The Oregon Wine History Archive Podcast

This interview is with Matt Perry of 00 Wines. In this interview, Matt speaks about an early interest in fermentation leading him to working in wine research and production in Minnesota, followed by a series of internships in Napa and abroad.  He talks about his first experience in Oregon wine as an intern at Antica Terra, and what about that experience made him want to stay in Oregon. He then tal...

This interview is with Gilles de Domingo of Cooper Mountain Vineyards. In this interview, Gilles speaks about growing up in Bordeaux and setting out into the wine world with the intent of going back to help run his family's estate. A chance encounter led him to Oregon to work at King Estate in the 1990s, and he has stayed in the Oregon wine industry since. Gilles talks about his role as the winema...

This interview is with Ryan Sharp of Enso Winery. In this interview, Ryan speaks about finding a passion for wine in the Sierra foothills, and planning to have a small vineyard as a retirement project. Upon moving to Portland, he saw the ability to start the project sooner and started Enso, an urban winery and wine bar. Ryan also speaks about his days as a touring musician, the ethos of Enso, and...

This interview is with Maddy Rausch of Bergström Wines. In this interview, Maddy speaks about a passion for food, drink, and nature leading her to follow the winemaking path. She talks about feeling at home at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and about her formal wine education, followed by her initial experiences in wineries in California and New Zealand. An appreciation for Bergström wine led her to pu...

This interview is with Pedro Parra of Rose & Arrow and Pedro Parra y Familia. In this interview, Pedro speaks about his roundabout way of discovering an interest in soil and terroir that led to his being one of the most in-demand terroir consultants in the world. He talks about his advanced education and discovering the need for his expertise, leading to him advising wine projects all over the...

This interview is with Joey Myers of A to Z Wineworks and Narrow Window Wines. In this interview, Joey speaks about growing up in the vineyard industry thanks to his father's nursery and vineyard business. Once Joey decided that he wanted to follow a similar path, he attended Southern Oregon University and worked in California and abroad before coming back to Oregon. Joey speaks about growing his...

This interview is with Amanda Wittstrom Higgins of Dream Big Darling and Full Cup Solutions. In this interview, Amanda speaks about getting into her family's wine business in Paso Robles after graduating from college, and seeing ways in which the industry needed to improve.  Dream Big Darling was created to help mentor women in the wine industry, and Full Cup Solutions was created to help small fa...

This interview is with Robert Henry of Pamplin Family Winery. In this interview, Robert speaks about getting his winery work started on the east coast before finding his way to California to continue his education and take his next steps in the industry. His formative time in California came at Pahlmeyer, where he helped produce wines he's still proud of today. Robert then talks about finding his...

This interview is with Tim Jones of The Four Graces Winery. In this interview, Tim speaks about discovering his interest in wine while in college in Oregon, and following his interest to working harvests in California. He then talks about furthering his education at UC Davis, and being hired by Chateau Ste. Michelle in Washington. From there, Tim talks about developing his skills as a winemaker an...

This interview is with Jonathan Honefenger of Wild Child Wines. In this interview, Jonathan speaks about his enthusiasm for history and civilization, and how that led him to an exploration of wine. From there, he talks about getting started on the restaurant/sommelier side of the industry as a "curator" of wine in Texas fine dining establishments, and his excitement at being able to travel the wor...

This interview is with Mauricio Collada of Cubanisimo Vineyards. In this interview, Mauricio speaks about his early life in Cuba and his family fleeing the Castro regime to immigrate to Miami. He talks about an early encounter with a life-saving doctor that instilled in Mauricio the goal of becoming a doctor to help people, and of the path he took to become a neurosurgeon and find his way to Orego...

This interview with Harry and Wynne Peterson-Nedry, of Chehalem Winery.  In the interview, Harry and Wynne Peterson-Nedry focus on their involvement in the Oregon wine industry. The interview begins with Harry alone talking about his start in the industry and how Oregon has changed since he joined. About 40 minutes into the interview, Harry is joined by his daughter, Wynne, to discuss more general...

This interview is with Chris and Beth James of Chris James Cellars. In this interview, the couple talk about how they got into the wine industry, got their property, and ended up in Oregon. They also speak about some of the challenges they’ve experienced when priming the property, the varietals they’ve chosen to plant, and the reaction they received from consumers. Chris explains how he gained his...

This interview is with Fred and Mary Benoit, the founders of Chateau Benoit which is now Anne Amie Vineyards. They discuss the struggles of planting their first vineyard near Salem and the community of people in the industry at the time. Fred and Mary finish the interview talking about the growth of their winery and why they eventually decided to sell. This interview was conducted by Stephanie Hof...

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...