The Oregon Wine History Archive Podcast

This interview is with David Polite of Carlton Hill Vineyard. In this interview, David discusses how he got into wine after his education from Reed to Chemeketa, as well as how he acquired his land: “I just knew it was right.” He then goes on to talk about the uniqueness of his Eastern facing land, his grape growing and winemaking philosophies, as well as his business model. Towards the end of the...

This interview is with John Paul, owner of Cameron Winery. In this interview, John discusses how he took a chance on both the wine industry and Oregon as he left his original interest of marine biochemistry and microbiology. He talks about the story of the vineyard, upcoming projects, and the challenges of starting a winery in the 80’s. To end, he discusses the future of wine and advice to anyone...

This interview is with Nancy Daniel, the founder of Canary Hill Vineyards located in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. Nancy discusses planting the vineyard, early organizations and industry relationships. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Nicholson Library at Linfield College on June 23, 2017.

This interview is with Herb and Eleanor Sims of Barrel Fence Cellars. In this interview, the couple talk about how they got into the wine industry as it was not their original jobs, how they obtained their property, and their land purchase in New Zealand. They go on to speak about the similarities and differences between New Zealand and Oregon wine, and what it’s like managing separate locations....

This interview is the owner and winemaker of Bergström Wines, Josh Bergström. During this interview, Josh discusses his start in the industry, the foundation of the estate vineyard and his winemaking philosophy. He also talks about his Syrah project and the future of the winery. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Bergström on April 23rd, 2018.

This interview is with Michael Etzel of Beaux Fréres Winery. In this interview, Michael discusses how he got the “wine bug,” first selling wine, then transitioning to owning a winery and making wine. Michael then goes on to discuss how his farming lifestyle has informed his job in the wine industry, as well as how they acquired the Beaux Fréres property while on vacation in Oregon. Although he had...

This interview is with Sara and Dave Specter, owners and winemaker at Bells Up Winery in Newberg, Oregon. They talk about the career change to making wine, planting their estate vineyard and the first couple of years in Oregon. Dave and Sara also discuss the future of the winery and the Oregon wine industry. This interview was conducted by Stephanie Hofmann at Bells Up Winery on June 19th, 2017

This interview is with Michael Etzel Jr. of Beaux Fréres. In this interview, Michael talks about why he chose wine, what it was like growing up on the estate, and what made him decide to go into the wine industry. He speaks of the places he’s traveled to and the many jobs he worked before ending up back home in 2015. Michael then goes on to describe how the sale of the company affected him, the ev...

This interview is with Andrew and Annedria Beckham, owners of Beckham Estate Vineyard in Sherwood, Oregon.  In this interview, the Beckhams discuss their experiences together in the wine industry. Specifically, they address changes seen in the industry in the last 10 years, as well as the support they have found in relationships with established winemakers. Annedria insightfully notes that “the ri...

In this oral history interview, we talked with Steve Girard of Benton-Lane Winery. Steve talks about his early appreciation for wine and how he got hooked on Oregon Pinot Noir. He also discusses his journey of acquiring his unique property, planting his vines, and making his wine. One point that he emphasizes is that it takes a team, not a single person, to make a wine successful. This interview w...

This interview is with Brian and Jill O’Donnell of Belle Pente Winery. In this interview, the O’Donnells discuss how they decided to get into winemaking, their first impressions of the Oregon wine industry (a very supportive, inclusive environment), as well as the learning curves/challenges that came with their jobs. They also go on to speak about how they came up with Belle Pente— the couple want...

This interview is with Ian Burch of Archery Summit Winery. In this interview, Ian talks about how he got into the wine industry and the education, and work experience that he received to get him to where he is today. Ian then goes on to speak about the various places he traveled to gain worldly perspectives, and how he later ended up in Oregon and his initial impressions. He also touches on his de...

This interview is with Pascal Brooks, Owner of Brooks Winery. This interview starts with Pascal discussing what it was like growing up around the Oregon wine industry and the impact his Dad, Jimi Brooks, had on his life. He also talks about is interest in wine particularly Riesling, being a part of the documentary American Wine Story and the future of Brooks Winery. This interview was conducted by...

This interview is with Doug Tunnell of Brick House Vineyards. In this interview, Doug talks about his love for wine, his studies abroad, previous work experience as a former correspondent with CBS, and what eventually led him to choosing wine. He then discusses why he chose the land, how he learned how to grow grapes along with his current grape growing philosophy (biodynamic farming), the growth...

This interview is in three portions. The first part is with Pat Dudley, President and Marketing Director of Bethel Heights Vineyard, who speaks about how she got into the Oregon wine industry and how a liberal arts education provided her a strong foundation. During the second portion of the interview, Dudley is joined by Marilyn Webb, Dudley’s sister-in-law and the Chief Financial Officer of Bethe...

This interview is with Clare Carver and Brian Marcy of Big Table Farm. In this interview, the couple discuss how they got into the Oregon Wine Industry after moving from California to Oregon. Brian discusses his love for wine after transitioning from being a beer maker, as well as its natural pairing to food as a big part of his lifestyle— that is what has kept him so passionate. Clare speaks abou...

This interview is with Chris Willams, the winemaker at Brooks Winery. Chris talks about his roundabout introduction to the wine industry by his friend and founder of Brooks Winery, Jimi Brooks. He then discusses his love of Muscat and the future of the Oregon wine industry. This interview was conducted by Stephanie Hofmann at Brooks Winery on Janurary 10, 2018.

This interview is with Janie Brooks Heuck, the managing director at Brooks Winery. First, she talks about her brother, Jimi, and how she first got introduced to the industry. Janie discusses the challenges of marketing wine now and the future of the industry. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Brooks Winery on January 10, 2018.

This interview is with David Nemarnik, owner and vineyard manager, and Tom Fitzpatrick, winemaker, at Alloro Vineyard. The interview is split into three sections with the first being with just David, the second with Tom and the last part is with both of them. During the first section, David talks about his dream of owning a vineyard and the importance of being LIVE certified. The second part with...

This interview is with Bertony Faustin, owner and winemaker of Abbey Creek Winery. During this interview, Bertony discusses the challenges of creating a winery from scratch and crafting a wine brand that’s unique to who he is. Bertony talks about the newly released documentary, Red, White & Black: An Oregon Wine Story and his hopes for the future of the industry. This interview was conducted b...

This interview is with Thomas Houseman, winemaker of Anne Amie Vineyards. In this interview, Thomas tells the story of how he came to love winemaking: from being a professional dancer, to brewing beer, to finally wine. He goes on to discuss how his creative side informs his winemaking, as it is very much like dancing. Thomas explains how his wines are unique—his acid driven blends can be easily sp...

This interview is with Joe Allan and Karen Saul, owners of Andanté Vineyard. In this interview, the couple discuss why they got into wine with a desire to “come back to the land.” The couple realized that they wanted land in the countryside, found their vineyard, and decided to plant grapes. Joe calls the business “a labor of love,” discussing the difficulties with owning the vineyard and being in...

This interview is with Dean and Ann Fisher of ADEA Wine co. In this interview, the couple talk about how they got into wine after it originally being a hobby. Dean then talks about his time working with people in the industry such as Michael Etzel and Hal Medici, and the process of getting the Gaston property and creating their vineyard. They then share memorable experiences and what makes their l...

This interview is with Joe Olexa of Ankeny Vineyard and Winery.  In the interview, Olexa first talks about how he came to his property, what it was like growing the grapes, and making the wine. He then discusses the future of the Oregon wine industry. This interview was conducted by Camille Weber at Ankeny Vineyard and Winery on August 17, 2015.

This interview is with Elena Rodriguez of Alumbra. In this interview, Elena answers the question “why grapes,” as she details how she grew up and now took over the vineyard for her father. She then goes on to talk about the challenges in managing her vineyard, developing a love for farming grapes, how she goes about finding buyers for them, and what she currently and will plant. Elena then goes on...