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100 results across all types
- podcast· 1h 33m· Ep 891
Andy Myer: Oral History Interview
This interview is with Andy Myer of Goldback & Trivia Wine Room. In this interview, Andy talks about his path into winemaking, starting with studying philosophy in Pennsylvania before transferring to Willamette University to study environmental science. He shares how a summer job at Cristom sparked his interest, describing his first experience in a vineyard as a “lightning catalyst” that got him hooked. Andy discusses his hands-on learning journey, including harvests in New Zealand and Australia, working in Sonoma and Seattle, and spending time in Italy studying archaeology to understand early winemaking practices. He shares that these experiences shaped his perspective and led him to realize he didn’t need a formal degree to succeed in the wine industry. Later in the interview, Andy talks about starting Goldback in 2016 after moving to Oregon, his work with Wine Collective, and balancing family with his career. He reflects on challenges he faced throughout his career while also emphas
- podcast· 1h 13m· Ep 890
Rachael Martin: Oral History Interview
This interview is with Rachael Martin of Red Lily Vineyards. In this interview, Rachael talks about growing up in the Rogue Valley before leaving to pursue a career in law. After deciding that wasn't her path and returning to the Rogue Valley with a desire to own some land and grow something, her dad's suggestion to try wine grapes launched her into a new career. She talks about her time honing her craft at RoxyAnn Winery under the mentorship of Sarah Powell. Later, she discusses starting Red Lily, first getting vineyards planted and later starting to make her own wine. She talks about how the wines have evolved and how she values using the tasting room and surrounding space as a community hub. And she talks about the growth in the local wine industry and what comes next. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Red Lily Vineyards in Jacksonville on March 17, 2026. Thank you to the Oregon Wine Board for generously supporting this interview as part of our Southern Oregon 2026 tou
- podcast· 1h 23m· Ep 889
Nichole Schulte: Oral History Interview
This interview is with Nichole Schulte of Quady North/Barrel 42. In this interview, Nichole talks about her background studying law and working in insurance, and her current journey working in wine. Nichole talks about growing up in Florida and starting to work in insurance. After managing a call center, she became an adjuster, following storms across the country to help those affected settle insurance claims in the aftermath. At the suggestion of a colleague, she went to law school and spent a semester studying wine law abroad in Lyon, France. Nichole discusses moving to Grants Pass with her husband and starting to visit local wineries to get to know the community. In 2012, she worked a harvest internship at Troon, where she met Herb Quady. Shortly after that first internship, she and Herb joined Brian Gruber to start Barrel 42 as a custom crush facility. Together, they took the business from an old pear packing plant to the onsite winery they have today. Later in the interview, Nicho
- podcast· 2h 17m· Ep 888
Herb Quady: Oral History Interview
This interview is with Herb Quady of Quady North and Barrel 42. In this interview, Herb talks about his family starting a wine brand in California the same year he was born, and thus growing up in the industry. Despite initially not wanting to work in wine, he soon found himself working for Randall Grahm at Bonny Doon and launching his wine career. Later, Herb talks about coming to Southern Oregon and working at Troon, and the growth of the Rogue Valley wine industry while he was a part of it. He then talks about the decision to start Quady North with his parents, his wife, and her parents all playing a major role. He discusses the growth of Quady North, the custom crush operation Barrel 42, and his vineyard installation/management business as well. And he talks about the role he and his businesses have played in the growth of the local wine industry. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Quady North in Jacksonville on March 17, 2026. Thank you to the Oregon Wine Board for ge
- podcast· 1h 29m· Ep 887
Sara Garr: Oral History Interview
This interview is with Sara Garr of Circadian Cellars. In this interview, Sara talks about growing up as a creative individual and finally finding her preferred medium in wine. Sara talks about first entering the wine industry from a sales point of view, working at the Harry & David bottle shop in Medford. Though initially she didn’t know much about fine wine, she worked with the wine buyer and her coworkers to learn more. Her career trajectory changed in 2015 when she started her first harvest with Quady North / Barrel 42. Sara discusses her “happy accident” barrel of Cabernet that would become her first wine under the Circadian Cellars label. While continuing to work at Barrel 42, she slowly started to expand her own label as well, including lesser known varietals as well as more standard Southern Oregon varietals but with less common winemaking processes. After she felt she had a handle on the wine itself, she also started creating her own labels. Later in the interview, Sara talks
- podcast· 46:25· Ep 886
Dustin Andries: Oral History Interview
This interview is with Dustin Andries of Naumes Crush and Fermentation. In this interview, Dustin talks about growing up around the Rogue Valley wine industry with an interest in science, then attending Oregon State University with the desire of being a winemaker. Next, Dustin talks about a variety of internships he did, including being part of a team at Gallo that was crushing 350,000 tons of grapes in a single harvest. He then discusses coming to Naumes Crush and Fermentation as it was just getting started and the roles he has held while the business has grown. He also discusses a brief sojourn back to the Willamette Valley to work for Jackson Family Wines before returning to Naumes, as well as talking about his work as a custom crush winemaker for a large number of clients. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Naumes Crush and Fermentaion in Medford on March 16, 2026. Thank you to the Oregon Wine Board for generously supporting this interview as part of our Southern Orego
- podcast· 1h 07m· Ep 885
Doug & Dionne Irvine: Oral History Interview
This interview is with Doug & Dionne Irvine of Irvine & Roberts Vineyards. In this interview, Doug and Dionne talk about moving to Ashland to raise their family, discovering a love for wine in Europe, and beginning their brand. Dionne shares about growing up in Los Angeles county until high school, when her family moved to Brookings. Though she now realizes that she developed a fondness for Oregon at that time, she went back to California after graduation and started her real estate career. She met Doug when he came to her to purchase a house. Doug talks about growing up on a ranch near Jacksonville and moving to Huntington Beach for high school. He went to college at UC Irvine and stayed in the area after graduation. He also played baseball growing up, and for a short stint in Australia. Later in the interview, Doug and Dionne discuss moving back to Oregon to raise their daughters. Unbeknownst to them, they had purchased a site that was perfect for growing Burgundian varietals like Pi
- podcast· 1h 37m· Ep 884
Brian Gruber: Oral History Interview
This interview is with Brian Gruber of Irvine & Roberts Vineyards. In this interview, Brian talks about growing up in Minnesota and then attending the Air Force Academy. He talks about his career in the military, including some of the specific projects he worked on. He then talks about his growing interest in wine, first as a consumer and then his desire to grow his own grapes and make his own wine. He talks about the decision to move to Oregon and the various places he has worked in the industry, including helping to found Barrel 42 and now making wine at Irvine & Roberts. He speaks about the growth of the industry, his own vineyard in the Rogue Valley, and what comes next. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Irvine & Roberts Vineyards in Grants Pass on March 16, 2026. Thank you to the Oregon Wine Board for generously supporting this interview as part of our Southern Oregon 2026 tour!
- podcast· 1h 15m· Ep 883
Bryan Wilson: Oral History Interview
This interview is with Bryan Wilson of Cuckoo's Nest Cellars. In this interview, Bryan talks about his winding path in wine, culminating in starting his own brand in Southern Oregon. Bryan talks about growing up interested in wine, and finding his way into the industry after attending the University of Oregon. He later talks about his coming-of-age work at Benzinger Family Winery in Glen Ellen, Calif., getting to be part of every process as the Benzinger brand was growing and taking off. Later, he talks about coming to Oregon and various winemaking roles he held in the Rogue Valley before starting Cuckoo's Nest with his wife. He talks about learning how to make wine and the evolution he's seen in the industry. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Plaisance Ranch in Williams on March 15, 2026. Thank you to Joe and Suzi Ginet for hosting us and providing an audience for the interview! Thank you to the Oregon Wine Board for generously supporting this interview as part of our So
- podcast· 1h 05m· Ep 882
Cal and Judy Schmidt: Oral History Interview
This interview is with Cal and Judy Schmidt of Schmidt Family Vineyards. In this interview Cal and Judy talk about their journey into winemaking, their background, and how they built their vineyard and business together in Grants Pass. Cal describes his early life, including his time in the military and aerospace before earning a degree in business. He explains how his path eventually led him to working with land, building on property in Healdsburg with 35 acres, and later moving the business to Southern Oregon. Judy shares her background as well, explaining how she studied psychology and spent time in San Diego and Santa Rosa. Together, they talk about their move to Grants Pass and how they developed their vineyard over time. They planted their first acres of grapes in the early 2000s and produced their first vintage in 2004, followed by their first bottled wine in 2006. As a family—run operation, they emphasize the role their children and grandchildren played in helping build and mai
- podcast· 2h 01m· Ep 881
Josh Kimball: Oral History Interview
This interview is with Josh Kimball of Kimball’s Artisan Wines. In this interview, Josh talks about growing up in Coos Bay and attending Southern Oregon University in Ashland, where he studied political science. He tells about his first real exposure to wine his senior year, which sparked his interest in the industry. Josh describes getting his start in wine at Weisinger Family Winery starting in the cellar, and later moving to King Estate where he took on responsibilities in the tasting room, wine club, and compliance. During this time, he also became interested in organic and biodynamic wines, which would later influence his business. He talks about transitioning into the sales side of the industry, helping with wholesale in Salem and eventually woking distribution, including time in San Francisco and Los Angeles. Later in the interview, Josh talks about the personal challenges he faced during this time, including family hardships that led him away from his dream job, taking a break
- podcast· 1h 34m· Ep 880
Rob Folin and Carole Stevens: Oral History Interview
This interview is with Rob Folin and Carole Stevens of Ryan Rose Wine. In this interview, Rob and Carole talk about their respective paths into wine and how that has culminated in their Ryan Rose brand. Carole talks about growing up in the Willamette Valley and finding a passion for working in value-added agriculture. She talks about her work at Willakenzie and Domaine Serene and traveling all over to sell Oregon wine. Rob talks about coming out of the military and being interested in working with his hands and creating something. He speaks about his time at Domaine Serene and asking all the questions in order to make himself a better winemaker. Later, the pair talk about their work with Folin Wines and now Ryan Rose, and about the types of wines they make as well as their work to sell those wines. They also talk about the Rogue Valley and how the wine industry has grown up. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at the Ryan Rose Wine tasting room in Central Point on March 14, 20
- podcast· 1h 19m· Ep 879
John Pratt: Oral History Interview
This interview is with John Pratt of Celestina Vineyard. In this interview, John talks about transitioning from working as a teacher in northern California to becoming a grape farmer in southern Oregon. John talks about beginning to enjoy wine in his 20s, noticing that wine could make an ordinary social situation into a more enjoyable and memorable one. Growing up on a farm between Stockton and Lodi, his neighbor grew his own grapes and made his own wine, which inspired John to think about the farming that goes into wine. John discusses working as a teacher for 40 years and beginning to look for a wine region to retire in. Both he and his wife Sherry had visited southern Oregon, and after viewing property there they purchased what is now known as Celestina Vineyard in 2004. They began building a home on the site in 2006, planted vines in 2007, and had their first harvest in 2009. Later in the interview, John talks about his short stint in winemaking before deciding that he preferred to
- podcast· 1h 43m· Ep 878
Brian McCormick: Oral History Interview
This interview is with Brian McCormick of Idiot's Grace Wines. In this interview, Brian talks about growing up in a family centered around food, with parents who owned a restaurant, and how that early exposure sparked his interest in cooking and flavor. Brian talks about attending Dartmouth College, where he studied religion, and how after graduating he had no clear idea what he wanted to do. He explains how his interest in food eventually led him to wine, as he became curious about what to pair with it, which used him to pursue wine more seriously. He also discussed his early experiences in the wine industry, including working in tasting rooms, doing wine auctions, and getting hands-on exposure that helped him better understand the culture and business of wine. Later in the interview, Brian reflects on building Idiot’s Grace, his philosophy around farming and working with the land, and how he defines success in winemaking—not just through outcomes, but through the process and continua
- podcast· 1h 30m· Ep 877
Steven Thompson and Kris Fade: Oral History Interview
This interview is with Steven Thompson and Kris Fade of Analemma Wines. In this interview, Steven and Kris talk about their unique paths into the wine industry, from Kris’s background in the Pacific Northwest studying wildlife, geology, and GIS mapping, to Steven’s experiences with international biking tours and harvest work in Italy that sparked his passion for wine. Kris talks about her early interest in environmental law, her work in GIS mapping and vineyard analysis, and how her understanding of climate and landscape shaped her approach to winemaking. Steven discusses his upbringing in North Carolina, studying cultural geography at Montana State, and hoe travel and hands-on harvest experiences led him to pursue starting a winery. Later in the interview, Kris talks about their move to New Zealand for harvest work, their eventual return to the U.S., and how they built Analemma from a small farm into a biodynamic vineyard with 13 grape varieties, focused on community, regenerative agr
- podcast· 58:20· Ep 876
Dean Underwood: Oral History Interview
This interview is with Dean Underwood of Barakel Vineyards. In this interview, Dean talks about spending his life as a farmer and his decision to grow wine grapes. He speaks about growing up in Albany and working on his family's farm, focusing on row crops at first. Later he discusses his burgeoning interest in wine and wine grapes, working with his neighbors at Olsen Family Vineyards and going through the wine program at Chemeketa Community College. He then talks about his own Barakel Vineyard, and about deciding what to plant, how to farm, and where to sell the grapes. He also discusses the growth he's seen in the Oregon wine industry and his plans for the future. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Linfield University’s Nicholson Library on March 5, 2026.
- podcast· 1h 32m· Ep 875
Jon Tomaselli: Oral History Interview
This interview is with Jon Tomaselli of Torii Mor Winery. In this interview, Jon talks about his family’s legacy of winemaking and how he has carried that on in the Willamette Valley. Jon talks about growing up in an Italian family with a long history of winemaking. Living in Ohio, his dad and grandpa would purchase grapes from California to make wine at home. Jon first carried on that tradition while living in Arizona. Jon discusses moving to Oregon in 2006 when a job opportunity came up for his wife. After visiting earlier that year to purchase a house and go wine tasting, Jon was once again enraptured by the idea of making wine. The second tasting that trip was at Torii Mor Winery, where Jon introduced himself and asked for a job. Later in the interview, Jon talks about learning commercial winemaking under Jacques Tardy, Torii Mor’s head winemaker. After a very intense first harvest in 2007, Jon quickly made his way up to assistant winemaker. He is very proud of the cohort of people
- podcast· 1h 27m· Ep 874
Thibaud Mandet: Oral History Interview
This interview is with Thibaud Mandet of Clos Griotte. In this interview, Thibaud speaks about growing up in France and pursuing an interest in science, before discovering that putting his scientific knowledge toward wine was even more interesting. He then talks about his education and internships, followed by his arrival in the United States. He discusses meeting with the owners and team at WillaKenzie Estate in Yamhill for the first time, starting work there as an enologist, and eventually being the head winemaker. He then talks about leaving to start his own brand, Clos Griotte, and how that has gone so far. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Clos Griotte in Amity on March 4, 2026.
- podcast· 1h 59m· Ep 873
Bruce Lundquist: Oral History Interview
This interview is with Bruce Lundqist of Rack & Riddle. In this interview, Bruce speaks about his time at Linfield University, including his performance on the track team that led him into the school's sports Hall of Fame. He then talks about his work in the finance world in the dairy industry before starting his wine journey in California. Later, he talks about how Rack & Riddle came to be and its growth and accomplishments during his 20 years as co-leader. He speaks to the current state of the wine industry and what the years ahead might hold. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Linfield University’s Nicholson Library in McMinnville on March 3, 2026.
- podcast· 1h 30m· Ep 872
Tyler Bradley: Oral History Interview
This interview is with Tyler Bradley of Galaxy Wine Company. In this interview, Tyler talks about his time at Linfield University and how a part-time tasting room job turned into a full-fledged wine career. He discusses his first big wine job in Idaho, and taking on a role he wasn't ready for. As he was growing in the job, he also had to deal with the COVID pandemic and he talks about how that changed his work. After that, Tyler discusses coming back to Oregon and working at Les Caves and in distribution before landing his current job with Galaxy. He talks about all the lessons and skills he has learned, about the work he's currently doing, and about what comes next. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Linfield University’s Nicholson Library in McMinnville on March 2, 2026.
- podcast· 1h 00m· Ep 871
Olive Hamilton Russell: Oral History Interview
This interview is with Olive Hamilton Russell. In this interview, Olive talks about growing up in South Africa and her family's background in farming. She discusses moving to London and become enamored with wine, which led to her working in the South African wine industry and selling wine in the United States. Her introduction to Oregon was at the International Pinot Noir Celebration in 2015, and from there she sought to make her own wine label in Oregon. She discussed the steps to making that happen, how she learned about winemaking, and what it has been like to have her own wines to sell. She also talks about the future for herself and for the Oregon wine industry. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Linfield University’s Nicholson Library in McMinnville on February 24, 2026.
- podcast· 1h 05m· Ep 870
Dallas Way: Oral History Interview
This interview is with Dallas Way. In this interview, Dallas speaks about his journey into the wine industry, explaining how he grew up in Tennessee, studied business, and initially traveled to South Korea to teach English before discovering an interest in wine. Next, he discusses how his path wasn’t straightforward, describing how a road trip to California and a job at a tasting room introduced him more seriously to wine and led to opportunities like working harvest seasons. Dallas explains how his experiences traveling and working harvests in places like New Zealand and Australia helped him build skills and connections, eventually leading I’m to settle in Oregon and join the team at Abbey Road Farm. Finally, Dallas talks about his future goals, including becoming more inlaid with vineyard work and containing to grow in the industry, with the long-term aim of becoming a head winemaker. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt in the Nicholson Library at Abbey Road Farm in Carlton,
- podcast· 1h 46m· Ep 869
Trevor Hertrich: Oral History Interview
This interview is with Trevor Hertrich. In this interview, Trevor speaks about his path into the world of wine, explaining how he grew up in Chicago without much exposure to it and originally studied sociology at the University of Illinois before discovering wine while working in a restaurant. Next, he discusses how his curiosity led him deeper into wine, becoming known as the “wine guy” and containing his studies in Arizona, where his interest in wine began to feel more like a potential career than just a side interest. Trevor explains how his experiences in restaurants, retail, and distribution helped him build knowledge and connections, eventually leading him into wine education and involvement in the WSET program at Linfield University. Finally, Trevor talks about his passion for wine as something complex an ever-evolving, as well as his goal to continue advancing in the field and give back through education while pursuing higher certifications like the Master of Wine. This intervi
- podcast· 1h 32m· Ep 868
Darcy Pendergrass: Oral History Interview
This interview is with Darcy Pendergrass of Amity Vineyards. In this interview, Darcy talks about her journey from tasting room associate to winemaker at Amity, and what she has been up to since then. Darcy shares about growing up in Oregon and staying close by in Montana for college. After earning her degree in microbiology to work in healthcare, then later deciding that wasn’t for her, she moved back home and started Chemeketa’s new viticulture program. Darcy talks about meeting Patrick McElligott there, who hired her at the Amity Vineyards tasting room and thus changed the trajectory of her career. When she met Myron Redford, he realized her potential and encouraged her to start working in the cellar. Later in the interview, Darcy discusses her promotions from cellar master to assistant winemaker and eventually to winemaker, all at Amity Vineyards. She also started her own label, Tartan, and experimented with bigger bolder reds. Additionally, she spent 10 vintages overseas to contin