The Oregon Wine History Archive Podcast

This interview is with Cristina Gonzales of Gonzales Wine Company. In this interview, she discusses how she got into wine originally because she wanted to travel and experience more— it was when she lived in Chilé and Argentina that she became very interested in wine. She then goes on to talk about the various places she’s traveled to, how she ended up in Oregon to originally follow the path of Pi...

This interview is with Corey Schuster of Jackalope Cellars. In this interview, Corey discusses how he got into wine after holding his previous job as an engineer, his first impressions of Oregon wine, and how he went about learning winemaking. He takes us through his wine journey— the various jobs he’s held in the industry, the process of starting his own label, and the learning curve that came wi...

This interview is with Colin Shirek of Alto Cirrus. In this interview, Colin describes his wine journey up until present day– his various experiences/travels, and influencers that aided him along the way. He goes on to talk about what it’s like working at Day and with various other producers, the story behind Alto Cirrus and the meaning behind its name. Colin goes on to speak about his winemaking...

This interview is with Cliff and Allison Anderson, of Anderson Family Vineyard. In this interview, the couple discuss how they got into wine and moving to Oregon. Cliff speaks on his prior work in psychology, marketing and politics, and how that led to his career in making wine. The couple go on to discuss how they found their land, learned winemaking, and developed their label into what it is tod...

This interview is with Charles (Chuck) and Della Henderson. Topics include the history of wine in Hood River, Chuck Henderson’s role in the Oregon wine industry, and the dynamic between Oregon and Washington wineries. In the interview, the Hendersons discuss how Chuck got started in the wine industry, as well as his partnership with Dr. Walter Clore. Chuck also talks about the early winemakers in...

This interview is with Cheryl Francis, Sam Tannahill, Deb Hatcher, and Bill Hatcher, of A to Z Wineworks and REX HILL. Cheryl Francis, Sam Tannahill, Deb Hatcher, and Bill Hatcher are the founders of A to Z Wineworks and co-owners (with several partners, including San Antonio Spurs coach Gregg Popovich) of REX HILL Vineyards and Winery. In the interview, the group discusses a wide range of topics,...

This interview is with Charlie Garrell of Oregon Wine Guides. In this interview, Charlie talks about how he got into the wine business, fueled by a passion of intellectual pursuit and a love for wine. He also speaks about his work within the industry and what led him to creating and starting his own tour guide business, talking about what makes his job unique, how he tailors his tours to his clien...

This interview is with Carl and Tara McKnight, of St. Josef’s Winery and Pheasant Run. In this interview, the couple discuss the question “why wine,” as Tara was born into it, and Carl was married into it. They then discuss how they developed their roles at St. Josef’s Winery, and the challenges of having their own label. They also talk about the Cascade Foothills and show people the “gems” of the...

This interview is with Carl Giavanti, owner of Carl Giavanti Consulting. During this interview, Carl talks about his roundabout way of entering the wine industry and how he gained clients in the Willamette Valley. He discusses the challenges of publicizing small, family-owned wineries in Oregon and the future of the industry. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Linfield College in the...

This interview is with Brianne Day of Day Wines. In this interview, Brianne discusses how she got into the wine industry, her various travels and jobs, and how she ended up starting her own label. Brianne then goes on to speak about her winemaking philosophy, and the various varietals she works with. Towards the end of the interview, Brianne talks about where Day Wines is heading in the future, an...

This interview is with Briana Seeley of Adelsheim Vineyard. In this interview, Briana speaks about how she came into the wine industry after working in the food and beverage industry, her various travels around the world, and how she found her love for wine. She goes on to speak about how she ended up at Adelsheim as VP of consumer sales, the learning curve that came with her job, and how marketin...

This interview is with Bree Stock of the Oregon Wine Board. In this interview, Bree talks about how she got into the wine industry through hospitality, as well as her education that “happened naturally as a way to understand where wine came from.” She speaks of the journey that led her to where she is now as a sommelier and living in Oregon. Bree goes on to talk about the “growing pains” of a regi...

This interview is with Brad McLeroy of Ayres Vineyard. In this interview, Brad describes how he came to love wine, the various places he worked, and what it was like coming to Oregon and started his own winery. He also speaks about what makes Ribbon Ridge special, and how he chose what he wanted to plant, make and sell. Towards the end of the interview, Brad touches on changes he’s seen in the Ore...

This interview is with Bob Switzer and Jim Straus, of Seven Bridges Winery. In this interview, Bob talks about turning a hobby into a business, marketing bold reds in a sea of Pinot Noir, and owning a winery in an urban setting. This interview was conducted by Rachael Woody at Seven Bridges Winery on July 25, 2016.

This interview h Blaine Nisson, former Director of Umpqua Community College (UCC). In this interview, Nisson’s discusses his involvement in the creation of UCC’s new program, the Southern Oregon Wine Institute. Nisson provides extensive commentary on the strategy and effort involved to create the Southern Oregon Wine Institute. The interview explores the strategies needed to ensure the program wou...

This interview is with Bob McRitchie, former winemaker for Sokol Blosser Winery in Dayton, Oregon. McRitchie first gained experience in wine while in a lab position at Franciscan Vineyards in Napa Valley, California. Bill Blosser eventually found him while searching for a winemaker in California who wanted to come try winemaking in Oregon. McRitchie’s time in the wine industry included highlights...

This interview is with Bill Wendover of Stonefield Vineyards. In this interview, Bill talks about how he got into the wine business, how he chose his property and its name, and the process of planting and growing grapes for the first time, including the challenges faced. Bill also speaks about the relationships he’s made with people in the OR wine industry, unique challenges to the area, friendshi...

This interview is with Bill Sweat and Donna Morris, owners of Winderlea Vineyard and Winery. In this interview, the couple discusses how wine was a big part of their story, especially the food aspect as wine is a strong part of that experience as well. They describe how they ended up living in Oregon and owning a winery as “serendipity” as they put themselves in the hands of the people they were l...

This interview is with Bob Morus and Bill Swain of Phelps Creek Vineyards. In this interview, Morus discusses why hecame to the Columbia River Valley, the changing economy of Hood River, and his experience starting a winery. Morus also speaks about about how he decided to plant a vineyard in Hood River; he also discusses buying and running the property that is now Phelps Creek while maintaining hi...

This interview is with Bill Stoller, the owner of Stoller Family Estate in the Dundee Hills AVA. Bill talks about starting a winery, the vineyard and what makes the site unique. He also discusses the future for Stoller Estate and the impact of having a liberal arts education. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Stoller Family Estate on July 10, 2017.

This interview is with Bill Nelson, an early member of the Oregon Winegrowers Association and Wine America. In this interview, Bill discusses the history of the early wine industry in Southern Oregon, Oregon as a whole, as well as the United States. Nelson provides a description of the evolution of the Oregon Wine Council, the Oregon Winegrowers Association, and the formation of the Oregon Wine Ad...

This interview is with Bill Fuller, who co-founded Tualatin Vineyards in Forest Grove, Oregon in 1973. The company made many award winning wines during Fuller’s twenty-six years of operation. In 1997, Fuller sold the business to Willamette Valley Vineyards. After selling, he continued to be involved in the industry, working with Willamette Valley Vineyards, Cooper Mountain Vineyards, and McMenamin...

This interview is with Bernie Kipp, who worked for the Oregon Liquor Control Commission (OLCC) and the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau (TTB). In this interview, Bernie discusses how he got involved in the wine industry, the challenges he faces in his job, and the importance of the OLCC and TTB. He also speaks about what makes Oregon labeling special, his knowledge of early lawmaking, and...

This interview is with Barney Watson, of Oregon State University. Barney Watson was an instructor and Enology Extension Specialist at Oregon State University (OSU) for 28 years, working to develop the best ways to bring grape clones into the Oregon wine industry. In 2004, he co-founded a winery, Tyee. In this interview, Watson discusses how he got into the wine industry, his work at OSU, and his o...

This interview is with Ariel Eberle, winemaker at Yamhill Valley Vineyards in McMinnville, Oregon. In this interview she discusses how she got interested in wine and the life lessons she learned under the late Stephen Cary. She also speaks about her experience as a young woman in the Oregon wine industry. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on August 21, 2018.