The Oregon Wine History Archive Podcast

This interview is with Shelley Doerner Wetherell and Mike Wetherell, Doerner family descendants and vineyard owners and covers early wine industry history in Douglas County, as well as Doerner family history. In the interview, the Wetherells explain the development of winemaking in their family as well as their thoughts on the evolution of the wine industry from early Oregon pioneer days to the pr...

This interview is with Shelby Perkins, of Perkins Harter. In this interview, Shelby talks about how she found wine after being a nuclear waste lawyer and wanted to make a change that served her creative passions. She then goes on to speak about how she came to Oregon and her journey to her wine label, including the unique label art that she chose to be a part of her story. Shelby touches on her re...

This interview is with Seth Morgen Long of Morgen Long Wines. In this interview, Seth speaks about how he decided to get into wine, the experiences he’s gained, and how he found himself at Willakenzie Estate. He goes on to talk about his time abroad, why chardonnay, and how he started his own label. Towards the end of the interview, Seth touches on his winemaking philosophy, the role of wine, and...

This interview is with Scott Henry, winemaker at Henry Estate Winery in Umpqua, Oregon. Henry discusses how he came into the wine industry, why he chose this location, wine growing techniques, and his specific memories from years of being involved in the wine industry. This interview was conducted by Janis Miglavs on September 28, 2009.

This interview is with Scott Frank of Bow and Arrow Wines. In this interview, Scott talks about why he chose wine after moving from New York to Oregon after 9/11. He then speaks about how he gained knowledge about wine, his various work experiences, what varietals he chose, how he grew Bow and Arrow to where it is today, and explains his winemaking philosophy. Towards the end of the interview, Sco...

This interview is with Scott Burns. In this interview, Scott begins by talking about how he got into geology and soil. He then speaks about his various travels teaching around the world, and how he ended up back in Oregon teaching at Portland State University. Scott discusses the reaction from the wine industry about what he was doing with terroir, the different characteristics that define terroir...

This interview is with Sandra Taylor, president and CEO of Sustainable Business International LLC. In this interview, Sandra talks about how she got interested in environmental sustainability, the education she received, and the jobs she worked before she came to her current career. She then discusses how she worked for Starbucks as the senior vice president of Corporate Responsibility to coming t...

This interview is with Russell Lichtenthal of Flâneur Wines. In this interview, Russell talks about how he got into wine after working in culinary for some time. He speaks about the various experiences that led him to Oregon, his various experiences abroad, and how he found Flâneur, his role within the label. Towards the end of the interview, Russell touches on his initial thoughts of the Oregon W...

These interviews are with 6 founding members of the Oregon Wine Brotherhood. We talked with Paul de Boni, Diane Diamond, Ron Hayes, Paul Hart, and Pat and Joe Campbell about their time as members and the history of the organization. They also discussed the organization’s philanthropic efforts to raise money for college students interested in studying the wine industry. This interview was conducted...

This interview is with Rick Ensminger of Celilo Vineyard. In this interview, he talks about his start in the wine industry in 1976, what it’s like growing grapes, the unique qualities of the Columbia Gorge, and the future of the AVA. This interview was conducted by Rachael Woody at Celilo Vineyard on June 10, 2016.

This interview is with Rebecca Moore of Monksgate Vineyard. In this interview, Rebecca speaks about how she got into the wine industry, how she got to Oregon, and her initial impression of the industry. She explains what it was like building her business, how she got the name for her label, and what she hopes consumers take away from her wine. Towards the end of the interview, Rebecca describes wh...

This interview is with Rachel Adams of Assemblage. In this interview, Rachel talks about how she got into the wine industry coming from an anthropology background, her previous work experience, and when she knew it was time to be self-employed and create Assemblage. She goes on to speak about the meaning and motives behind Assemblage, her intent to bring women together for empowerment and educatio...

This interview is with Dr. Porter Lombard and covers topics including early wine industry history in Southern Oregon, research at the Oregon State University (OSU) Extension Center that began with the pear industry, and ideal soils and varietals for the region. Dr. Lombard focuses on the importance of a good soil, and he provides his opinions on the best soils in Oregon, paired with the types of v...

This interview is with Philippe Girardet of Girardet Winery, and covers topics including early wine industry history in Douglas County and Philippe Girardet’s involvement in the industry. Girardet also reflects on his philosophy of winemaking and how he has seen Southern Oregon develop in terms of identity. This interview was conducted by Rachael Woody at Girardet Winery on June 3, 2013.

Paul van der Veldt is the founder and owner of Shallon Winery in Astoria, Oregon. His is a one-man shop far from traditional Oregon wine country. In this interview he talks about how he got started making wine, coming up with his famous chocolate-orange whey wine and his wide variety of experiences owning a small winery on the Oregon coast. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Shallon W...

This interview is with Patty Skinkis, Associate Professor of Viticulture, and Extension Specialist of at Oregon State University’s Oregon Wine Research Institute. In this interview, Patty discusses how she started out studying horticulture, but late developed a passion for viticulture. She also discusses how she ended up in Oregon, and her role in the Oregon Wine Research Institute. She goes on to...

This interview is with Pam Walden of Willful Wine Co. In this interview, Pam discusses how she got into the wine industry on accident, and moving from England to Oregon after working in the advertising industry. She also speaks about the challenges that came with learning about and being in the industry, as well as what makes her pinot noir “willful” with its feminine, complex characteristics. Tow...

This interview is with Norm McKibben of Pepper Bridge Winery and includes topics such as McKibben’s transition from the construction industry to wine, his involvement in the expansion of the Walla Walla AVA, and the uniqueness of the Walla Walla Valley as a grape-growing region. McKibben discusses the role he played in the expansion of the Walla Walla AVA and his involvement in the Oregon Wine Boa...

This interview is with Neal Hulkower, of the Oregon Wine Press. In this interview, Neal speaks about how he got into wine, with his exposure dating all the way back to his childhood. Along with getting is PhD in applied mathematics and the many other jobs he had, Neal found that wine and math paired perfectly together, and decided to write about the two. He goes on to speak about some of his favor...

This interview is with Myron Redford of Amity Vineyards. In this interview, Redford sheds light on the early days, speaking about some of the industry’s unsung heroes and individuals who played key roles in his interest and pursuit of the wine life. He also talks about his reputation as a winemaker and how it has changed over time. This interview was conducted by Rachael Woody and Camille Weber in...

This interview is with Mike and Vonnie Landt of River’s Edge Winery. In this interview, the couple talk about how they got into wine after both having careers as biochemists and moving from St. Louis to Oregon. They then go on to speak about how they got the land and what the Elkton area was like when they first arrived vs. now, balancing their time between their jobs, and what it was like making...

This interview is with Mike Hinds of Franchere Wines. In this interview, Mike speaks about what he was doing before he got into the wine industry, and what it was like working in wine shops. He describes what it was like working in various wine shops, why he chose Oregon to start his wine career, and the education he received. Mike then goes on to talk about what it was like starting his own label...

This interview is with Michelle Kaufmann, communications director for Stoller Family Estate. In this interview, Michelle discusses how her public relations background informed her role in the wine industry, as well as her various roles in the wine industry— serving on the Oregon Wine Board, being a major role on the IPNC team, and being on the marketing committee for the Willamette Valley Wineries...

This interview is with Michael Garofola of Cutter Cascadia. In this interview, Michael answers the question “why wine,” and describes how he got into wine after working in the restaurant industry and finding he had a passion for both. He talks about the various experiences he gained abroad, his education he received, and how being a sommelier and winemaker inform one another. Michael also talks ab...

This interview is with Mélissa Rondeau and Greg McClellan of Suzor Wines. In this interview, the couple talk about their experience in wine and hospitality and eventually Oregon. They then go on to speak about their experiences abroad, and how that informed them starting their own label. They then speak about how they got the name, its vision, and what Greg’s winemaking philosophy and Mélissa’s bu...