Weinnotes

What happens when a powerhouse trial lawyer and his equally driven wife trade suits and city life for vines and vision in Oregon’s Willamette Valley? You get LucidWild — a boutique winery rooted in purpose, passion, and one hell of a view. In this episode of the Weinnotes Podcast, I sit down with Blair and LJ Nicholas, the couple behind LucidWild, to talk about their incredible journey from the co...

In this episode of the Weinnotes Podcast, we sit down with Drew Voit, the mastermind behind Harper Voit Wines in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Drew takes us on a journey through his fascinating career in the wine industry, sharing how he transitioned from a background in food science and engineering to becoming a sought-after winemaker in one of the most renowned wine regions in the world. Born into...

Join us for an enlightening episode of the Weinnotes Podcast featuring Jim Bernau, the founder and visionary behind Willamette Valley Vineyards. With over 35 years of experience, Jim has been a driving force in establishing Oregon’s wine industry as a prominent player on the global stage. In this conversation, he shares his remarkable journey, from the early days of planting vines to cultivating a...

In this episode of the Weinnotes Podcast, I sit down with Boyd Teegarden, the visionary winemaker behind Natalie’s Estate in Oregon’s renowned Willamette Valley. Boyd’s journey into the world of wine is a unique one, rooted in hard work, dedication, and a passion for storytelling through each bottle. Starting his career in the corporate wine world with Gallo, Boyd’s path eventually led him to Oreg...

Step into the world of Kelsey Glasser, the visionary behind Portland’s renowned Arden PDX, where wine, food, and art seamlessly blend in one unforgettable dining experience. In this episode of the Weinnotes Podcast, Kelsey shares her journey from growing up with a passion for Shakespeare to becoming one of Portland’s most respected restaurateurs. Discover how her deep love for storytelling and the...

In this episode of the Weinnotes Podcast, we sit down with Anthony Sereni, head winemaker at Flâneur Wines, to dive deep into his fascinating journey from rollerblading in the streets of Philadelphia to making world-class wines in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Anthony’s path to winemaking is anything but traditional—starting with a love for roller hockey that morphed into a passion for viticulture a...

In this insightful episode of the Weinnotes Podcast, we sit down with Brenda Smola-Foti and Frank Foti, the passionate minds behind The Ground, a multifaceted project in Oregon's Willamette Valley that encompasses sustainable farming, agritourism, and hospitality. Brenda and Frank share their journey of turning a dream into reality, starting with a humble 33-acre farm and expanding it into a t...

Join us for a captivating episode of the Weinnotes Podcast as we sit down with Jessica Cortell, the passionate and pioneering force behind Cortell Collection in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. In this episode, Jessica shares her incredible journey from fighting forest fires to becoming one of the most respected names in viticulture. Jessica’s love for the outdoors started early, leading her to a caree...

Welcome to an inspiring episode of the Weinnotes Podcast, where we sit down with Dave Jachter, the dynamic force behind Jachter Family Wines in Oregon's Willamette Valley. In this engaging conversation, Dave shares his incredible journey from the automotive industry to the world of winemaking, revealing the passion and dedication that drive his success. Dave’s story begins with a leap of faith...

Get ready for an insightful and engaging episode of the Weinnotes Podcast as we sit down with Tony Rynders, the acclaimed winemaker behind Tendril Wine Cellars in Oregon's Willamette Valley. Join us as Tony shares his journey, experiences, and the philosophy that drives his winemaking approach. In this episode, Tony dives into his diverse background, from his early days working in hospitality...

Join us for an engaging and heartfelt episode of the Weinnotes Podcast as we sit down with Michael Lundeen, the passionate winemaker behind Lundeen Wines in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Michael shares his incredible journey to becoming a winemaker, offering a unique perspective on the world of wine. In this episode, Michael reflects on his early days, discussing how his father’s retirement project...

Get ready for an inspiring and down-to-earth episode of the Weinnotes Podcast as we sit down with Alban Debeaulieu, the talented winemaker behind Abbott Claim in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Join us as Alban shares his incredible journey from his roots in France to becoming a key figure in the Oregon wine scene. In this episode, Alban opens up about his early influences in the Loire Valley, where h...

Join us for an engaging and heartfelt episode of the Weinnotes Podcast as we sit down with Mark and Pattie from Bjornson Vineyard in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Known for their dedication to quality and community, Mark and Pattie share their journey from humble beginnings to establishing Bjornson Vineyard as a beloved fixture in the region. In this episode, Mark and Pattie discuss the labor of lov...

Join us for an inspiring and down-to-earth episode of the Weinnotes Podcast as we sit down with Travis Todd, the innovative winemaker behind de la boue. Renowned for his creative approach and unwavering dedication to quality, Travis shares his extraordinary journey from humble beginnings to successfully establishing de la boue. In this episode, Travis opens up about his early days growing up in No...

In this episode of the Weinnotes Podcast, we sit down with Paul Johnson, the visionary winemaker behind Satyr Fire, nestled in Oregon's renowned Willamette Valley. Satyr Fire is more than just a name; it embodies the spirit of creativity and reverence for nature that Paul brings to his winemaking. But what exactly is a satyr? In ancient Greek mythology, a satyr is a creature that is half-man,...

In this enthralling episode of the Weinnotes Podcast, explore the exceptional journey of Seth Morgen Long, the pioneering spirit behind Morgen Long Winery in Oregon's Willamette Valley. Seth shares his personal and professional evolution that culminated in producing a 100-point Chardonnay, a testament to Oregon's rising prominence in the global wine scene. Delve into Seth's philosophic...

Embark on an inspiring journey with Meg Rulli of Flipturn Cellars, as she shares her remarkable transformation from a corporate career to mastering the craft of winemaking in Oregon's Willamette Valley. In this episode of the Weinnotes Podcast, discover how Meg's passion for wine blossomed during a transformative world tour, leading her to pursue winemaking as more than just a passion but...

Join A.J. Weinzettel, host of the Weinnotes Podcast, as he sits down with Paul deLancellotti, the visionary behind the deLancellotti Family Vineyards in Oregon's Willamette Valley. In this captivating episode, Paul shares his incredible journey from surfing the world with Quicksilver to planting roots in the wine industry. As you listen to their conversation, you'll be transported to the p...

Embark on a vinous odyssey with Thomas Savre, the master winemaker behind Lingua Franca, nestled in the heart of Oregon's Willamette Valley. This episode of the Weinnotes Podcast uncovers Thomas's fascinating journey from his formative years in the vineyards of Burgundy to the pioneering spirit of Oregon's wine country. Dive deep into the tales of his early inspirations, from working a...

In this heartwarming episode of the Weinnotes Podcast, we uncork the story of Susan and Daniel, the visionary couple behind Lonesome Rock, who turned their youthful dreams into a flourishing reality in the heart of Oregon's wine country. Decades ago, amidst the poetry and romance of French dramas, a seed was planted in their hearts—a dream of crafting wines that would one day tell their story....

In this bubbly episode of the Weinnotes Podcast, we're popping the cork with Kenny and Allison, the spirited visionaries behind Arabilis, as they share their sparkling adventure into the world of traditional method sparkling wines. With laughter as effervescent as their creations, this duo takes us behind the scenes of their winery, where dreams are bottled and every sip tells a story of passi...

Technical issues got me on the last post of this epsiode, apologies. Join us for a heartwarming episode of the Weinnotes Podcast, where we uncork the stories of Renee and Grant, the dynamic duo behind Hundred Suns. Nestled in the comfort of their winery, this couple shares tales that are as rich and complex as their wines. From battling the elements to bring us their exquisite creations, to the wh...

Join us for a heartwarming episode of the Weinnotes Podcast, where we uncork the stories of Renee and Grant, the dynamic duo behind Hundred Suns. Nestled in the comfort of their winery, this couple shares tales that are as rich and complex as their wines. From battling the elements to bring us their exquisite creations, to the whimsical adventures of winemaking with their children, this episode is...

Prepare for an extraordinary journey into the world of wine and cinema as we sit down with Jason Wise, the visionary director behind the renowned SOMM film series and the upcoming masterpiece, "Cup of Salvation." In this captivating episode, we delve into the mind of a director who's taken wine storytelling to new heights. First, we explore Jason's cinematic inspirations, includi...

Join us in this captivating episode of the Weinnotes podcast as we delve into the world of Kate Ayres, the dynamic winemaker at Penner-Ash Wine Cellars in Oregon's Willamette Valley. In this deeply personal and insightful interview, Kate shares her journey across diverse wine regions, including vintages in California and abroad. Kate reminisces about her first harvest at Bethel Heights, where...