The Oregon Wine History Archive Podcast

This interview is with Larry Ferar of Soderstrom Architects. Larry talks about his education and path into architecture, and how a chance meeting with David Adelsheim led him down the road of designing wineries and tasting rooms. Larry talked about the challenges of designing wine buildings, and the research that he undertook along the way, as well as the changes in what clients want from winery s...

This Oral History Interview is with Larry Miller of Stangeland Vineyards. Larry talks about how he found an enjoyment for wine, and how his family happened to own a site that was ideal for grape growing. From there, Stangeland was born and slowly grew, first as a vineyard and later as a winery too. Larry also talks about the growth of the Oregon wine industry, specifically around him in the Eola-A...

This interview is with Ron Acierto of ōkta Restaurant in McMinnville. In this interview, Ron speaks about his journey from a village in the far north of the Philippines to ōkta, where he has served as the Wine and Beverage Director since its opening six months ago. Ron shared how Filipino culture shaped his approach to hospitality, and how his interest in fine dining and wine began in a retirement...

This interview is with Larry Stone of Lingua Franca. In this interview, Larry takes us through his journey to where he is today: moving from developing a passion for food and wine from a very young age, to his chemistry background, to his work in the humanities, to becoming the best sommelier in the world, and later becoming a Master sommelier. Larry’s knowledge of food and wine takes him to descr...

This interview is an oral history conducted by Linfield College archivist Rachael Cristine Woody with Lonnie Wright of The Pines 1852. The interview took place at Wright’s home in The Dalles, Oregon on June 15, 2014 and included topics such as the history of his vineyard, his start in the wine industry, and the Columbia Gorge climate. Wright talks about the long history of his vineyard, including...

This interview is with Jeff Lewis of Alexana Winery. In this interview, Jeff speaks about growing up in Kansas and his interest in cooking and industrial design. This led him into the restaurant scene where he was able to design his own restaurant at a young age, and also allowed him to begin to explore the world, including Argentina. Eventually he found his way to Portland and his experience in A...

This interview is with Leigh and Ceille Campbell, and Tracy and Andy Parks of Campbell Lane Winery. Leigh and Ceille talk about finding the property and planting the vineyard, and tell stories of the early days. Leigh talks about how he found grapes, and how he found mentors and colleagues in the industry. Tracy (Leigh and Ceille's daughter) and Andy then talk about expanding the operation into wi...

This interview is with Leigh Brown of Lolati Wines. In this interview, Leigh speaks about her upbringing and life before wine, and her experience in the music industry as a professional harpist. She shares how she was introduced to the wine industry and what she’s learned in the process of creating her brand. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at on June 2, 2022.

This interview is with Maggie Harrison of Antica Terra and is in two parts. In part one, Maggie talks about her life before wine, including travel and work in international relations and conflict resolution. She also talks about learning about wine by working in fine dining, and becoming enamored. Deciding that she had to try her hand at making wine, Maggie tells of finding her way to California a...

This interview is with Marcus Glaze of Lavinea Wines. In this interview, Marcus speaks about his slow, steady growth in the wine industry, finding wine by accident and working his way through, including his formal wine education and how he came to work with Isabelle Meunier at Lavinea. He also talks about his other career in the music industry, the evolution of his music and his band. Balancing tw...

This interview is with Mark Bosko of Alexana Estate Vineyard and Winery. In this interview, Mark speaks about his path in the Oregon Wine Industry and why he went into the business side of wine. He talks about his first jobs in the industry and what skills he picked up through his education and training. Later, he goes over his role as general manager at Alexana and what a typical day looks like a...

This interview is with Mark Royer of Royer Vineyards. In this interview, Mark speaks about his journey in the wine industry, which includes his time spent as a wine banker, part-owner of a wine merchant business, and most recently a vineyard owner. He talks about Royer Vineyards in the Eola-Amity Hills and what it was like finding and purchasing the land. He goes on to describe his grape growing p...

This interview is with Meg Rulli of Flipturn Cellars. In this interview, Meg speaks about her business background, and how she got her foot in the door of the Oregon wine industry, as well as her new brand Flipturn and what she hopes for the future. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at her home in Portland on December 8, 2021.

This interview is with Megan Markel of Well-Played Wines. Megan talks about her careers in politics, nonprofits and various parts of the wine industry, including time as a national sales manager and her new role at Willamette Valley Wineries Association. She also talks about launching her new label and what has gone into that. Megan's unique perspective on the industry is also explored, as she tal...

This interview is with Meredith McGough of Union Wine Company. In this interview, Meredith speaks about why she entered the wine industry, specifically the Oregon Wine Industry. She talks about Oregon wine and the Oregon community and why she chose to venture there from California. She also describes her process and growth, going over her travels and education. Later Meredith talks about her winem...

This interview is with Michael Lundeen of Lundeen Wines and Walnut City Wineworks. Michael talks about finding his way into wine and never looking back, progressing into work in winemaking, vineyard management and winery management. He talks about his family property just north of McMinnville and the vineyard there, and how important it is to him to be able to use those grapes in his work. Later h...

This interview is with Michael Wheeler of PDX Wine. In this interview, Michael speaks about life as a wine importer and distributor. He tells us that he first realized his love of wine in New York where he began doing tastings on his own. He talks about following his passion for wine and moving out to Oregon where he found a lot of personality and joy in supporting the many small wineries here. He...

This interview is with Miguel Lopez of Red Dirt Labor. In this interview, Miguel speaks about his past work at Walnut City Wineworks and Domaine Roy et Fils. He also describes his early experiences in vineyards with his father and his wine education, which included studying at Chemeketa. He goes over how his vineyard management style has changed over the years and what it is like now running Red D...

This interview is with Mike Andersen of Cafe du Berry. In this interview, Mike speaks about how he learned to cook and what got him interested in the restaurant industry. He discusses his first jobs and mentors, and how those experiences helped him grow. He goes on to discuss opening Cafe du Berry, what it was like at its start, and how it has evolved over the years. Later, he talks about where wi...

This interview is with Mike Primozich of Arterberry Maresh. In this interview, Mike speaks about his early life and what got him started in the wine industry. He talks about learning on the job, mistakes he made, and mentors he had. He goes over developing his palate, his winemaking skills, and his winemaking philosophy. He also talks about tasting events, memorable experiences, and changes the in...

This Oral History Interview is with Mimi Martin of Wine and Spirit Archive. Mimi talks about her time in food and wine education in New York before deciding to make the leap and move to Oregon to start her own project. She talks about the evolution of that project and the various types of educational opportunities she's able to offer. Later, Mimi discusses the growth of Oregon wine and of global w...

This interview is with Cliff Robben of J. Christopher Wines. In this interview, Cliff speaks about his life before wine, including his interest in the FBI and his jobs in accounting. He goes on to describe his introduction to the Oregon Wine Industry and how his role grew from there. He talks about his positions at IPNC and Loosen Bros. and what his experience was like working for those wine organ...

This interview is with Chris Mazepink of White Walnut Estate, with a brief discussion at the end with his sons, Archer and Charlie Mazepink. In this interview, Chris speaks about his life before wine and how he initially became interested in the wine industry. He discusses his work in wineries, such as Shea Wine Cellars, Lemelson Vineyards, and Benton-Lane Winery. He also talks about his decision...

This interview is with Chris Lubberstedt of Winter’s Hill Estate. In this interview, Chris begins by speaking about his interest in the science behind wine. He describes his time in the Napa Valley, and what his reactions were when he began hearing about Oregon Pinot Noir. Chris talks about moving to Oregon, going to Portland State, and then entering the wine industry. He goes over his work at Cri...

This interview is with Chris Fladwood of Soter Vineyards. In this interview, Chris speaks about his life before wine, including his time in the army. He talks about his initial interest in the vineyard and how that turned into winemaking. He describes his work in France, New Zealand, and tells us why he decided to stay and work in the Oregon Wine Industry. He talks about the adventure, risk, and t...