The Oregon Wine History Archive Podcast

This interview is with Robin Howell of Sokol Blosser Winery. In this interview, Robin speaks about entering the wine industry with a scientific interest, and honing her skills in Oregon, France and New Zealand before finding her way to Sokol Blosser.

Once at Sokol Blosser, she talks about progressing from enologist all the way up to winemaker, and about the challenges and successes that came with each step. She talks about her role now and where it will be going, as well as the future of the Oregon wine industry.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Sokol Blosser Winery in Dayton on July 11, 2023.

This interview is with Howard Rossbach of Citation Wines. In this interview, Howard speaks about working in all aspects of the wine business, and coming up with the idea to start Firesteed Cellars while working in wine sales and distribution.

He talks about how he started a "virtual winery" and built it up, and about how he came to acquire Erratic Oaks. He also speaks about the industry's growth along the way, and the people he worked with and learned from.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at at Erratic Oaks Vineyard in Dallas on June 29, 2023.

This interview is with Drew Herman of Alexana Winery. In this interview, Drew speaks about his wine journey and his current position of director of viticulture for the Revana portfolio.

Drew dives into his childhood and talks about moving and the making of his first wine. He leaves nothing out and shares all the twists and turns that led him to his current path. From sharing his feelings about bottling to dishing all things viticulture and sheep, Drew talks about it all. 

Later in the interview, Drew shares his hopes for the Oregon wine industry and how he thinks the industry will innovate. He also talks about his personal aspirations for both his career and family. 

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Alexana Winery in Newberg on July 7, 2023.

This interview is with Adam Campbell of Elk Cove Vineyards. In this interview, Adam speaks about his path in becoming the second generation steward of the brand, Elk Cove. 

Adam talks about his journey in growing up and then taking over Elk Cove. He dives into college, winemaking, and also raising a family. Adam also discusses his passion for being able to take care of his family and staff of workers. 

Later in the interview, Adam shares his excitement for what is to come and where he hopes to see Elk Cove and himself in the future. 

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Elk Cove Vineyards in Gaston on June 28, 2023.

This interview is with Anna Sweet of Artist Block. In this interview, Anna speaks about her career in mixing fine art with wine. 

Anna talks about her different art endeavors and how they led her to Oregon wine country. She shares her journey in creating her label and space for Artist Block. Anna also dives into her vision for Artist Block and what she hopes for in the future. 

Anna talks about everything from underwater photography to grilled cheese. She leaves us with her hopes for Artist Block, the Oregon wine industry, and her upcoming art endeavors. 

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Artist Block in Dundee on June 27, 2023.

This interview is with Raj Parr of Evening Land Vineyards. In this interview, Raj speaks about growing up in India and coming to the United States pursuing an interest in culinary school. After discovering an interest and affinity for wine, he found himself in San Francisco, working at Rubicon with well-known sommelier Larry Stone.

That began Raj's wine journey, with stops working on the wine lists of many restaurants, making wine for a number of brands, authoring a pair of books and a regenerative farming project. Raj talks about all these paths, and about what the future holds for him and for the Oregon wine industry.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Portland Wine Company in Portland on June 26, 2023.

This interview is with Aaron Coe of Coe Cellars. In this interview, Aaron speaks about finding his way into the wine industry and what his wine path has looked like since.

Aaron talks about his prior jobs and how they paved his way to wine. He even dives into some of his amazing wine travels abroad. He also talks about his label Coe Cellars, and everything that went into making it. 

Later in the interview, Aaron shares his hopes for both the Oregon wine industry and Coe Cellars. 

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt in the Nicholson Library at Linfield University on June 26, 2023.

This interview is with Max Bruening of Ponzi Vineyards. In this interview, Max speaks about his journey to Oregon and his path to his current role of Ponzi's associate winemaker. 

Max talks about growing up in Michigan and his early passions in wine. He then dives into his travels that shaped his wine journey and winemaking style. 

Max shares his love for the hard work of wine and talks about his personal aspirations in both wine and life. 

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Ponzi Vineyards in Sherwood on June 23, 2023.

This interview is with David Bellows of Compris Vineyard. In this interview, David speaks about his different careers that eventually lead him to wine. 

David touches on his travels, yeast research, and his first wine retirement with anecdotes from his different careers along the way. David also talks about his current role as the winemaker for Compris Vineyard.

David also dives into his hopes for his own future and the future of the Oregon wine industry. 

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Compris Vineyard in Newberg on June 22, 2023.

This interview is with Aquiles Girón of Soter Vineyards. In this interview, Aquiles speaks about growing up in Mexico before coming to California and working in the vineyards. He talks about learning his craft and taking on more and more responsibility.

Later, he speaks about coming to Oregon and finding work with Soter. He speaks of work in the vineyards and in the winery, specifcally Soter's sparkling wine program. He also reflects on what he's proudest of and looks ahead to the future.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Soter Vineyards in Carlton on June 21, 2023. Translation was done by Annette Castillo-Rodriguez.