This interview is with Alex Fortson of Twill Cellars. In this interview, Alex speaks about his early work in photojournalism and his growing interest in wine. A chance meeting with Chris Dickson of Twill Cellars led him down the path toward working in wine production, and he dove deeper into wine from there. Alex talks about working in wine retail, photography and web design, and about finding the inspiration to start his own wine label. He also talks about the changes he's seen in the industry, and about the transparency he hopes to showcase in his work. This interview was conducted by Rich S ..read more

This interview is with John Wrigley of J. Wrigley Vineyards. In this interview, John speaks about finding wine and his path in creating J. Wrigley Vineyards.  John shares how he got into wine through beer, even buying a winemaking book from a beer shop. He then dives into how the mysteries and challenges of wine hooked him. John talks about his time spent selling insurance during the day and teaching himself winemaking at night.  Later in the interview, John talks about coming to Oregon and falling in love with his now wife and vineyard. He shares his journey in creating J. Wrigley V ..read more

Tune in for the fourth episode of the Oregon Wine History Archive’s bonus podcast Vocal Vines. I interviewed Andrew Riechers, of Audeant Wines, and talked about everything from embodying Champagne to harvest bonding abroad. So grab a glass, sit back, and get ready to sip on the juice of the vocal vine Andrew Riechers ..read more

Tune in for the third episode of the Oregon Wine History Archive’s bonus podcast, Vocal Vines. I interviewed Travis Todd, of de la boue wines, and talked about everything from practical jokes to the true escapades of pinot camp! Travis also talked about de la boue wines’ growth and all that has transpired since we last talked to him in 2021. So grab a glass, sit back, and get ready to sip on the juice of the vocal vine Travis Todd.  ..read more

This interview is with Jessica Miller of Little Crow Vineyards. In this interview, Jessica speaks about her journey to finding wine and viticulture.  Early in the interview, Jessica shares how wine did not enter her life until college. She dives into her discovery of wine, which happened while she attended Boston University. Jesscia then talks about finding her niche in viticulture.  Later in the interview, Jessica shares about her time in California, abroad, and eventually how she found herself in Oregon. She then touches on starting her own label, Little Crow Vineyards, and what th ..read more

Tune in for the second episode of the Oregon Wine History Archive’s bonus podcast Vocal Vines. I interviewed Grant Coulter, of Hundred Suns Wine, and talked about everything under the sun. From stories being traded like baseball cards to crashing into a canopy, Grant shares it all! So, grab a glass, sit back, and get ready to sip on the juice of this vocal vine.  ..read more

This interview is with Madeleine Rowan-Davis of Atlas Vineyard Management. In this interview, Madeleine speaks about her background in science and starting to work in wine almost on a whim. Her work in hospitality and sales at Bonny Doon Vineyard allowed her to develop a passion and curiosity and led her to study at UC Davis. After getting into vineyard management and viticulture, Madeleine talks about the various positions she held before coming to Atlas, including customer expectations and understanding different vineyards. She also talks about what brought her back to Oregon and how it has ..read more

This interview is with Sam Stetser of Atlas Vineyard Management. In this interview, Sam speaks about his winding path to wine and to Oregon, starting with a childhood interest in agriculture. He describes working in fine dining and doing agriculture and viticulture in Colorado before finding his way to Oregon vineyard management. He also talks about the work he does at Atlas, and how the growth of the industry has affected his work. And he looks ahead to what comes next. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Sam's home in McMinnville on August 10, 2023 ..read more

This interview is with Chris Thomas of Celestial Hill Vineyard. In this interview, Chris speaks about discovering wine and eventually entering the industry. Chris talks about growing up in up-state New York and meeting his wife. He dives into being a CPA by trade, but shares how that career did not stick. Chris then talks about living in Europe and falling in love with all things Burgundy, Fance.  Later in the interview, Chris talks about creating Celestial Hill Vineyard and all that went into creating both the label and the vineyard. He leaves us with both his professional and personal h ..read more

This interview is with Jim Bernau of Willamette Valley Vineyards. In this interview, Jim speaks about his introduction to wine and his journey through the industry.  Jim starts the interview by diving into his childhood introduction to wine, which spurred him and his brother to steal and experiment with their mother’s frozen grape concord concentrate.  Jim also talks about his educational journey, where he went everywhere from Oxford to Willamette University. He then shares that after college he was introduced to wine professionally through legislation.  Later in the interview ..read more