Check out all the great events Laurie has on the calendar in 2026 on her website at TheWineCoach.com/events including her Treasures of Tuscany Wine Tour this October.

Join us for a conversation with Katie Santora, head winemaker at Chehalem Winery in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Katie shares her journey from Utah to wine country, how she blends science with intuition in the cellar, and her approach to crafting balanced, food-friendly Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. Along the way, we explore Oregon’s unique terroir, the evolution of winemaking techniques, and what’s next for the industry.

In this episode:

•  Katie’s unexpected path into wine and what sparked her passion 
•  Why real-world experience often trumps textbook winemaking
•  The story behind Chehalem and its role in shaping Oregon wine
•  How Willamette Valley soils influence Chardonnay and Pinot Noir
•  Crafting expressive, single-vineyard wines and finding the right balance with oak
•  Rethinking Oregon Pinot Noir—structure, versatility, and common misconceptions

Wines Tasted:

Chehalem Estate Chardonnay

Chehalem Pinot Noir Rose 

Chehalem Estate Pinot Noir

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