The Oregon Wine History Archive Podcast

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...

This interview is with Alison Sokol Blosser, the Co-President and second-generation owner of Sokol Blosser Winery. In this interview, she discusses growing up in the Oregon wine industry and discovering her passion for wine. Alison also talks about working with her brother, Alex, as Co-Presidents and her hopes for the future of the winery. This interview was conducted by Stephanie Hofmann at Sokol...

This interview is with Alex Sokol Blosser of Sokol Blosser Winery. In this interview, Alex talks about how he was born into the wine industry as a second generation family member, and describes how he came to develop a passion for wine making. He realized that he had to do something that meant something to him, and discusses his decision to come back and work for the family business. Alex later go...

This interview is with Juan Pablo “JP” Valot, who is the winemaker at Silvan Ridge Winery. In the interview, he talked about is beginnings in wine while growing up inArgentina, his first experience with Oregon wine, his passion of teaching other people about wine and the future of Oregon wine as a whole. This interview was on July 19th, 2016 by Rachael Woody at Nicholson Library at Linfield Colleg...

This interview is with Rollin and Corby Soles, owners of ROCO Winery. In this interview, the couple discusses how they found themselves in the wine industry. Rollin talks about the various places he worked and how he traveled around the world working in the wine industry, and later settling down permanently to the Willamette Valley. The couple discusses why they chose to make sparkling wine, chard...

This interview is with Jarod Sleet, the Assistant Winemaker at ROCO Winery in Newberg, Oregon. During this interview, Jarod talks about how food led him to a career in wine, his first harvest and his passion for sparkling wine. He also discusses his involvement in the Red, White and Black Documentary. This interview was conducted by Stephanie Hofmann at ROCO Winery on July 16th, 2018.

This interview is with Paul Hart, one of the original owners of Rex Hill Winery. In the interview, Hart talks about how he got into the wine industry, moving to the Willamette Valley, creating Rex Hill out of nothing, and what he’s been doing since leaving the industry. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at the Nicholson Library at Linfield College on May 18, 2016.

This interview is with Leigh Bartholomew, the current Director of Viticulture at Results Partners. In this interview, Leigh talks about her start in the industry, working in the vineyard and her personal label. Leigh also discusses the future of the Oregon wine industry and changes in vineyard management over the years. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on April 25, 2017 at Linfield Col...

This interview is with Remy Drabkin, the owner of Remy Wines in McMinnville, Oregon. In this interview, she talks about growing up in the wine industry, learning to make wine from the pioneers and Italian varietals. At the end, Remy also discusses being a part of the minority in the wine industry, owning a business in a small town and the future of the winery. This interview was conducted by Rich...

This interview is with Scott and Annie Shull of Raptor Ridge Winery. In this interview, the couple talk about how they came into the wine industry: “it sort of chose me, or chose us.” They initially had no intention of getting into the production side of the industry, but their passion and enthusiasm led the way. Scott talks about how they ended up in Oregon, and their initial impressions of the O...

This interview is with Tad Seestedt, owner of Ransom Wine Co & Distillery in McMinnville, Oregon. During this interview, Tad discusses his passion for crafting his products and why he decided to pursue both hard liquor and wine. Tad talks about the future of his winery and Oregon wine industry. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Ransom Wine Co & Distillery on March 30, 2018.

This interview is with Rob and Maria Stuart, the owners of R.Stuart & Co. Winery. Maria talks about her initial attraction to the wine industry because of its food component, while Rob discusses how wine is a common ground for friendships and community to form. The Stuarts’ speak on their dynamic partnership and connection to Linfield College through IPNC. This interview was conducted by Rich...