The Oregon Wine History Archive Podcast

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 in the interview, Jessica talks about making her journey to Oregon and how she eventually found herself working at the Northwest Wine Company. She also shares about her many passions regarding wine, education, and storytelling. 

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on June 10, 2025 in the Nicholson Library at Linfield University.

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 making wines and the experience of releasing his first vintage. He also talks about the differences between his artistic and winemaking practices and the future of Copious Cellars. 
 
This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Ricochet Wines in McMinnville on June 12, 2025.

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 the importance of selling wine on a retail level and looks ahead to how she hopes the brand will grow.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on June 11, 2025 in the Nicholson Library at Linfield University.

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 allowing her to better understand all facets of the industry from producer, consumer, and distributor. 

Later in the interview, Caryn shares the tactics she uses to keep consumers curious and the ways that she continues to educate her audience about wine. She also shares prospective avenues of experience from working closer with individual wineries and working harvest. 

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Linfield University on June 5, 2025.

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 challenges he faced. He also shares some of his fondest memories and what he hopes for regarding both his brand and Oregon wine. 

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Eric’s home in Portland on June 9, 2025.

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 in the interview, Beatrice dives into her move to Portland and how she found herself working a harvest. She also shares some of her hopes and plans for the future. 

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Hip Chicks do WIne in Portland on June 6, 2025.

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. Reuben then speaks about going to college at Lewis and Clark and his journey to become a chef.

Later in the interview, Reuben talks about why he shifted from the kitchen to the vineyard. He then shares about different harvests and their influence on his current project Amiti. 

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Dave Wards’ Vineyard in Canby on June 4, 2025.

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 wine shop, which was eventually renamed to Taborly Wines. He discusses the Oregon spirit, what he likes to put on the shelf, and the beauty of small communities. 

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Taborly Wines in Portland on May 29, 2025.

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 about catching the wine bug and goes on to share some of his first memories and impressions of Portland. He then talks about his journey to finding his current roles at PDX Wines 

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Tulip Shop Tavern in Portland on June 3, 2025.

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 about her connection to Oregon and how she found a property through the Oregonian. She then shares about her path in learning about wine and the short period where she made some. Finally, Anne leaves us with some of her hopes for both the industry and herself. 

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Hess Creek Vineyard in Dundee on May 22, 2025.