The Oregon Wine History Archive Podcast

This interview is with Gary Horner, the winemaker at Erath Winery. He discusses his unique start in the wine industry and learning how to make wine from some of the first winemakers in Oregon. Gary talks about the future of Erath winery, using new technology in the cellar and his advice for someone wanting to join the industry. This interview was conducted by Stephanie Hofmann at Nicholson Library...

This interview is with Gordy Venneri of Walla Walla Vintners. In this interview, Venneri talks about the community-oriented approach to winemaking in the Walla Walla Valley, Walla Walla Valley identity as a wine region, and Venneri’s advice to new winemakers. He also speaks about the close relationship shared by the older wineries in the area and recalls all the assistance they have provided for e...

This interview is with Gina Hennen of Adelsheim Vineyard. In this interview, Gina discusses how she got into winemaking after having a degree in chemistry and working in engineering. She speaks about her education at Chemeketa, her job at Adelsheim that led her to become head winemaker, and the responsibility to continue the legacy of Adelsheim. Towards the end of the interview, Gina touches on wh...

This interview is with Gary Figgins of Leonetti Cellars. The interview took place on July 16, 2014. Topics included Figgins’s family history as it relates to wine and Walla Walla, his involvement in the creation of the Walla Walla AVA, and the development of Walla Walla over the last century. Figgins discusses the long history of Walla Walla as a former gold rush town, as well as his Italian herit...

This interview is with Eunice Chiweshe Goldstein of Eunice Chiweshe Goldstein Winery. In this interview, Eunice discusses why she got into wine because of the ways it brings people together, how she knew she wanted to do both film and wine, and why she chose Oregon for her winery. She worked to make wine at home for years before finding the land for her wine project in 2017, and starting her wine...

This interview is with Erin Stephenson, co-owner of 3rd Street Flats and the Atticus Hotel in McMinnville, Oregon. In this interview, Erin talks about her love of the city of McMinnville and the positive connection between the wine industry and hospitality. Erin also discusses the tourism industry and her new project, the Atticus Hotel. This interview is conducted by Rich Schmidt at Linfield Colle...

This interview is with Erich Berg of Ricochet Wines. In this interview, Erich speaks about how he came to Oregon for wine, his time early on in the industry, and what it was like creating his own label. He goes on to talk about his winemaking philosophy, his choices for grapes, and the role of wine within society. Towards the end of the interview, Erich reflects on his perspectives on the industry...

This interview is with Eric Weisinger of Weisinger Family Winery. In this interview, Eric talks about the early wine industry history in the Rogue Valley, the leadership transition at Weisinger Family Winery from John to Eric Weisinger, and John and Eric Weisinger’s involvement in the industry. The interview also provides reflection upon the identity of Southern Oregon wines and future directions...

This interview is with Eric Asimov, Wine Critic for the New York Times. He talks about the challenges of writing about wine and wine regions around the world that excite him. Eric also discusses the current wine culture in America and the future of the wine industry in the U.S. and Oregon. This interview was conducted by Stephanie Hofmann at Nicholson Library on July 28, 2017.

This interview is with David Baker, who has made multiple documentaries and books about the wine industry. David talks about creating the documentary American Wine Story and his latest book, Vintage. He also talks about his observations of the Oregon wine industry, how he crafts narratives around wine and upcoming projects. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at David Baker’s home in Corv...

This interview is with Drew Voit, of Harper Voit. In this interview, Drew speaks about how he got into wine, how he studied winemaking in college, and how he got to Oregon. He goes on to speak about why he was interested in pinot noir, the different jobs that he had that informed his career, and how he decided to start Harper Voit. Drew then addresses what it’s like owning his own label and consul...

This interview is with Doug Roskelley of Tero Estates. In this interview, Roskelley discusses how he became a winemaker, the Walla Walla climate as it relates to agriculture, and the relationship Tero Estates has with the older wineries in the area. He also speaks about the dynamic of being a newer winery and his relationship to the more established winemakers in the area. He also covers the Walla...

This interview is with Donna Jean and Jim McDaniel, of McDaniel Vineyard. The first half of the interview focuses on how Donna Jean met Jim and their family life during the start of the business. The second half of the interview focuses on how they have been so successful with their marriage and advice for anyone looking to get into wine. This interview was conducted by Rachael Woody at the McDani...

This interview is with Donna Stoney of Stoney Wines. In this interview, Donna talks about how she decided to go into the wine industry after being distinguished and recognized for her hard work in social services working with people with developmental and intellectual disabilities. She then goes on to talk about deciding to make her own wine, meeting and working with Bertony Faustin, planning her...

This interview is with Dr. Donald Olson, owner of Torii Mor Winery in the Dundee Hills. Don talks about why he decided to buy the vineyard and eventually start a winery and where the name came from. He also talks about what makes excellent Pinot Noir and the future of the winery. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Torii Mor on August 7, 2017.

This interview is with Don Graves. In this interview, Graves discusses how he met Dr. Clore and Clore’s influence not only on Graves’s interest in growing wine grapes but also the growth of the wine industry in the Columbia Gorge. Graves also discusses dividing his time between working at Bonneville Dam and starting a vineyard. This interview was conducted by Rachael Woody at Graves’ home in Dalle...

This interview is with Don and Pam Klase, Linfield graduates and Owners and Winemaker at Dolio Winery & Vineyard in Battle Ground, Wash. They talk about the challenges of starting a winery, how their liberal arts education helped them in the wine industry and marketing a wine region near Portland. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Dolio Winery on June 20, 2017.

This interview is with Don and Carolyn Byard, of Brooks Winery. Don and Carolyn Byard were two of the original pioneers in the Oregon wine industry. Through hard work and determination, they created a successful vineyard and winery, Brooks Winery. This interview focuses on the Byards’ start in the business, family life, and what the future of the industry looks like. This interview was conducted b...

This interview is with Doc (James) Wilson, a Portland, Oregon culinary icon who worked as a sommelier at Jake’s Famous Crawfish for 32 years. Wilson discusses how making wine accessible to the public was key to the popularity of Oregon wines within the state and, eventually, around the globe. Wilson also talks about his involvement teaching classes and writing articles about wine, and he discusses...

This interview is with Dixie Huey, the proprietor of Trellis Growth Partners, a small, wine marketing business. In the interview, she talks about her journey into the wine industry, the challenges of marketing Oregon wine and how to build relationships in the industry. Dixie finishes up the interview talking about how marketing has changed in wine already and the future of Oregon wine. This interv...

This interview is with Denis Burger and Elaine McCall, owners of Yamhill Valley Vineyards. In this interview, Denis and Elaine discuss how they came into the wine industry and the various challenges they faced in being one of the earlier wineries in the McMinnville AVA. The couple discusses the future for Oregon wine, and ends with the advice that as long as one perseveres and stays committed to t...

This interview is with David and Jeanne Beck of Crawford Beck Vineyard. In this interview, the couple discuss how they got into wine after their previous careers as scientists, and how they ended up in Oregon in 2005. They go on to speak about the scientific transition in going to wine, their philosophy, and what their knowledge/experience was with Oregon wine initially. They then go on to speak a...

This interview is with David Baker, who has made multiple documentaries and books about the wine industry. David talks about creating the documentary American Wine Story and his latest book, Vintage. He also talks about his observations of the Oregon wine industry, how he crafts narratives around wine and upcoming projects. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at David Baker’s home in Corv...

This interview is with Darcey and Rick Small of Woodward Canyon Winery. In this interview, the couple discuss their self-taught approach, the cooperation among wineries in Walla Walla, and the growing problem of limited water rights in Washington. The Smalls also talk about how they taught themselves winemaking through observation, reading, and experience rather than learning through classical tra...

This interview is with Dan Warnshuis of Utopia Vineyards. In this interview, Dan speaks about how he got into the wine industry and eventually came to Oregon to start his label. He talks about why his land is so unique, what he hopes consumers get out of his wines, and what it’s like managing many roles within the vineyard. Towards the end of the interview, Dan reflects on changes he’s seen to the...