Felicity Carter of Drinks Insider. In this interview, Felicity shares about growing up around Europe and finding her way to Sydney, Australia. She goes on to talk about her life and journey in both media and wine. Felicity dives into her path in becoming a journalist and how she eventually found wine. She shares about her time as a freelance writer and how she found herself writing about wine business in Australia. Later in the interview, Felicity talks about how she found her own passion for wine and the industry. She goes on to talk about her current media venture, Drinks Insider, which is an interview style podcast with different entrepreneurs in the beverage industry. Finally, she shares her aspiration to write another non-fiction book in the future.This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt in the Nicholson Library at Linfield University on March 6, 2025.

This interview is with Sébastien Marquet of Sébastien Marquet Wines. In this interview, Sébastien talks about growing up in Burgundy, France and his journey to Oregon. Sébastien dives into his childhood and how he found himself making his first wine at 16. He goes on to talk about his early career in France. He also shares how he found himself organizing wine sales for the French army for a time. Later in the interview, Sébastien shares about his journey to America and his first memories and thoughts. He talks about his time in places like California and Virginia before he eventually came to Oregon in 2018. He then shares about starting his own label and what he hopes for in the future. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt in the Nicholson Library at Linfield University on March 4, 2025.

This interview is with Charles Hesson of Arborbrook Vineyards. In this interview, Charles talks about his path into the wine industry and finding Oregon. Charles shares about growing up and spending time on his great grandparents' farm outside of Dallas, Texas. He goes on to talk about the farm's wild blackberry bushes and how wine really started to click when he connected the aromas of his great grandma's fermented blackberry juice to wine. Charles goes on to talk about his experience in fine dining and how he got immersed in Italian wine. Later, he shares about transitioning out of the restaurant industry and into wine. He goes on to talk about finding Oregon and working at places like Dobbes, Alexana, and now Arborbrook.  This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Arborbrook Vineyards in Newberg on February 27, 2025.

This interview is with Simon Lowry of Petit Monde Wine Merchants. In this interview, Simon talks about growing up around wine, how he found himself in the wine distribution industry, and where he hopes to see himself in the future. Simon dives into growing up in France and how his parents' practice of enjoying a nice wine with a good meal shaped him. He shares about attending college in France and how his passion for wine was truly spurred through an informal tasting group he formed with his friends. Later in the interview, Simon talks about moving to Portland and his journey in getting involved with wine buying and distribution. He also shares some of his aspirations to have and farm and produce some small scale boutique wine. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Petit Monde in Portland on February 24, 2025.

This interview is with Alexis Harrington of Amica Luna and Vitae Springs. In this interview, Alexis shares her winding path to becoming a winemaker and all she is looking forward to in the future with her different projects.  Alexis talks about growing up surrounded by those in the hospitality industry and how both these people and their experiences influenced her. She goes on to share about attending culinary school, becoming a bartender, and then working a harvest at Brooks as an intern.Later in the interview, Alexis shares about her different harvests, traveling, and her transition to becoming a full-time winemaker. She goes on to talk about working with her partner at Vitae Springs and also her own label Amica Luna. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt in the Nicholson Library at Linfield University on February 12, 2025.

This interview is with Katie Sombat of Fancy Baby. In this interview, Katie shares about her journey in service, hospitality, management, and wine. She also dives into the many famous Portland restaurants she had the opportunity to work at and the many thoughts, feelings, and memories regarding both the places and the people she worked with. Katie talks about her early life and the memories associated with wine, her family, and her childhood. She goes on to share about her time in college and how she eventually found herself pursuing different wine certifications. Later in the interview, Katie shares a special saved label that represents her “a-ha” moment. She then reflects on her past and shares some thoughts regarding her future. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt in the Nicholson Library at Linfield University on February 6, 2025.

This interview is with Kristy Wenz. In this interview, Kristy speaks about her path to finding wine and her journey once she entered the industry. Kristy shares about her passion regarding stories and how her love for storytelling translates to her wine career. She goes on to share how she became hooked with wine early in life, but never sought out a career in the industry until later in her life. She then talks about how a trip to the Fingerlakes region of New York changed her life and shifted her thoughts regarding wine and her career. Later in the interview Kristy dives into working her first harvests and how she eventually found her way to Oregon. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt in the Nicholson Library at Linfield University on January 30, 2025.

This interview is with David DeLaitsch and Victoria Chavez of Spearhunter Wines. In this interview, David and Victoria talk about pursuing wine as their later career and finding their way to Oregon. Victoria dives into growing up in Texas and her first career path related to chemical engineering. She goes on to talk about how she found the UC Davis wine masters program and how that was just the beginning of her wine journey. David shares about growing up in Wisconsin and how he had limited exposure to wine growing up. He goes on to talk about traveling to Spain in his early twenties and finding a wine masters program abroad. Later in the interview, the couple dives into meeting each other, moving to Oregon, and starting their own label, Spearhunter Wines. David and Victoria also share some things they are looking forward to in the future. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at the Fullerton Wines tasting room in Corvallis on January 28, 2025.

This interview is with Rebecca Sweet of Buzz Cover Crop Seeds. In this interview, Rebecca shares about her path in creating her own cover crop business and becoming entwined with the Oregon wine industry. Rebecca talks about growing up and always being interested in plants. She shares about managing a blueberry farm fresh out of college and how she later found her first vineyard management job. She then dives into her involvement with the Oregon wine industry and her time with LIVE. Later in the interview, Rebecca shares about her passion for cover crops and her journey to create her own business, Buzz Cover Crop Seeds. She goes on to talk about some of her proudest accomplishments and what she hopes for in the future.This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt in the Nicholson Library at Linfield University on January 27, 2025.

This interview is with Mark Sturges. In this interview, Mark talks about his early life and introduction to wine, followed by a life-altering trip he took through Europe and Asia. From there, Mark discusses his work selling wine with Henny-Hinsdale, as well as his work in organic farming and compost. He speaks of the people he's worked with and the growth he has seen in Oregon wine, specifically in viticulture and organic farming. And he reflects on some of his favorite memories surrounding his time in Oregon wine.This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on Zoom on November 13, 2024.

This interview is with Shea Guevara and Vince Kelsey of Maypop Wines. In this interview, Shea and Vince speak about their journey with wine and how they found themselves creating their own label, Maypop Wines. Vince dives into growing up around wine and how the vines in his backyard shaped him. He shares about his time in college and the different experiences in the wine industry he has had. Shea also dives into her childhood and how she grew up making house sparkling wine with her dad. She goes on to talk about her own journey in the wine industry and how she found herself at Furioso. The couple also shares about their jam-packed 2024, where they got married, bought property, and really started to dive into their label Maypop Wines. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Abbott Claim Winery in Carlton on January 25, 2025.

This interview is with Jennifer Warner of Dagger Daisy Wines. In this interview, Jennifer speaks about her career working in law, including owning her own law-adjacent business. She talks about how her life brought her to Oregon, where she discovered and developed an enthusiasm for the wine industry.From there, Jennifer talks about the wild process of starting her own small wine brand and the successes and challenges so far. She also looks ahead to the future for herself and the Oregon wine industry.This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt in the Nicholson Library at Linfield University on January 23, 2025.

This interview is with Mike Pasquarelli of White Rose Estate. In this interview, Mike speaks about becoming interested in wine while in college at Sonoma State, and starting to work in the industry after a stint in the Peace Corps.Mike talks about working in various avenues of wine, including production, sales, retail, and distribution. He then talks about traveling the world to do wine production, before coming to Oregon and meeting his now-wife while interning at Bergstrom Wines. And he talks about how he came to work at White Rose, how it's gone so far, and what's next.This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at White Rose Estate in Dayton on January 22, 2025.

This interview is with Ken & Dana Pearlman of Pearlstad Vineyard. In this interview, Ken & Dana dive into their careers and journey with wine. The couple shares how they fell in love with wine and dive into how they found themselves in Oregon owning a vineyard. They talk about entering the wine scene once they moved to San Jose, California and how they were hooked from there.Later in the interview, the couple talks about their time in the Half Moon Bay Pinot Mafia. They share how this tasting group influenced them and their decisions regarding Oregon and their vineyard. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Pearlstad Vineyard in Rickreall on October 17, 2024.

This interview is with Brian Croser. In this interview, Brian speaks about his journey in finding a career in wine while growing up in Australia and his connections to the Oregon wine industry. Brian talks about falling in love early with wine. He shares about how he found his decision to pursue a career in wine easy and made before he could even drink. He then dives into his academic journey regarding wine and his path to making wine.Later in the interview, Brian talks about his time in California, where he pursued a Master's Degree at UC Davis. He then goes on to talk about his later involvement in starting Argyle and becoming involved with the Oregon wine industry. He also speaks about the connections he forged throughout his career and life.  This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on October 11, 2024 via Zoom.

This interview is with Page, Colin, Cal, and David Knudsen. In this interview, the Knudsen kids talk about their parents' journey in establishing Knudsen Vineyards and their own journeys with the brand. The Knudsens share about their dad's passion for all things Burgandy, France. They go on to talk about how this passion inspired the planting of Knudsen Vineyards. They then go on to talk about the different business partnerships that the Knudsen label has had over the years and the resulting growth opportunities.Later in the interview, the Knudsen children talk about their own journeys and how they got to where they are now. They also share what they find most enriching about the Knudsen brand. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on September 20, 2024 at Knudsen Vineyards in Dundee.

This interview is with Miguel Marquez. In this interview, Miguel speaks about his journey to finding a career in the restaurant and beverage industry. Miguel talks about growing up in Mexico and how his family and personal experiences shaped his professional life. He shares his passion for using wine and alcohol to spur critical thinking. He then dives into how his passions converged into an opportunity at República in Portland.  Later in the interview, Miguel talks about his different roles from being an educator in AHIVOY to dreaming up the best food and beverage pairings at República. He also shares some of his hopes for his future and the future of Oregon wine. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on September 19, 2024 at República in Portland.

This interview is with Elle Holcomb of L Wine Co and Björnson. In this interview, Elle talks about her journey to finding wine and Oregon. Elle shares about growing up in Cleveland, Ohio and her dream of going wine tasting. She dives into how this dream paved her path and eventually came true during her college years. She goes on to talk about her career shift from business, to restaurants, to wine.Later in the interview, Elle talks about her passion for learning all things wine. She goes on to share about finding Oregon and her journey with the production side of wine. Elle leaves us with some of her hopes for her own label, L Wine Co. and where she sees the industry going as a whole.  This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on September 6, 2024 at Björnson in Salem.

This interview is with Dick Aften. In this interview, Dick speaks about his journey in becoming involved with the Oregon wine industry and dives into some of the memorable people and experiences he had. Dick talks about getting into wine in college and how his passion for wine spurred from his passion for music. He then goes on to talk about being drafted and the impact it had on him and his journey. Later in the interview, Dick dives into finding Oregon. He goes on to talk about his career in Oregon wine sales and his memories regarding the early Oregon wine pioneers. Dick then goes on to share about his retirement. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on September 6, 2024 at Dick's home in Salem.

This interview is with Carl Thoma, the owner of Van Duzer Vineyards. In this interview, Carl talks about how he got into wine and his journey to Oregon. Carl talks about growing up on a ranch on the border between Oklahoma and New Mexico. He shares about his agricultural passions and how he began his college journey pursuing this passion. He then goes on to talk about how his professional dreams shifted to focus on private equity. Later in the interview, Carl shares about his entry into the wine industry and his journey to Oregon. He speaks about starting out in California and how he and his wife, Marilynn, eventually came to find Van Duzer Vineyards in Oregon. Finally, Carl talks about his passion for philanthropy and how he and Marilynn strive to always give back. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on August 20, 2024 at Van Duzer Vineyards in Dallas. 

This interview is with Andrew Minor and Cassie Salinas of Andrew Minor Wines and Vino to the People. In this interview, Cassie and Andrew talk about growing up in Oregon, meeting in college, and eventually working in the wine industry together. Andrew and Cassie share each of their journeys to finding wine and touch on some of the great people and memories their time in the industry has brought. They then dive into their college days and how they met. Later in the interview, the couple talks about their careers and how they began Andrew Minor Wines. They then go on to talk about some of their proudest accomplishments and what they are looking forward to in the future. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on August 12, 2024 at the Oregon Wine Reserve in Lake Oswego. 

This interview is with Taylor Rebora of Rebora Wines. In this interview, Taylor speaks about growing up in Chicago surrounded by a family of artists, and discovering wine as a viable path when choosing a college. She talks about her time at Cal Poly - learning by doing - and about her internships and experiences abroad while working in wine production.Later she talks about her experiences in New Zealand during 2020, and finding Oregon later that year while working a harvest at Antica Terra. From there she talks about the places in Oregon where she worked in production as well as her pivot into working in wine accounting. She also talks about making her first wine and what might come next.This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on August 23, 2024 at Linfield University in McMinnville.

This interview is with Karen Hinsdale of The Cellar Door. In this interview, Karen speaks about getting excited about the wine scene while living on the East Coast before coming to Oregon and getting into wine distribution with her then-husband Howard. She talks about her excitement at learning to sell wine alongside young Oregon families learning to make wine, and about her passion to support these young wine brands.She speaks about her time at Henny-Hinsdale Wholesaler, selling wines from Oregon and California as well as those from Europe. And she talks about many of the people she met and worked with, and watching the industry grow.This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on August 16, 2024 at The Cellar Door in Portland.

This interview is with Dewey Kelly of Ribbon Ridge Vineyard. In this interview, Dewey speaks about his background as a chef, and later in high-tech and marketing. He talks about what initially attracted him to the Oregon wine industry and led to he and his wife Robin purchasing land for a potential vineyard.From there, he talks about the long process of getting grapes in the ground, eventually making his own wine, and finding his place in the industry. He talks about the growth of the Ribbon Ridge AVA and about the inspiration behind some of his wines and labels. And he talks about what comes next.This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on August 12, 2024 at Ribbon Ridge Vineyard in Newberg.

This interview is with Tim and Pierre Paradis of Paradis Vineyards. In this interview, Tim and Pierre share about growing up around grape farming and how that shaped their current path in wine. Tim and Pierre talk about their parents starting Paradis Vineyards and what their childhood looked like. They then go on to share how they found their way back to the vines. The brothers also talk about their experience in learning to make and sell wine. Later in the interview, Tim and Pierre talk about building their tasting room and their future plans. The brothers also share what it is like working together day-in and day-out. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on August 7, 2024 at Paradis Vineyards in Silverton.

This interview is with John and Kathy Zelko of Z'ivo Wines. In this interview, John and Kathy speak about meeting in college and pursuing their primary careers: John as a surgeon, and Kathy as a lawyer. John speaks about finding wine as a fun and meaningful diversion, and about starting as a volunteer helper before starting to make his own wine.John and Kathy share stories of the trials and tribulations of making and selling their small label, as well as some of the people they worked with and became friends with. And they discuss how they saw the Oregon wine industry grow and evolve, as well as what led them to sell their vineyard in 2020.This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on August 6, 2024 at Linfield University in McMinnville.

This interview is with Laura Brennan Bissell of Inconnu and Aitia Wines. In this interview, Laura talks about her journeys abroad and how she eventually found her way to wine. Laura shares about growing up in Virginia and some of her early memories surrounding wine. She dives into her passion for scent and how wine entwines with this passion. She goes on to talk about her travels abroad and how she found herself working in the wine industry. Later in the interview, Laura talks about getting her own vineyard and starting her two labels. She then dives into her farming and wine philosophies. Laura leaves us with her proudest accomplishment and some words of wisdom. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on August 5, 2024 at Laura's home in the Columbia Gorge.

This interview is with Patrick McElligott. In this interview, Patrick shares about his journey to wine and some of his many stories and memories from the industry. Patrick talks about growing up around agriculture and farming. He then shares how he found a love for learning while in college and how he soon discovered there is always something to learn with wine. Later in the interview he shares about his time working for Myron Redford and some of his favorite memories and adventures. He also talks about his connections to Chemeketa and some of the wine programs he has been a part of. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on August 2, 2024 at Linfield University in McMinnville.

This interview is with Adam Rack of Revino Bottles. In this interview, Adam speaks about his early work in the wine industry and becoming interested in the idea of reusable wine containers while working at Coopers Hall in Portland. He then talks about meeting Keenan O'Hern and working with him to start Revino Bottles.Adam talks about the milestones so far with Revino, including all the conversations with the industry and research to make sure Revino was working alongside the industry to make a product that would be useful and used. He then talks about what comes next, and what his boldest ambitions are for Revino.This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on July 31, 2024 at Linfield University in McMinnville.

This interview is with Adam Rack of Revino Bottles. In this interview, Adam speaks about his early work in the wine industry and becoming interested in the idea of reusable wine containers while working at Coopers Hall in Portland. He then talks about meeting Keenan O'Hern and working with him to start Revino Bottles.Adam talks about the milestones so far with Revino, including all the conversations with the industry and research to make sure Revino was working alongside the industry to make a product that would be useful and used. He then talks about what comes next, and what his boldest ambitions are for Revino.This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on July 31, 2024 at Linfield University in McMinnville.

This interview is with Keenan O'Hern of Revino. In this interview, Keenan talks about his path to help bring a reusable bottle system to the United States. Keenan shares about growing up and how he split his time between Oregon and the Netherlands. He goes on to discuss how his time in the Netherlands influenced his environmental beliefs about bottle reusing. Before Keenan dives into all things Revino, he talks about his time at college and the different jobs he had before Revino. Later in the interview, Keenan shares about some of the challenges Revino and reusable wine bottles have faced since coming to the United States. He then goes on to talk about what the Revino name is meant to symbolize and some of his hopes for the company.This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on July 31, 2024 at Linfield University in McMinnville.

This interview is with Dave Parker of Benchmark Wine Group. In this interview, Dave speaks about moving to California to work in Silicon Valley, finding a passion for wine, and following it to purchasing a vineyard. From there he talks about becoming aware of Oregon wine, and coming to Oregon to buy a vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills.Along the way, though, he had started Brentwood Wine Auctions and then Benchmark Wine Group, specializing in finding and brokering rare and collectible wines. He talks about growing that business, finding wines and customers, and some of the ways in which his business operates. He also talks about how the business is changing and what comes next.This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on July 30, 2024 in Vancouver, Wash.

This interview is with Carl Formaker, the winemaker for Domaine Serene. In this interview, Carl talks about his journey to finding a passion and career in wine. Carl talks about growing up in California surrounded by vines. He shares about growing up around wine, but not viewing it as a career until later in life. Carl goes on to talk about his college days in California and studying to pursue a career in the medical field. Later in the interview, Carl shares how he found a passion for wine. He talks about initial harvests and how he became hooked on the wine industry and people involved in it. Carl then goes on to share how he found himself in Oregon making wine. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on July 29, 2024 at Domaine Serene Winery in Dayton.

This interview is with Steve Whiteside of Bella Vida 360. In this interview, Steve speaks about his early life and first career in orthotics and prosthetics. He talks about meeting Jim and Loie Maresh and being instantly captivated by the Oregon wine industry.He then talks about embarking on his 25-year plan of buying property, installing a vineyard, building a tasting room, and starting a brand. He speaks about meeting winemakers and grapegrowers and becoming part of the wine community in the Dundee Hills.Finally, he speaks about selling his vineyard in 2021 and starting Bella Vida 360 in Yamhill. He talks about the appeal of the space and his plans for tasting experiences and events at the top of the hill.This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on July 29, 2024 at Bella Vida 360 in Yamhill.

This interview is with Erin Brooks. In this interview, Erin talks about finding a career in the wine industry that marries her passions for writing and wine. Erin talks about growing up in North Carolina and her first memory of accidently trying her mom's white wine as a kid. She shares about her early passion for all things writing and how this passion pushed her to attend college in New Mexico. She goes on to talk about working in nice restaurants throughout college and how it was through this upscale dining scene that she was introduced to wine. Later in the interview, Erin shares about finding her current position at The Wine Advocate. She also talks about some of the changes she hopes to see in the industry and what she is looking ahead to personally. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on July 25, 2024 at Linfield University in McMinnville.

This interview is with Julia Coney of Black Wine Professionals. In this interview, Julia speaks about coming to wine as her third career. She speaks about her work as a legal assistant and her first pivot as a beauty blogger. She then talks about her discovery of wine, and her increasing passion for it.Her epiphany came when she realized wine wasn't designed for her to be part of the industry, and she immediately strove to change that. She talks about her work as a wine writer, a mentor, and a connector. She also speaks about her work with American Airlines and about her desire to make wine and wine pairings fun and approachable for everyone as a way to excite and entice new drinkers. Lastly, she talks about her connection to Oregon and her beliefs about the future of the Oregon wine industry.This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on July 28, 2024 at Linfield University in McMinnville.

This interview is with Steven Sinkler of Puffin Wines and The Wine Shack. In this interview, Steven shares about finding wine and how he came to own The Wine Shack and the Puffin Wines label. Steven talks about growing up in Green Bay and how he didn't find wine until later in life. He shares about finding his passion for wine and how it spurred him to become part of the industry. He then discusses attending a three year wine program.Later in the interview, Steven shares about finding The Wine Shack on Craig's List. He also talks about taking over the Puffin Wines label. Before he leaves, Steven shares some of his hope for both his shop and label. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on July 24, 2024 at The Wine Shack in Cannon Beach.

This interview is with Matty Colston of Colston Biblio. In this interview, Matty speaks about his wine journey, from growing up in Ohio to opening his own bar in Kentucky to eventually moving to Chicago and working in a variety of restaurants there. He talks about learning wine along the way and finding kindred spirits among the wine community.From there, he talks about taking a chance on himself and coming to Oregon to work a harvest. That helped launch his brand, and he talks about the growth and challenges since then.This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on July 22 in Portland.

This interview is with Meghan Olivier of St. Merry Vineyard. In this interview, Meghan shares about her love for agriculture and how this passion led her to wine. Meghan talks about growing up in Alabama and running wild in the forest. She goes on to share how this young love for the outdoors shaped her career path. She then talks about how she met her husband and how they both got invested in wine because it combined their different passions.Later in the interview, Meghan talks about her journey in starting St. Merry Vineyard. She then shares about her regenerative farming practices and philosophies. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on July 23, 2024 at St. Merry Vineyard in Dallas.

This interview is with Tim and Kari Ramey of Zenith Vineyard. In this interview, Tim and Kari share about how they turned their passion for wine into a successful business.Tim and Kari talk about being raised as Seattle kids and how they ended up together in college. They then share about their time spent on the East Coast, as Tim worked on Wall Street. Tim and Kari share about finding  passion for wine while on the East Coast through their themed dinners with friends. Later in the interview, the couple discusses how they came to be in Oregon. They dive into finding, buying, and cultivating Zenith Vineyard. They then talk about their hopes for themselves, Oregon wine, and their business. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Zenith Vineyard in Salem, Oregon on July 17, 2024.

This interview is with Kelsey Glasser of Arden Restaurant and Raise a Glass Wines. In this interview, Kelsey speaks about her background as a professional actress and some of her experiences and achievements in that part of her life. She talks about how she came to learn about wine by working in fine dining while working as an actress, and becoming excited enough to pursue education as a sommelier.From there, she discusses moving to Portland and starting a wine shop before later starting Arden. She talks about Arden's growth and evolution, surviving the pandemic, and the role wine plays in the restaurant. And she talks about Raise a Glass, her wine education side project designed to make wine accessible to everyone.This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on July 18, 2024 at Arden in Portland.