The Oregon Wine History Archive Podcast

This interview is with Anne Hubatch of Helioterra Wines. In this interview, Anne speaks about how she got into wine and ended up in Oregon. She shares her initial impressions of the industry and wine, what it was like becoming a winemaker, her philosophy, and how her background in geology has informed her career in wine. Anne goes on to speak about how she started Helioterra Wines and why she chos...

This interview is with Andrew Riechers of Audeant Wines. In this interview, Andrew speaks about how he got into wine, came to Oregon, and his time and experiences abroad. He goes on to talk about his various work experience and its key takeaways, what it was like starting Audeant Wines, and his winemaking philosophy. Towards the end of the interview, Andrew touches on where he sees Audeant Wines h...

This interview is with Andrew Davis, owner of Radiant Sparkling Wine Company. In this interview he discusses his entry into the wine industry and the motivation behind starting his own sparkling wine production company. He also talks about the challenges he faces when it comes to selling and spreading the word about sparkling wine. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Nicholson Library...

This interview is with Andrew Beckham, co-owner of Beckham Estate Vineyard in Sherwood, Oregon. Unique to Beckham Estate Vineyard, Andrew Beckham blends his two passions, wine and art, by making his own amphorae. Amphorae are terra cotta vessels used to store wine while it ages, an ancient tradition of winemaking thought to originate in the Republic of Georgia. This interview was conducted by Rach...

This interview is with Allen Meadows, owner of Burghound.com, a website that focuses on reviewing Pinot Noirs from around the world. Allen discusses how he started his business, his writing philosophy and his thoughts on the current wine culture in the U.S. He also talks about what makes Pinot Noir unique and the characteristics that makes one perfect. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt...

This interview is with Alex Gambal, a winemaker in Burgundy, France. Alex Gambal is owner of Maison Alex Gambal. In this interview, Gambal talks about making wine in France, his vineyard philosophy, and his thoughts on the Oregon wine industry. Gambal also talks about the future of the wine industries in France and Oregon. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Nicholson Library at Linfie...

This interview is an oral history conducted by Rich Schmidt with Al MacDonald. The interview took place at the Jereld R. Nicholson Library at Linfield College on June 25, 2015 and included topics such as MacDonald’s creation of a curriculum for Chemeketa Community College’s Vineyard Management/Winemaking (now Wine Studies) program, as well as his role in LIVE (Low-Input Viticulture & Enology)....

This interview is with Patty Green, founder of Patricia Green Cellars in McMinnville, Oregon. Green discusses her early days in the industry, the development of her business, specific varietals, and the relationships she has made in the industry. This interview was conducted by Janis Miglavs on December 12, 2007.

This interview is with Christine Clair, the Winery Director at Willamette Valley Vineyards. During this interview, Christine talks about growing up next to WVV and discovering her passion for the Oregon wine industry. She also discusses how she became the Winery Director for WVV, the future of the winery and advice for someone looking to join the industry. This interview was conducted by Rich Schm...

This interview is with Ronni Lacroute of WillaKenzie Estate. During the interview, she talks about the early days in the Willamette Valley, the founding of the winery and selling wine in Oregon. Ronni also discusses being on the Board of Trustees at Linfield College and her passion for the arts. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt in the Nicholson Library at Linfield College on March 17,...

This interview is with Patricia Gustafson of Whistling Ridge Vineyards. In this interview, Patricia talks about how she got into wine after living in Brazil, her education and teaching career, and her steps in deciding to plant a vineyard. She then goes on to discuss what she chose to plant, how she gained knowledge about wine, and the very good friends she has made along the way. Patricia discuss...

This interview is with the owners/winemakers of Westrey Winery, Amy Wesselman and David Autrey. They begin the interview talking about how they got hooked on wine and the wonderful mentors that showed them the way at the start. Amy discusses her involvement with IPNC and they both share their views of what the future of Oregon looks like. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Westrey Win...

This interview is with Jesús Guillén, head winemaker of White Rose Estate. In this interview, Jesús discusses his journey from having a background in computer science, to finding a passion and appreciation for wine. He also tells the story of how he came to Oregon from Mexico, and the limitations/adversity faced with being an immigrant winemaker. Jesús later discusses his philosophy for creating w...

This interview is with Vivian Weber of Weber Vineyards. In this interview, Vivian speaks about how she got into the Oregon Wine Industry after her husband insisted on coming to Oregon from Boston. She states that “none of us knew what we were doing,” but managed to plant and sell their grapes under the guidance of Dick Erath. Vivian then goes on to speak about how the industry is so collaborative...

This interview is with Ken Pahlow and Erica Landon of Walter Scott Wines. In this interview, Ken and Erica talk about how they each got into the wine business, as well as the huge support that surrounded them as they pursued Walter Scott Wines. They then go on to discuss the property they are situated on, the process of learning and understanding wine, and the various places they’ve worked with. T...

Joel Myers was raised in Sacramento, California, where he first crossed paths with several families that later would influence his life and career in the wine industry monumentally, including Oregon wine pioneers Charles Coury and David Lett. Myers described his evolving career in the wine industry as “a part-time job that started thirty-five years ago.” After graduating from the University of Ore...

This interview is with Don Hagge, the owner of Vidon Vineyard. During this interview, the former NASA Scientist talked about the journey to wine, innovations at the winery and the future of Oregon wine. This interview took place August 3rd, 2016 by Rich Schmidt at Vidon Vineyard.

This interview is with Burl Mostul, the owner, and winemaker of Villa Catalana Cellars. During this interview, Burl talks about the unique garden that surrounds the winery and how he got interested in wine. He discusses his winemaking style and his hopes to stay small in the future. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Villa Catalana Cellars on July 20th, 2018.

This interview is with Hal Medici of Medici Vineyard. In this interview, Hal talks about his journey of how he obtained his land, growing grapes, and emerging in the Oregon Wine Industry. Hal discusses about how he was able to help wineries start up their businesses with his grapes, as well as his current plans in trying to create a foundation that works in connection with the St. Jude’s hospital....

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 Moe and Hanna Momtazi from Maysara Winery. Moe talks about immigrating to the United States and why he decided to join the Oregon wine industry. Hanna discusses growing up in the wine industry, why she decided to join the family business and the importance of event planning at the winery. Since Moe is on the Board of Trustees and Hanna is an alum of Linfield College, they bo...

This interview is with Steve Goff, winemaker at Colene Clemens in Newberg, Oregon. Steve talks about his start in the industry, his introduction to Oregon wine and planning the Colene Clemens Estate. He also discusses the future of the winery and the Chehalem Mountains. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Colene Clemens on July 19, 2017.

This interview is with Mark Vlossak, owner of St. Innocent Winery. In this interview, Mark speaks about how he got into wine after being introduced to it by his father, as well as how he found himself in the Oregon Wine Industry. He notes how his previous profession of being a doctor informed his newfound job as a winery owner. He then talks about his new wine making facility/tasting room/vineyard...

This interview is with James Cahill, winemaker at Soter Vineyards. In this interview, James talks about how he found his way into the wine industry, and later production: “one thing led to another,” and he was immediately engaged in the story, culture, and uniqueness of wine. He then goes on to discuss the various jobs he held, as well as the reasoning behind why he was so passionate about Burgund...

This interview is with Susan Sokol Blosser of Sokol Blosser Winery. She discusses how she got into the wine business and the different aspects of the industry and community that she was involved in. She also talks about her experience regarding her passing on the title of President of Sokol Blosser to her two children, Alex and Alison. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt in the Nicholson...