The Oregon Wine History Archive Podcast

This interview is with Dru Allen of Compris Vineyard. In this interview, Dru speaks about his path to finding wine after his retirement from trucking. 

Dru speaks about his past career and life before wine. He then dives into his journey in buying a vineyard with his wife, Erin, and creating the Compris label. 

Dru also shares the future aspirations Erin and him share for Compris Vineyard. 

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

This interview is with Jess Arnold of Soter Vineyards. In this interview, Jess speaks about her path to finding wine and her passion for the industry.

Jess talks about growing up in California and what led her to pursue a career in wine. From time spent in New York pursuing being a sommelier to working her first Oregon harvest, Jess has been hooked on wine. 

Jess also dives into her current role at Soter and all that it entails. 

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Soter Vineyards in Carlton on June 21, 2023.

This interview is with Antonio Verduzco of Soter Vineyards. In this interview, Antonio speaks about growing up in Michoacán, Mexico and coming to Oregon as a child. After high school, he found that work in the vineyards reminded him of his grandparents' farm growing up, and he worked hard to master all the skills needed.

He also speaks about how he came to Soter, and the projects he's worked on there, as well as the growth of the property and vineyards. 

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Soter Vineyards in Carlton on June 21, 2023.

This interview is with John & Megan Adams of Wildsound. In this interview, John & Megan speak about their journey to creating Wildsound. 

John and Megan talk about how their lives entwined with each other and wine. They share all the challenges and successes that came with learning winemaking at home and transitioning into commercial winemakers. 

The couple dives into their history, passion for winemaking, and aspirations for the future of their label, Wildsound. 

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Wildsound in McMinnville on June 21, 2023.

This interview is with Dick and Mary Ferraro of Ferraro Cellar. In this interview, Dick and Mary speak about their journey in meeting each other and creating Ferraro Cellars. 

Both Dick and Mary talk about how wine has played a role in their lives. The couple shares many stories from their past careers, old crushing parties, and first dates. 

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Linfield University in McMinnville on June 19, 2023.

This interview is with Lisa Zuniga of Citation WInes. In this interview, Lisa speaks about her initial interest in wine and starting her career at Firesteed Cellars. After holding a number of roles, she dove into vineyard management at a time when Firesteed was growing its vineyards.

She talks about her biggest learning curves, parts of the work she enjoys the most and figuring out her role on the fly. She also talks about seeing more women coming into the vineyard side of the industry and about her recent adventures with winemaking in Arizona.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Erratic Oaks Vineyard in Dallas on June 20, 2023.

This interview is with Zane Morris of Ze Wines. In this interview, Zane speaks about his journey to discovering wine and creating his own brand, Ze Wines. 

Zane first talks about his education in music research and how that led him to discover wine. He then dives into Ze Wines and talks about everything from his mission to the label. 

With one vintage under his belt, Zane talks about his journey from grape to bottle. He leaves us with his aspirations for both Oregon and Ze Wines. 

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Linfield University in McMinnville on June 15, 2023.

This interview is with Todd, Lynette, Brenton, & Kate Hudak of Hudak House. In this interview, the Hudaks speak about their journey with all things wine. 

The family is doing it all from the vineyard to a concert venue. As native Californians the family speaks on their first impressions of Oregon and what their transition to wine life has looked like. The family also shares their inspiration and aspirations for Hudak House.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Hudak House in Salem on June 12, 2023.

This interview is with Andy Markuson of Earth & Sea restaurant. In this interview, Andy speaks about his work in restaurants at a young age while growing up in Orange County, Calif. Through experience and some strong mentors he discovered a passion for wine, and eventually found his way to Oregon.

He describes his impressions of the Oregon wine industry and his experiences starting his own farm and vineyard in the Chehalem Mountains. He also talks about hospitality and the importance of community in the work he does, as well as what the future might hold.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Earth & Sea in Carlton on June 14, 2023.

Tune in for the first episode of the Oregon Wine History Archive’s bonus podcast Vocal Vines. I interviewed Lois Cho, of Cho Wines, and talked about everything from labels, scrapbooks, and nursing! So grab a glass, sit back, and get ready to sip on the juice of the vocal vine Lois Cho.