The Oregon Wine History Archive Podcast

In this interview, we chat with Ashley Bachaumard, who reflects on her early life and career as an avid dinner party host, where she discovered her love for food and wine and the many ways that it brings people together. Later down the line, Ashley recalls all the ways that she has touched every aspect of the restaurant industry, working her way up from dishwasher to higher leadership positions, w...

This interview is with Mike Willison of Adelsheim Vineyards. In this interview, Mike speaks about his youthful passions, love of education, and ever present curiosity regarding wine.  Mike talks about growing up in the suburbs of Chicago and how his childhood was reminiscent of the film “Ferris Bueller's Day Off.” He goes on to share how he balanced his dream of becoming part of a rock-pop band wi...

This interview is with Michael Kelly Brown of Adelsheim Vineyard. In this interview, Michael reflects on the various passion projects that have since led him to the wine industry. Michael’s long family line of morticians gave him a small taste of the service industry and what it means to work with people. An exciting stint in Europe allowed him to fully immerse himself in new and exciting location...

This interview is with Lawrence Francis of Interpreting Wine. In this interview, Lawrence speaks about his entry into the wine industry and how he found himself hosting and producing his own wine podcast.  Lawrence talks about growing up in London and how his interest was spurred while he was in Spain. He dives into the different challenges his first couple of wine interviews in Spain posed and ho...

This interview is with Brenna O’Malley from Humble Spirit. In this interview, Brenna talks about her affinity for the culinary arts, and the ways that these early passions paved the way for her career in the restaurant industry. She distinguishes service from hospitality as she describes the ways that she has learned to be intuitive and anticipatory with guests, to ensure that they have an experie...

This interview is with Randy Freund of Vitae Springs. In this interview, Randy talks about his vineyard philosophy and passions for stewardship and viticulture.  Growing up in Texas, Randy wasn’t exposed to a lot of wines, but after visiting Oregon and working at a vineyard in France, he knew that he wanted to be more involved with wine. Maintaining the vineyard at Vitae Springs has allowed Randy...

This interview is with Danny McGeough of Flor Wines. In this interview, Danny discusses his journey into wine and curating wine lists for people to enjoy at various restaurants. Danny talks about growing up in Perth, Australia, before moving to Russia, then Portland in the United States. Here, he found a love for the restaurant industry, food, and wine. Danny’s career started at Higgins, before wo...

This interview is with Jessica Endsworth of Northwest Wine Co. In this interview, Jessica talks about growing up in a small town and her journey to finding Oregon and wine.  Jessica shares about growing up and the impact her mother had on her work ethic. Jessica dives into sharing about working in restaurants and how she found herself building a resume before she even graduated high school.  Later...

This interview is with Tyson Smith of Copious Cellars. In this interview, Tyson talks about his path to becoming a winemaker.   Tyson talks about growing up in Oregon and starting to make wines with his dad, who took copious notes about the process. He discusses his background as an artist and graphic designer, creating feature-length films and comics.  Then, Tyson talks about taking the leap to m...

This interview is with Chelsea Hinman Miller of Tior Wines. In this interview, Chelsea speaks about growing up in the wine industry with her dad's business, Hinman Cellars in Eugene. She talks about her early work with King Estate and then getting into national wine sales. Later, she talks about resurrecting the Tior brand name, which has been in her family since the late 1970s. She talks about th...

This interview is with Caryn Benke of Galaxy Wine Company. In this interview, Caryn talks about her array of experiences within the restaurant and wine industry and how her involvement has granted her the ability to contextualize her academic learning of history, religion, and art.  Caryn shares about the many hats that she has worn over her career and how valuable these roles have been in allowin...

This interview is with Eric Pottmeyer of Sec Wines. In this interview, Eric talks about finding wine and his shift from studying psychology to learning wine.  Eric shares about his childhood and growing up in Tigard. He goes on to talk about his path to both finding and learning wine as a young adult.  Later in the interview, Eric dives into his journey in creating Sec Wines and the different chal...

This interview is with Beatrice Barrar of RAM Cellars. In this interview, Beatrice talks about falling in love with the mystic and magic of fermentation and all things wine.  Beatrice shares about her time growing up on a farm in Northern California and the impact this experience had on her. She goes on to share about cornerstone events that influenced her journey and views regarding wine.  Later...

This interview is with Rueben Lange of Amiti. In this interview, Reuben talks about growing up and falling in love with his first passions of music and food, which are what eventually led him to wine. Reuben shares about his childhood and growing up in Minnesota with three moms. He dives into funny memories of him cooking in the kitchen and the influential moments that led him to where he is today...

This interview is with Michael Kanbergs of Taborly Wines. In this interview, Michael discusses his journey to owning his own wine shop.  Michael talks about growing up in California and his college experience, which nurtured his love for the restaurant and wine industry. He talks about his affinity for wine and the people and places that drew him to Portland.  Then, Michael talks about acquiring a...

This interview is with Alex Davis of PDX Wines. In this interview, Alex talks about his love for all things food, travel, and wine.  Alex shares about his childhood and growing up in Maine. He dives into growing up around his parents’ bar and how these memories still influence him today. He then goes on to talk about going to college and his subsequent travels.  Later in the interview, Alex talks...

This interview is with Anne McIntyre of Hess Creek Vineyard. In this interview Anne talks about her journey from being a ship pilot to growing grapes in Oregon. Anne shares about her childhood in California and how she fell in love with sailing early in her life. She dives into her time spent at a maritime academy and her different jobs associated with sailing. Later in the interview, Anne talks a...

This interview is with Clive Pursehouse of Decanter. In this interview, Clive dives into his career and journey from higher education to wine journalism.  Clive discusses his upbringing and the pursuit of a degree in philosophy, which led him to a career in higher education. He then delves into his 18-year career in higher education, highlighting some of his proudest moments. Later in the intervie...

This interview is with Rose Ballantine of Alexana Estate. In this interview, Rose talks about her path in finding wine and pursuing it as a career. Rose dives into her time growing up in Napa Valley, California, and all the happy accidents that led her to wine. She goes on to share her college experience at UC Davis and the different memories she has from her college days. Later in the interview,...

This interview is with Jordan Hostetter of Open Soul Wines. In this interview, Jordan speaks about discovering a love of hospitality at a young age and spending a career trying to curate good experiences for guests and customers. After moving to the east coast pursuing a music career, Jordan found himself working on the White House advance team, supporting events for a variety of politicians begin...

This interview is with Layne Witherell. In this interview, Layne shares his journey from growing up in Los Angeles during the 60s to retiring in Portland, Maine as a foodie. He talks about his education, jobs, hobbies, and everything in between. Layne dives into his early life in Los Angeles, California and how he eventually found himself serving in the U.S. Navy. He then talks about going to coll...

This interview is with Gisela Kreglinger. In this interview, Gisela talks about her relationship with wine and her studies regarding spirituality and wine. Gisela dives into growing up on a family winery in Germany. She shares how this time shaped her view of wine and food. She goes on to talk about her studies abroad and how she eventually found herself in North America teaching.  Later in the in...

This interview is with Simon Davies of A&B Vintners. In this interview, Simon shares about his journey in getting involved with the wine industry in London and how he eventually became involved with buying and distributing Oregon wine in the UK. Simon talks about growing up in a small town in the country and how he found his way to London. He shares about falling in love with wine while workin...

This interview is with Ken Brown. In this interview, Ken shares about his career as an extension agent of Oregon State University and how he eventually found himself helping the winemakers of Oregon. Ken talks about his early life and growing up in Oregon. He shares about joining the Navy for 5 years and then his time spent at Oregon State University. He goes on to talk about his different jobs an...

This interview is with Savannah Mills, of Brick House Vineyards. In this interview, Savannah talks about how she ended up in the Oregon wine industry after growing up in the south and having a corporate career. Savannah dives into growing up in the south and her early travels to Oregon to visit family. She shares about her decision to attend college in Colorado and how she found a corporate job af...