The Oregon Wine History Archive Podcast

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 Sch...

This interview is with Michael Mega of Nysa Vineyard. In this interview, Michael speaks about his journey in building Nysa Vineyard.  Michael dives into his love for growing things and how this passion has shaped his belief in being a true steward of the land. He also talks about his education and ties to neuroscience and philosophy.  A lover of Greek mythology, Michael talks about the myths that...

This interview is with Chris Serra of LIVE. In this interview, Chris speaks about his background in environmental science, coming to Oregon and working at LIVE. He explains the purpose of the organization as well as how it has evolved, as well as the work he has done. He also speaks about sustainability in the wine industry and how Oregon wine has grown and changed in the years since he joined the...

This interview is with Bill & Julia Wayne of Abbey Ridge Vineyard. In this interview, Bill and Julia speak about desiring a farming lifestyle in the mid-1970s, and deciding to go to California and study at UC Davis.  They then talk about wanting to come back to Oregon and eventually finding work in the wine industry before finding the land on which they would plant their vineyard. The evolutio...

This interview is with Robin Howell of Sokol Blosser Winery. In this interview, Robin speaks about entering the wine industry with a scientific interest, and honing her skills in Oregon, France and New Zealand before finding her way to Sokol Blosser. Once at Sokol Blosser, she talks about progressing from enologist all the way up to winemaker, and about the challenges and successes that came with...

This interview is with Howard Rossbach of Citation Wines. In this interview, Howard speaks about working in all aspects of the wine business, and coming up with the idea to start Firesteed Cellars while working in wine sales and distribution. He talks about how he started a "virtual winery" and built it up, and about how he came to acquire Erratic Oaks. He also speaks about the industry's growth a...

This interview is with Drew Herman of Alexana Winery. In this interview, Drew speaks about his wine journey and his current position of director of viticulture for the Revana portfolio. Drew dives into his childhood and talks about moving and the making of his first wine. He leaves nothing out and shares all the twists and turns that led him to his current path. From sharing his feelings about bot...

This interview is with Adam Campbell of Elk Cove Vineyards. In this interview, Adam speaks about his path in becoming the second generation steward of the brand, Elk Cove.  Adam talks about his journey in growing up and then taking over Elk Cove. He dives into college, winemaking, and also raising a family. Adam also discusses his passion for being able to take care of his family and staff of work...

This interview is with Anna Sweet of Artist Block. In this interview, Anna speaks about her career in mixing fine art with wine.  Anna talks about her different art endeavors and how they led her to Oregon wine country. She shares her journey in creating her label and space for Artist Block. Anna also dives into her vision for Artist Block and what she hopes for in the future.  Anna talks about ev...

This interview is with Raj Parr of Evening Land Vineyards. In this interview, Raj speaks about growing up in India and coming to the United States pursuing an interest in culinary school. After discovering an interest and affinity for wine, he found himself in San Francisco, working at Rubicon with well-known sommelier Larry Stone. That began Raj's wine journey, with stops working on the wine list...

This interview is with Aaron Coe of Coe Cellars. In this interview, Aaron speaks about finding his way into the wine industry and what his wine path has looked like since. Aaron talks about his prior jobs and how they paved his way to wine. He even dives into some of his amazing wine travels abroad. He also talks about his label Coe Cellars, and everything that went into making it.  Later in the i...

This interview is with Max Bruening of Ponzi Vineyards. In this interview, Max speaks about his journey to Oregon and his path to his current role of Ponzi's associate winemaker.  Max talks about growing up in Michigan and his early passions in wine. He then dives into his travels that shaped his wine journey and winemaking style.  Max shares his love for the hard work of wine and talks about his...

This interview is with David Bellows of Compris Vineyard. In this interview, David speaks about his different careers that eventually lead him to wine.  David touches on his travels, yeast research, and his first wine retirement with anecdotes from his different careers along the way. David also talks about his current role as the winemaker for Compris Vineyard. David also dives into his hopes for...

This interview is with Aquiles Girón of Soter Vineyards. In this interview, Aquiles speaks about growing up in Mexico before coming to California and working in the vineyards. He talks about learning his craft and taking on more and more responsibility. Later, he speaks about coming to Oregon and finding work with Soter. He speaks of work in the vineyards and in the winery, specifcally Soter's spa...

This interview is with Dru Allen of Compris Vineyard. In this interview, Dru speaks about his path to finding wine after his retirement from trucking.  Dru speaks about his past career and life before wine. He then dives into his journey in buying a vineyard with his wife, Erin, and creating the Compris label.  Dru also shares the future aspirations Erin and him share for Compris Vineyard.  This i...

This interview is with Jess Arnold of Soter Vineyards. In this interview, Jess speaks about her path to finding wine and her passion for the industry. Jess talks about growing up in California and what led her to pursue a career in wine. From time spent in New York pursuing being a sommelier to working her first Oregon harvest, Jess has been hooked on wine.  Jess also dives into her current role a...

This interview is with Antonio Verduzco of Soter Vineyards. In this interview, Antonio speaks about growing up in Michoacán, Mexico and coming to Oregon as a child. After high school, he found that work in the vineyards reminded him of his grandparents' farm growing up, and he worked hard to master all the skills needed. He also speaks about how he came to Soter, and the projects he's worked on th...

This interview is with John & Megan Adams of Wildsound. In this interview, John & Megan speak about their journey to creating Wildsound.  John and Megan talk about how their lives entwined with each other and wine. They share all the challenges and successes that came with learning winemaking at home and transitioning into commercial winemakers.  The couple dives into their history, passio...

This interview is with Dick and Mary Ferraro of Ferraro Cellar. In this interview, Dick and Mary speak about their journey in meeting each other and creating Ferraro Cellars.  Both Dick and Mary talk about how wine has played a role in their lives. The couple shares many stories from their past careers, old crushing parties, and first dates.  This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Linfiel...

This interview is with Lisa Zuniga of Citation WInes. In this interview, Lisa speaks about her initial interest in wine and starting her career at Firesteed Cellars. After holding a number of roles, she dove into vineyard management at a time when Firesteed was growing its vineyards. She talks about her biggest learning curves, parts of the work she enjoys the most and figuring out her role on the...

This interview is with Zane Morris of Ze Wines. In this interview, Zane speaks about his journey to discovering wine and creating his own brand, Ze Wines.  Zane first talks about his education in music research and how that led him to discover wine. He then dives into Ze Wines and talks about everything from his mission to the label.  With one vintage under his belt, Zane talks about his journey f...

This interview is with Todd, Lynette, Brenton, & Kate Hudak of Hudak House. In this interview, the Hudaks speak about their journey with all things wine.  The family is doing it all from the vineyard to a concert venue. As native Californians the family speaks on their first impressions of Oregon and what their transition to wine life has looked like. The family also shares their inspiration a...

This interview is with Andy Markuson of Earth & Sea restaurant. In this interview, Andy speaks about his work in restaurants at a young age while growing up in Orange County, Calif. Through experience and some strong mentors he discovered a passion for wine, and eventually found his way to Oregon. He describes his impressions of the Oregon wine industry and his experiences starting his own far...

Tune in for the first episode of the Oregon Wine History Archive’s bonus podcast Vocal Vines. I interviewed Lois Cho, of Cho Wines, and talked about everything from labels, scrapbooks, and nursing! So grab a glass, sit back, and get ready to sip on the juice of the vocal vine Lois Cho. 

This interview is with Matt Brennecke of Defranceschi. In this interview, Matt speaks about his wine journey, from growing up working as a vineyard hand at 14, eventually becoming a winemaker, and then to selling wine equipment. Matt dives into what his career looked like before wine as an educator with an art degree. He shares his journey to finding wine again in his adult life and all the challe...