The Oregon Wine History Archive Podcast

This interview is with Bobby Rowett of Mellen Meyer. In this interview, Bobby speaks about his wine journey and love for sparkling wine. 

Bobby dives into his love for wine and the inclusive culture that surrounds it. He talks about his love for science and how it has shaped his wine knowledge and journey. Bobby also shares about his many wine jobs whether related to enology, harvest, cellar work, or winemaking. 

Later in the interview, Bobby shares some of his personal hopes and passions. 

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Portland Wine Storage in Portland on July 25, 2023.

This interview is with Mike and Kristy Thayer of Pete's Mountain Vineyard and Winery. In this interview, Mike and Kristy speak about their interest in viticulture coming from an interest in a rural lifestyle, and planting grapes with the idea of farming and selling them only. Encounters with their neighbors at Campbell Lane Winery and with Laurent Montalieu convinced them to start making their own wine, and opening their doors to sell wine.

The Thayers also talk about the meaningful parts of the industry for themselves, and the relationships they've built, as well as what might come next.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Pete's Mountain Vineyard and Winery in West Linn on July 21, 2023.

This interview is with Adrian Cornejo of Nueva Aventura. In this interview, Adrian speaks about being introduced to agriculture and then viticulture at an early age, and becoming interested in wine production.

He then talks about working at Hiyu Wine Farm and drawing inspiration from their winemaking methods, starting Nueva Aventura with his brother and recently making the move to focus on the brand full time. 

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Hiyu Wine Farm in Hood River on July 20, 2023.

This interview is with Scott Stursa. In this interview, Scott speaks about his background in information technology and history, and how he came to write "Oregon Wine: A Deep-Rooted History."

Scott discusses his research and some of the most interesting things he learned, as well as grappling with what he sees as common misconceptions about Oregon wine's history. He also talks about the future of Oregon wine and some future projects for himself.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Scott's home in Corvallis on July 17, 2023.

This interview is with Alyssa Vera of 00 Wines. In this interview, Alyssa speaks about her upbringing and education, and about discovering wine because her partner was in the wine industry. She talks about her first wine adventures in wine - in Margaret River on the west side of Australia - and being taken in by the idea of wine and community.

Next, she talks about returning to Oregon and working in a variety of roles before coming to work at 00 Wines. She discusses the skills she's learned and the parts of her work that have been impactful, as well as what comes next.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Seven Springs Vineyard in Salem on July 18, 2023.

This interview is with Morgan Schick of Grape Ape Bar and Wine Shop. In this interview, Morgan speaks about his history in fine dining, spirits and wine. He discusses how he found a passion in natural wines, and how he came to Oregon.

He then talks about the concept of Grape Ape and getting the bar off the ground, as well as how the process has gone so far.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Grape Ape in Portland on July 19, 2023.

This interview is with Michael Mega of Nysa Vineyard. In this interview, Michael speaks about his journey in building Nysa Vineyard. 

Michael dives into his love for growing things and how this passion has shaped his belief in being a true steward of the land. He also talks about his education and ties to neuroscience and philosophy. 

A lover of Greek mythology, Michael talks about the myths that influenced him and Nysa Vineyard. Michael also shares some personal tales about lessons he has learned and success he has had in the wine industry. 

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Nysa Vineyard in Dundee on July 14, 2023.

This interview is with Chris Serra of LIVE. In this interview, Chris speaks about his background in environmental science, coming to Oregon and working at LIVE. He explains the purpose of the organization as well as how it has evolved, as well as the work he has done.

He also speaks about sustainability in the wine industry and how Oregon wine has grown and changed in the years since he joined the industry. And he talks about what comes next for himself as well as for LIVE.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Ponzi Vineyards in Sherwood on July 13, 2023.

This interview is with Bill & Julia Wayne of Abbey Ridge Vineyard. In this interview, Bill and Julia speak about desiring a farming lifestyle in the mid-1970s, and deciding to go to California and study at UC Davis. 

They then talk about wanting to come back to Oregon and eventually finding work in the wine industry before finding the land on which they would plant their vineyard. The evolution of the wine industry, especially in the Dundee Hills area, is also talked about at length.

Bill and Julia close the interview by talking about how they met and reflecting on some of their early adventures together.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Abbey Ridge Vineyard in Dundee on July 13, 2023.

This interview is with Jeremy Cusimano of Gradient Vineyard. In this interview, Jeremy speaks about his lifelong love of agriculture, and about his education in this area. He talks about learning viticulture and starting his business in Oregon to work with local farmers.

He also talks about his decision to make wine and the early days of Gradient, as well as what he sees for the future of the brand and of the southern Willamette Valley. 

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Davis Vineyard in Junction City on July 12, 2023.