The Chronicle
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100 results across all types
- podcast· 1h 13m· Ep 820
Rob Alstrin: Oral History Interview
This interview is with Rob Alstrin of Adelsheim Vineyard. In this interview, Rob talks about his initial career in tech, when wine sparked his interest, and how he made his passion his job. Rob shares about working for a semiconductor company both in the states and later in Australia. He first moved to Sydney in 1990 and would take weekend trips to the Hunter Valley wine region. After studying wine marketing at the University of Adelaide, he returned stateside to find a job in wine. While working with a distributor to adapt their computer programs to automate warehouse functions, Rob met many people from Oregon who were excited about wine. He traveled to Oregon in 1999 for IPNC and quickly fell in love with the wine region. Later in the interview, Rob talks about moving to Oregon and starting his first job at Domaine Serene in 2001. He left in 2005 to start his own business, a wine brokerage called Northwest Core Collective, and held a few other positions in the industry before startin
- podcast· 1h 05m· Ep 819
Lydia DeRoss: Oral History Interview
This interview is with Lydia DeRoss of Beyond the Vine. In this interview, Lydia talks about how her passion for wine was sparked and how that passion drove her to leave the world of accounting to join the wine industry. Lydia shares about growing up in Tumalo, Oregon, and starting a career in accounting. After an initial interest in wine, she took a WSET class with Linfield in 2020 in order to learn more. This expanded her palette and encouraged her to try many new wines. Later in the interview, Lydia talks about her excitement to both learn about wine and help educate others on what she was learning. After quitting her accounting job, she started working in a wine shop in Redmond before opening her own storefront. Lydia opened Beyond the Vine in November 2023, where she focused on making wine fun and approachable. She has a limited inventory so that she can change her menu regularly and continually introduce even regulars to plenty of new and interesting wines. This interview was con
- podcast· 1h 36m· Ep 818
Luisa Ponzi: Oral History Interview
This interview is with Luisa Ponzi of Ponzi Vineyards. In this interview, Luisa talks about growing up in the wine industry and finding her own place in it. Luisa shares about what it was like to grow up in the early Oregon wine industry, making friends with other kids in wine families and others not really understanding what her family did. Though she originally went to school for biology to enter the medical field, she graduated with a degree in English Literature. In 1991, Luisa returned to her family’s winery to help with harvest, and this put her directly back onto the wine industry path. After studying wine in France - and discovering a lot of sexism towards women working in wine - she returned to her family’s estate to take over winemaking duties from her father. Later in the interview, Luisa talks about selling the Ponzi brand and starting her own label. She and her husband, Eric Hamacher, started a project called Winery Lane Collective, which is a shared winemaking and tasting
- podcast· 49:47· Ep 817
Jacques Lardière: Oral History Interview
This interview is with Jacques Lardière of Résonance Wines. In this interview, Jacques speaks about his early introduction to wine and his passion for the science behind winemaking. He then talks about the Oregon part of his career, after 40 years working for the Jadot family in Burgundy. He speaks on how Jadot found and acquired Résonance and how the project has gone so far. And he talks about the potential of the wines from the site and from Oregon. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on July 31, 2025 at Résonance in Carlton.
- podcast· 56:52· Ep 816
Bailey Mayer: Oral History Interview
This interview is with Bailey Mayer of Proteus Wines. In this interview, Bailey talks about how he ended up owning a vineyard in Oregon and what he has learned in the process. Bailey shares about growing up in Colorado and attending the University of Colorado in Boulder to get a degree in finance and accounting. Shortly after, he moved to Philadelphia and worked in bank regulatory compliance for 20 years. It was in Philadelphia that he met his husband, Jerry, after joining a swim league. Bailey was introduced to wine by a sommelier friend, and he and Jerry focused many of their vacations around which wine regions they wanted to visit and learn about. Though they both worked office jobs in Philadelphia, they dreamed of moving to Oregon and joining the wine industry. Later in the interview, Bailey talks about finally moving to Oregon after his husband passed away. While he wasn’t looking for a vineyard property, his real estate agent showed him the Proteus Wines property, and he fell in
- podcast· 1h 14m· Ep 815
Michael Krikorian: Oral History Interview
This interview is with Michael Krikorian of Bottle Bodega. In this interview, Michael talks about his experience working in various restaurants and how his passion for wine has grown. Michael shares about growing up in Montana on his family’s 6,000 acre farm. In 1998 he moved to the west coast, where he spent 11 years working at a San Francisco restaurant called The Cove. When the owners opened another restaurant, this one a fine-dining establishment, he found himself learning to take wine more seriously. After learning about restaurants from the service and management side, Michael opened his own restaurant in Portland called Il Terrazzo. He speaks to developing a wine list that balances what customers want with which wines he was interested in at the time, as well as making adjustments during the pandemic. Later in the interview, Michael talks about the importance of community, especially in the wine industry. He shares stories of connecting with people who share similar backgrounds
- podcast· 1h 31m· Ep 814
Mike Bacus: Oral History Interview
This interview is with Mike Bacus of Bacus Vineyards. In this interview, Mike talks about his early career in computer programming and databases and how he made the transition into the wine industry. Mike shares about growing up in Chicago while his dad worked as a biomedical engineer. This led to an interest in biotech engineering, which was his focus in college. After helping to develop a program to detect cancer cells, he started his own custom programming and database company before joining the team at Amazon in the early 2000s. Later in the interview, Mike talks about starting a wine company with his daughter after purchasing a vineyard in the Ribbon Ridge AVA. Before starting an official winery, he had been making experimental wine in his garage. He was fascinated by the process of grape growing and wine making and all the factors that can influence the final product. In both the tech and wine worlds, Mike speaks to the importance of building relationships in business. While he l
- podcast· 1h 06m· Ep 813
Lauren Clark: Oral History Interview
This interview is with Lauren Clark of Bergström Wines. In this interview, Lauren talks about how she got into wine and why she wants to continue learning. Lauren shares about growing up in central California in an agricultural region, and how it was always part of her life. She moved to Oregon to attend Oregon State University, get out of California, and get away from agricultural work. Instead, she started in the food science program. While she was initially interested in beer, she later became fascinated by wine and its intricacies, working with Dr. Elizabeth Tomasino in the science labs. In the fall of 2018, Lauren completed her first commercial harvest with Willamette Valley Vineyards, and she was hooked. Later in the interview, Lauren talks about her transition to Bergström Wines after being hired as their enologist. Here, she took the jump into learning more about cellar work. She also talks about the unique aspect of community and collaboration in the Oregon wine industry, and
- podcast· 1h 35m· Ep 812
Terry Culton: Oral History Interview
This interview is with Terry Culton of Willamette Valley Vineyards. In this interview, Terry speaks about his early days in wine and his first tenure at Willamette Valley Vineyards. He also talks about his lengthy career on the central coast of California, and how he ended up back at Willamette Valley Vineyards. Terry speaks about the many places he's worked and wines he has produced, and the multitude of wines and vineyards he gets to interact with now. He talks about the challenges of making good wine at scale and about how the Oregon wine industry has evolved. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Willamette Valley Vineyards in Turner on July 30, 2025.
- podcast· 1h 16m· Ep 811
Jean-Michel Jussiaume: Oral History Interview
This interview is with Jean-Michel Jussiaume of Maison Jussiaume. In this interview, Jean-Michel talks about his upbringing in France and how he eventually found himself making wine in Oregon. Jean-Michel shares about growing up in the Loire Valley in France and how wine has always been a constant in his life. He then goes on to share how he did not intend to become a winemaker, until he fell in love with the process and product. Later in the interview, Jean-Michel talks about his wine education and travels. He then goes on to share some of his views and practices when it comes to making sparkling wine. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at The Dundee Hotel in Dundee on July 25, 2025.
- podcast· 1h 38m· Ep 810
Jenna White: Oral History Interview
This interview is with Jenna White of The Dundee Hotel. In this interview, Jenna talks about her love for hospitality and how she blends this passion with wine. Jenna shares about her childhood and the many impactful people and milestones that led her to where she is today. She dives into her journey with hospitality and how that has always been a throughline in her career. Later in the interview, Jenna talks about how she found herself getting involved with wine. She then goes on to share about her return to Oregon. Jenna also talks about her new business endeavors and what she is excited for in the future. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at The Dundee Hotel in Dundee on July 25, 2025.
- podcast· 1h 41m· Ep 809
Randall Coats: Oral History Interview
This interview is with Randall Coats of Wine4dappl. In this interview, Randall talks about his path through the wine industry and how he found his way to Oregon. Randall talks about growing up in Detroit and how he found his first opportunity with wine with the help of his grandmother. He goes on to discuss his wine related travels to Norway and eventually California. Later in the interview, Randall reflects on his entry into the industry and what he wants to build for those who wish to follow a similar path. He also talks about his future plans and hopes regarding his own wine label. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Laurelhurst Park in Portland on July 24 and August 5, 2025.
- podcast· 1h 32m· Ep 808
William Moriarty: Oral History Interview
This interview is with William Moriarty of Lingua Franca. In this interview, William discusses his upbringing on the East Coast and his journey to the West. William shares about growing up in Boston and his travels during college. He delves into discovering a passion for wine through its connection to hospitality and the French language. He then goes on to talk about his time spent in France and the many impacts and memories he took away from his time there. Later in the interview, William shares about his move to Oregon. He goes on to share about his hopes for the valley and himself. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Lingua Franca in Hopewell on July 23, 2025.
- podcast· 1h 47m· Ep 807
Vincent Rolleri: Oral History Interview
This interview is with Vincent Rolleri of Durant Vineyards. In this interview, Vincent talks about growing up in Oregon and how wine started as an early idea in his life. Vincent shares about his childhood and the different influences his family and heritage had on both his passions and career choices. He dives into his entry into the Oregon wine industry and the many mentors and memories he has regarding his harvests. Later in the interview, Vincent talks about how he came to find himself at Durant. He then shares about his current role and what he aspires to do in the future. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Durant Vineyards in Dayton on July 22, 2025.
- podcast· 1h 19m· Ep 806
Krista Lauer: Oral History Interview
This interview is with Krista Lauer of Bryn Mawr Vineyards. In this interview, Krista shares her journey from pursuing a career in the art industry to her current role at her family’s winery. Krista discusses her upbringing and how her parents' passion for wine influenced her. She goes on to share about attaining her undergrad from Willamette University and then her decision to move to Colorado for a graduate program. Later in the interview, Krista shares about her journey back to Oregon and finding a place at Bryn Mawr. Krista then dives into the many projects she is working on and is excited to roll out. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Bryn Mawr Vineyards in Salem on July 21, 2025.
- podcast· 1h 30m· Ep 805
David Lauer: Oral History Interview
This interview is with David Lauer of Bryn Mawr Vineyards. In this interview, David talks about his relationship with wine and the different dynamics of his family’s business. David shares about growing up in San Diego and his first impressions of Oregon wine when his parents bought Bryn Mawr Vineyards. He goes on to talk about working his first harvest at Bryn Mawr and how he truly found a passion for the vines and cellar work. Later in the interview, David talks about being part of his family’s business. He then dives into what his current role is and what his hopes for both Oregon and himself are for the future. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Bryn Mawr Vineyards in Salem on July 21, 2025.
- podcast· 2h 02m· Ep 804
Junichi Fujita: Oral History Interview
This interview is with Junichi Fujita of Junichi Fujita Wines. In this interview, Junichi talks about his passion for wine and the wine journey he is embarking on. Junichi shares about growing up and his first career that was not in wine. He then goes on to talk about attending UC Davis and how the people he met and education he received shaped his wine journey. Later in the interview, Junichi talks about the different harvests he worked and how he was inspired by the concept of using his own hands to tend to a vineyard. Junichi then shares about his process in finding and planting his own vineyard. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Junichi’s home in McMinnville on July 15, 2025.
- podcast· 1h 09m· Ep 803
Lucia Lemma Walker: Oral History Interview
This interview is with Lucia Lemma Walker of Résonance. In this interview, Lucia talks about being raised around the Oregon wine Industry and her own path through the industry. Lucia shares about growing up around her father’s company, Lemma Wine Company. She then dives into the many lessons she learned from her parents and siblings. She goes on to talk about her own journey through the Oregon wine industry. Later in the interview, Lucia shares about her different roles in the Oregon wine industry and how she came to find her current position. Lucia also leaves us with some of her hopes for both the industry and her own future. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Lucia’s home in Gaston on July 17, 2025.
- podcast· 1h 43m· Ep 802
Joe Dobbes: Oral History Interview
This interview is with Joe Dobbes of Iterum Wines. In this interview, Joe talks about his early career in the Oregon wine industry and how he now spends his days. Joe dives into his journey with wine and how his passion was solidified with a harvest spent in Germany. He goes on to talk about his early wine career in Oregon and how his entrepreneurial spirit led him to create different businesses and brands. Later in the interview, Joe reflects on the forty years he has spent in the Oregon wine industry. He talks about things he learned and his hopes for the future. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Orchard House Estate in Salem on July 14, 2025.
- podcast· 1h 14m· Ep 801
Jared Coon: Oral History Interview
This interview is with Jared Coon of Résonance Vineyard. In this interview, Jared speaks about transitioning from chemical engineering to wine studies at Washington State University after watching A Good Year with Russell Crowe. After his initial interest in the science and chemistry behind winemaking, a New Zealand Syrah in 2010 opened his eyes to a passion in wine itself. During school, Jared spent a semester abroad at Lincoln University, where he saw a more complete “grape to bottle” experience of winemaking. His first wine job after college was at 12th & Maple in Dundee, after which he returned to Australia for a harvest in the southern hemisphere. After an additional harvest in California, he set his sights on New Zealand. Here, he worked at two different wineries, extending his working visa to stay for several years, and meeting his future wife in the process. Once again, he added more hands-on experience to his rapidly increasing wine knowledge. In 2019, Jared and his wife moved
- podcast· 1h 27m· Ep 800
Sandy Thompson: Oral History Interview
This interview is with Sandy Thompson of Mt. Tabor Fine Wines. In this interview, Sandy speaks about his career in the music industry and the many roles he held working with radio stations and record companies. He speaks about his growing passion for wine, and building a personal collection. Later, he speaks about opening Mt. Tabor Fine Wines in Portland as his second career, and about building a wine inventory and customer base. He speaks about Oregon wine and its growth and talks about some of his favorite memories from working in the industry. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on July 10, 2025 at the Nicholson Library at Linfield University in McMinnville.
- podcast· 1h 51m· Ep 799
Peter Ebbers: Oral History Interview
This interview is with Peter Ebbers of Stirling Wine Grapes. In this interview, Peter speaks his experience in the wine industry, specifically in the vineyard and the cellar, from places like Oregon to Virginia and even New Zealand. Peter was first introduced to wine while studying abroad in Scotland, where colleagues invited him to a wine and cheese club. It was there that the curiosity and passion for wine started. After working as a house painter and a high school English teacher, he took the leap and moved from his home in Vermont to California to work harvest. After a couple more harvest experiences, Peter studied at Lincoln University in New Zealand to better understand the farming behind vineyard work. Here, he learned how to make the most of the land, workforce, technology, capital, and “know-how.” Working in a vineyard shortly after helped to fill in that knowledge with practical experience. With exposure to harvest in both the northern and southern hemispheres, Peter found hi
- podcast· 1h 38m· Ep 798
Alex Altshuler: Oral History Interview
This interview is with Alex Altshuler of Demeus Wines. In this interview, Alex speaks about finding his path to wine in New Zealand, and then continuing his education and apprenticeship there and in Oregon. He speaks of his love for working nights and his offbeat approach to winemaking, particularly with his own brand Demeus. Later, Alex speaks about the injury that took him out of the industry, what he's been working on since, and his thoughts on getting back into wine. He also dives into his music career and what might be next for that as well. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on July 9, 2025 at Alex's home in Rhodedendron.
- podcast· 53:53· Ep 797
Andrew Head, Afton Towry, and Chris Graves: Oral History Interview
This interview is with Andrew Head, Afton Towry, and Chris Graves of Apona Vienyards. In this interview, Andrew, Afton, and Chris speak about their wine paths and how they came to start Apona Vineyards. Chris talks about his extensive winemaking experience and eventually coming to southern Oregon as a winemaker and instructor. Afton and Andrew talk about how they met and began their wine endeavor, and Afton tells of taking classes with Chris and eventually inviting him to join the team as the winemaker. The trio also talk about the vineyard and the wines made so far, about the nearly completed winery/tasting room, and about what the future holds. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on July 2, 2025 at Apona Vineyards in Veneta.