The Oregon Wine History Archive Podcast

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.

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...