The Oregon Wine History Archive Podcast

This interview is with Earl Jones of Abacela Winery. In this interview, Earl discusses the early wine industry history in the region and his own involvement in the industry.  In addition to the history of Abacela and the regional wine industry, the Earl reflects upon the identity of Southern Oregon wines and which varietals are suited for the Southern Oregon climate. This interview was conducted b...

This interview is with Joe, Pat, Anna, and Adam Campbell, of Elk Cove Vineyards.  The Campbell family are one of Oregon’s earliest winemaking families. In 1973, Pat and Joe Campbell moved their young family from Parkdale, Oregon to Gaston, Oregon to establish Elk Cove Vineyards. What happens after is what Joe and Pat describe as a “year of discovery,” as they teach themselves how to farm and becom...

This interview is with Paul Johnson of Satyr Fire Wine. In this interview, Paul speaks about discovering a passion for wine, diving deep into the topic, and eventually deciding he needed to be in Oregon to be fully immersed. He talks about his initial work at Duck Pond Cellars, which enabled him to work on both the business side and in the cellar. From there, he talks about his formative time with...

Stephen Cary is the winemaker at Yamhill Valley Vineyards in McMinnville, Oregon. Cary has left many impressive marks on the wine industry during his time thus far, including the founding of the Steamboat Conference and organizing the Burgundy Challenge. He knew early on that a normal 9-5 job was not the right path for him and has since been involved in the industry as a wine seller, buyer and mak...

This interview is with Morgan and Jessica Broadley of Broadley Vineyards. In this interview, Morgan and Jessica speak about their growing interest in wine, and taking over as the second generation at Broadley Vineyards. Morgan talks about growing up with his parents in the industry, and having to develop his own passion for wine, while Jessica talks about her growing role and the entrepreneuership...

This interview is with Colleen Kenny of Waverley Country Club. In this interview, Colleen speaks about finding her way into wine after growing up in Chicago, and about working in production and hospitality within the industry. She describes coming to Oregon and finding her community here while working as a harvest intern and with Italian-focused wine lists at Portland-area restaurants. She also ta...

This interview is with Craig and Claudia Broadley of Broadley Vineyards. In this interview, Craig and Claudia speak about growing up in Sacramento, getting intrigued by wine while living in San Francisco, and eventually following a dream of Pinot Noir to Oregon, finding land and starting Broadley Vineyards in the 1980s. They tell stories of wine-related adventures, including some harrowing moments...

This interview is with Lisette Hrapmann of Day Wines and Fizzy Lizzy Wines. In this interview, Lisette speaks about growing up in New Orleans and having wine as part of her life before she appreciated it or saw it as part of her future. She talks about her formative first harvest in California and her work in a variety of places before finding her way to Oregon in 2020. Lisette talks about working...

This interview is with Clay Wesson of Willamette Valley Vineyards. In this interview, Clay speaks about his education and early work in horticulture, and his eventual transition into viticulture specifically. His work led him into biodynamics and stewardship of the land. He talks about bringing that skillset to Willamette Valley Vineyards' new project Domaine Willamette, and working to transition...

This interview is with AJ Weinzettel of Weinnotes. In this interview, AJ speaks about his upbringing in Tennessee and how his passion for wine began when he moved to Oregon. His interests in technology and science go hand in hand with his love for sharing stories over a glass of wine. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Hazelfern Cellars on November 3, 2021.

This interview is with Elaine Brown, a traveling wine writer. She starts off talking about the transition from higher education to the wine industry and the challenges of writing about wine. Elaine also discusses her favorite things to write about and the future of the industry. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Linfield College on February 26th, 2018.

This interview is with Dick Erath of Erath Winery. In this interview, Dick shares his experience of working in the Oregon wine industry. He speaks about the benchmark moments in the Oregon Wine Industry, tells stories about others in the industry, and goes over struggles the industry faced - like the appearance of phylloxera. He describes the early days at Erath, as well as the challenges and ques...

This interview is with Diana Schultz of Augustina Cellars. In this interview, Diana speaks about her passion for art, creative ventures, and storytelling. She discusses her involvement in theater and dance, which have aided her love of travel and taken her to California, New York, and Oregon. She tells us that along the way she discovered an interest in wine and began learning all she could. Diana...

This interview is with Dennis and Marlene Grant of Parrett Mountain Cellars. In this interview, the couple speak about building their business and figuring out how to make wine. They describe the process of finding grapes, forming their brand, and selling their product. They also talk about making big reds, building their tasting room, and creating a wine club. The couple talk about teaching peopl...

This interview is with David Hendrickson of Carola Wines. In this interview, David speaks about his love of wine, cider, and surfing. David shares stories from his journey so far and discusses how he learned about the winemaking process. He talks about his interest in cider and describes his methodology, including how he collects his apples and sells his product. His brand is just beginning, but D...

This oral history interview is with David Brown of Mitchell Wine Group and Threemile Vineyard. David talks about growing up in Portland and being intrigued by growing things and building businesses from an early age. He talks about starting the Mitchell Wine Group, building a team and his leadership philosophy. Later, he talks about finding, purchasing and developing Threemile Vineyard in The Dall...

This interview is with Danie Lafayette and Drew White of Lafayette & White Cellars. In this interview, the two speak about the new wine brand they are starting together. Danie also discusses her current work at Wine by Joe and Dobbes Family Estate, while Drew speaks about his role at Walnut City Wineworks. The duo describe the process so far, the “hopeful terror” they feel when people try thei...

This oral history interview is with Dana Frank of Bar Norman in Portland. Dana talks about her introduction to wine and all the various roles she's had in the industry in Oregon. She always felt that service was her calling, and eventually started her own wine bar to focus on natural wines and serving customers. She also talks about the growth of the Oregon industry and the adjustments she and her...

This interview is with Dan Duryee of Lady Hill Winery. Dan was a semi-professional soccer player turned elementary school science teacher before finally discovering winemaking. In this interview, Dan speaks about beginning his wine journey working in restaurants and getting a job in Cana’s Feast Winery, where he stayed for 11 years. He also discusses his current role as Winemaker at Lady Hill Wine...

This interview is with Courtney Merriott and Johnny Brose of Flora Jane. In this interview, the couple speak about both their personal and joint journeys in the wine world. Johnny, who attended OSU, talks about his college introduction to the wine scene and what it is like teaching winemaking in Chemeketa’s wine studies program. Meanwhile, Courtney, who started her recognition for wine working at...

This Oral History Interview is with Craig Camp of Troon Vineyards. Craig has worked in a variety of roles in wine and a variety of places in the world, but the chance to practice biodynamic farming and winemaking at Troon is what brought him back to Oregon to stay. In this interview he talks about his path through the industry, what excites him about biodynamics, and the future of Troon and the Or...

This interview is with Corey Guinee of Core Enology. In this interview, he speaks about his upbringing, how he was introduced to the wine industry, and his work as an analytical chemist. He talks about his experience in barrel sales, wine analysis, and how this has led him to eventually co-owning and managing Core Enology. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Nicholson Library on August...

This interview is with Colin Howard of Mendivia Wines and Day Wines. In this interview, Colin speaks about getting interested in wine and finding his way to Oregon, including his working in wine and spirits on the West Coast. He then talks about getting back into wine production at Day Wines and starting his own brand, Mendivia. Colin also talks about his experience during 2020 including some crea...

This interview is with Chris Freytag and Dan Perkins of McKenzie Crest Wines. In this interview, the two share how they were initially introduced to wine and gained a passion for it. They talk about the struggles of entering the industry and only producing six bottles of wine their first year, and how the brand has grown and developed into what it is today. They conclude the interview by looking i...

This interview is with Leah Adint of Erath Winery. In this interview, Leah speaks about her childhood in Alaska and how a coffee table book from her father cemented her decision to study wine. After getting a bachelor's and a master's in enology, Leah traveled around the world learning various types of winemaking strategies and techniques. Since July 2022, she has been the Head Winemaker at Erath...