The Oregon Wine History Archive Podcast

This interview is with Jerry Bell, Jr., actor, producer, award-winning film director, and owner of JBJr Productions. In this interview, Jerry discusses how he got into acting compared to his former career as an engineer, and later pursued his own creative work. He explains how this passion led him to be a director, and later talks about making the documentary “Red White and Black,” a film highligh...

This interview is with Jeremy Schubert, founder of Lunabean Media. Jeremy talks about marketing Oregon wine, the trends of the industry and the personal touch he takes with clients. He also discusses the future of the industry, in regards to selling wine and growth. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Nicholson Library in Linfield College on June 14, 2017.

This interview is with Jeff Woodard of Woodard Wines. In this interview, Jeff discusses how his education at Linfield College informed his current job in the Oregon Wine Industry. He speaks of the various places he worked, as well as his current job in owning a retail wine shop. He states that “wine is about learning and experimenting with different things,” and that is showcased within his work a...

This interview is with Jeff Mar, a Regional Salesperson for Galaxy Wine Company. Jeff talks about his round about way into the wine industry and the unique challenges of selling wine. He also talks about the impact of distribution on the Oregon Wine industry. This interview is conducted by Rich Schmidt at Nicholson Library in Linfield College on March 24, 2017

This interview is with the Executive Director, Jeff Knapp, and Marketing Manager, Kitri McGuire, for Visit McMinnville. During this interview, they discuss the role of Visit McMinnville, the challenges of marketing this city and it’s connection to the wine industry. Jeff and Kitri also talk about their hopes and dreams for the future of McMinnville. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at...

This interview is with Jared Pierce of JP Cellars. In this interview, Jared talks about how he moved from Iowa to attend Linfield College and eventually enter the wine industry. He speaks about the different experiences he’s had in the industry, the places he traveled to, and what it was like attending Linfield College. Jared goes on to explain how he decided to learn winemaking, developed his own...

This interview is with James Rahn of James Rahn Wine Company. In this interview, James talks about how he got into wine, his work experience and education, and the process of deciding he wanted to be a sommelier. He then goes on to speak about how he got to know Oregon winemakers and ended up in Oregon and starting James Rahn Wine Company. Towards the end of the interview, James reflects on the ch...

This interview is with Hilary Berg, the editor of the Oregon Wine Press. In this interview, she talks about the start of OWP, learning about the Oregon wine industry and how she finds the right stories for publication. Hilary finishes the talk with a discussion of the future of the Oregon wine industry and the OWP. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at the Nicholson Library at Linfield C...

This interview is with James Frey of Trisaetum Wines. In this interview, James speaks about how he got into the wine industry and how that goes hand in hand with painting and photography, all of which James excels in. He talks about how he ended up in Oregon, how he found his land, and how he decided what varietals he wanted. James then goes through the process he took in learning wine and winemak...

This interview is with Ian Burrows. In this interview, Ian talks about how he found his way to wine through the hospitality industry, how he got into the restaurant industry, and eventually learned about wine and becoming a sommelier. He goes on to touch on how he learned the business side of wine, what it’s like pairing people with wine, and how he eventually came to the U.S. from France. Ian the...

This interview is with Howard Hinsdale, owner of Howard Hinsdale Cellars & Bistro. In this interview, Hinsdale talks about his start in the wine industry, his time with his distribution company, life after getting out of the wine business, and the future of the industry. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at the Nicholson Library at Linfield College on January 27, 2016.

This interview is with Graham Markel of Buona Notte Wines. In this interview, Grahm talks about how he got into wine because his family was in the food and wine industry. He originally wanted to be a travel writer— speaking of his education and experiences traveling and being immersed in different cultures. Graham then goes on to speak about his first impressions of the industry, his Old World way...

This interview is with Dr. Greg Jones of Southern Oregon University. In this interview, Dr. Jones discusses Southern Oregon’s unique climatology, the diversity of varietals that could thrive in the region, and a look at how early Oregon pioneers may have kept vine cuttings viable. Further into the interview, he addresses how using past knowledge can make it easier for current winemakers, thereby i...

Geoffrey and Lane Crowther are the owners of Toluca Lane, a small boutique grape-growing and wine operation in Amity, Oregon. In this interview, they discuss how they both came into the wine industry from their prior careers and how they found their way when it came to growing grapes. Geoffrey admits to not using rootstock for his vines! The couple also discussed how they have kept up with the tre...

This interview is with Gary Horner, the winemaker at Erath Winery. He discusses his unique start in the wine industry and learning how to make wine from some of the first winemakers in Oregon. Gary talks about the future of Erath winery, using new technology in the cellar and his advice for someone wanting to join the industry. This interview was conducted by Stephanie Hofmann at Nicholson Library...

This interview is with Gordy Venneri of Walla Walla Vintners. In this interview, Venneri talks about the community-oriented approach to winemaking in the Walla Walla Valley, Walla Walla Valley identity as a wine region, and Venneri’s advice to new winemakers. He also speaks about the close relationship shared by the older wineries in the area and recalls all the assistance they have provided for e...

This interview is with Gina Hennen of Adelsheim Vineyard. In this interview, Gina discusses how she got into winemaking after having a degree in chemistry and working in engineering. She speaks about her education at Chemeketa, her job at Adelsheim that led her to become head winemaker, and the responsibility to continue the legacy of Adelsheim. Towards the end of the interview, Gina touches on wh...

This interview is with Gary Figgins of Leonetti Cellars. The interview took place on July 16, 2014. Topics included Figgins’s family history as it relates to wine and Walla Walla, his involvement in the creation of the Walla Walla AVA, and the development of Walla Walla over the last century. Figgins discusses the long history of Walla Walla as a former gold rush town, as well as his Italian herit...

This interview is with Eunice Chiweshe Goldstein of Eunice Chiweshe Goldstein Winery. In this interview, Eunice discusses why she got into wine because of the ways it brings people together, how she knew she wanted to do both film and wine, and why she chose Oregon for her winery. She worked to make wine at home for years before finding the land for her wine project in 2017, and starting her wine...

This interview is with Erin Stephenson, co-owner of 3rd Street Flats and the Atticus Hotel in McMinnville, Oregon. In this interview, Erin talks about her love of the city of McMinnville and the positive connection between the wine industry and hospitality. Erin also discusses the tourism industry and her new project, the Atticus Hotel. This interview is conducted by Rich Schmidt at Linfield Colle...

This interview is with Erich Berg of Ricochet Wines. In this interview, Erich speaks about how he came to Oregon for wine, his time early on in the industry, and what it was like creating his own label. He goes on to talk about his winemaking philosophy, his choices for grapes, and the role of wine within society. Towards the end of the interview, Erich reflects on his perspectives on the industry...

This interview is with Eric Weisinger of Weisinger Family Winery. In this interview, Eric talks about the early wine industry history in the Rogue Valley, the leadership transition at Weisinger Family Winery from John to Eric Weisinger, and John and Eric Weisinger’s involvement in the industry. The interview also provides reflection upon the identity of Southern Oregon wines and future directions...

This interview is with Eric Asimov, Wine Critic for the New York Times. He talks about the challenges of writing about wine and wine regions around the world that excite him. Eric also discusses the current wine culture in America and the future of the wine industry in the U.S. and Oregon. This interview was conducted by Stephanie Hofmann at Nicholson Library on July 28, 2017.

This interview is with David Baker, who has made multiple documentaries and books about the wine industry. David talks about creating the documentary American Wine Story and his latest book, Vintage. He also talks about his observations of the Oregon wine industry, how he crafts narratives around wine and upcoming projects. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at David Baker’s home in Corv...

This interview is with Drew Voit, of Harper Voit. In this interview, Drew speaks about how he got into wine, how he studied winemaking in college, and how he got to Oregon. He goes on to speak about why he was interested in pinot noir, the different jobs that he had that informed his career, and how he decided to start Harper Voit. Drew then addresses what it’s like owning his own label and consul...