The Oregon Wine History Archive Podcast

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...

This interview is with Michael Donovan, member of the Oregon Wine Board and covers topics including early wine industry history and Michael Donovan’s involvement in the Oregon wine industry. In addition to wine industry history, Donovan speaks to the food and wine cultural evolution during the 1960s and 1970s from his perspective as a restaurant owner and, later, a wine industry insider. The inter...

This interview is with Michael Claypool, owner and winemaker of Clay Pigeon Winery. In this interview, Claypool talks about the influence of being a sommelier on his winery, how being in an urban setting affects his business, and advice for anyone wanting to get into the industry. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt and Stephanie Hofmann at Clay Pigeon Winery on July 25, 2016.

This interview is with Melissa Burr, director of winemaking at Stoller Family Estate. In this interview, Melissa discusses why how she came into the wine industry as she saw the industry emerging and fell in love with it. She also talks about how her science background informed her role in the wine industry: “having that core science was certainly helpful.” She also talks about how the various job...

This interview is with Melaney Schmidt of Landmass Wines. In this interview, Melaney talks about how she got into the wine business, came to Oregon, and got an education that led her to create her label Landmass. She speaks about how she came up with the label, the process of selling wine, and what she looks for when sourcing grapes. Melaney goes on to detail her other business, Public Provisions,...

This interview is with Matt Berson of Portland Wine Company. In this interview, Matt talks about how he got into wine by being in the restaurant business, to becoming a winemaker himself and owner of Love and Squalor. He also talks about his travels, and how the different regions compare and contrast to one another in terms of wine. He then goes on to explain how he came up with the unique name of...

This interview is with Mary Reinke, former owner of Honeywood Winery and covers topics such as how she got into the industry, how she took over the winery, and how she uniquely marketed the business. Mary Reinke was born in The Dalles, Oregon in the early 1920s and later moved to Salem, Oregon with her family. In 1943, Reinke started working at Honeywood Winery, Oregon’s oldest running fruit winer...

This interview is with Mary Bjelland of Bjelland Winery and covers topics including early wine industry history in Douglas County and Paul and Mary Bjelland’s involvement in the industry. The interview focuses on Paul Bjelland’s creation and involvement in early regional associations and events, such as “Greatest of the Grape.” Mary Bjelland also recalls specific tasks that she was in charge of at...

This interview is with Marty Doerschlag of Flaneur Wines. In this interview, Marty talks about how he got into wine, what he was doing before he became interested in wine, and why he chose Oregon and Pinot Noir. He goes on to describe how he chose the locations he works with, what it was like starting his own label, and what he hopes people take away from Flaneur wines. Towards the end of the inte...

This interview is with Marty Clubb of L’Ecole No 41. The interview took place on July 14, 2014 and included topics such as the history of L’Ecole, Clubb’s working relationship with Norm McKibben and Gary Figgins, and the acquisition of Seven Hills Vineyard. Clubb discusses the history of L’Ecole and his father and mother-in law who started the winery in the early 1980s. He also discusses the relat...

This interview is with Mark Treick and Helen Avery of Cellar Door Wine Tours. In this interview, the couple discuss how they decided to go into the wine tour business, their formative years, trials, and successes that came with their business. They go on to speak about how their partnership works, the relationships they’ve forged, and their vision for their tour business. Towards the end of the in...

This interview is with Wayne Bailey, owner of Youngberg Hill. In this interview, Bailery talks about the history of Youngberg Hill, balancing family with the winery, and the marketing that goes into selling wine in Oregon. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Youngberg Hill on June 8, 2016.