The Oregon Wine History Archive Podcast

This interview is with Jonathan Honefenger of Wild Child Wines. In this interview, Jonathan speaks about his enthusiasm for history and civilization, and how that led him to an exploration of wine. From there, he talks about getting started on the restaurant/sommelier side of the industry as a "curator" of wine in Texas fine dining establishments, and his excitement at being able to travel the world and drink wine.

Later, he talks about his decision to make wine and move to Oregon, and the process of starting his brand, Wild Child. He also explores Oregon's place in the wine world and what the future holds.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt in the Nicholson Library at Linfield University on February 22, 2023.

This interview is with Mauricio Collada of Cubanisimo Vineyards. In this interview, Mauricio speaks about his early life in Cuba and his family fleeing the Castro regime to immigrate to Miami. He talks about an early encounter with a life-saving doctor that instilled in Mauricio the goal of becoming a doctor to help people, and of the path he took to become a neurosurgeon and find his way to Oregon.

He also talks about his discovery of and passion for Pinot Noir, and his excitement at discovering the burgeoning Oregon wine scene in the 1980s. The birth and growth of Cubanisimo Vineyards is discussed, as his his family's role and a look at what comes next.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Cubanisimo Vineyards in Salem on February 17, 2023.

This interview with Harry and Wynne Peterson-Nedry, of Chehalem Winery.  In the interview, Harry and Wynne Peterson-Nedry focus on their involvement in the Oregon wine industry. The interview begins with Harry alone talking about his start in the industry and how Oregon has changed since he joined. About 40 minutes into the interview, Harry is joined by his daughter, Wynne, to discuss more general information about the industry. They talk about the family winery, the future of Oregon wine, and the growing interest in wine for consumers.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt and Camille Weber at Chehalem Winery on April 15, 2016.

This interview is with Chris and Beth James of Chris James Cellars. In this interview, the couple talk about how they got into the wine industry, got their property, and ended up in Oregon. They also speak about some of the challenges they’ve experienced when priming the property, the varietals they’ve chosen to plant, and the reaction they received from consumers. Chris explains how he gained his winemaking knowledge and his philosophy, while Beth describes what it’s like selling and marketing the wine. Towards the end of the interview, the couple speak about their greatest successes, the future for Chris James Cellars, the perception of the Carlton AVA, and what the Oregon Wine industry is like right now. To conclude, the couple wonder about the future of the Oregon wine industry, offer words of wisdom, and the key to a successful marriage within the industry.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Chris James Cellars on August 30, 2019.

This interview is with Fred and Mary Benoit, the founders of Chateau Benoit which is now Anne Amie Vineyards. They discuss the struggles of planting their first vineyard near Salem and the community of people in the industry at the time. Fred and Mary finish the interview talking about the growth of their winery and why they eventually decided to sell.

This interview was conducted by Stephanie Hofmann at Fred and Mary’s home in Vancouver, WA on September 7, 2017.

This interview is with David Polite of Carlton Hill Vineyard. In this interview, David discusses how he got into wine after his education from Reed to Chemeketa, as well as how he acquired his land: “I just knew it was right.” He then goes on to talk about the uniqueness of his Eastern facing land, his grape growing and winemaking philosophies, as well as his business model. Towards the end of the interview, David speaks about the Yamhill Carlton AVA, changes to the Oregon Wine Industry, and his proudest accomplishments.

This interview was conducted at Carlton Hill Vineyard by Rich Schmidt on June 18, 2019.

This interview is with John Paul, owner of Cameron Winery. In this interview, John discusses how he took a chance on both the wine industry and Oregon as he left his original interest of marine biochemistry and microbiology. He talks about the story of the vineyard, upcoming projects, and the challenges of starting a winery in the 80’s. To end, he discusses the future of wine and advice to anyone looking to enter the business.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Cameron Winery on June 20, 2018.

This interview is with Nancy Daniel, the founder of Canary Hill Vineyards located in the Eola-Amity Hills AVA. Nancy discusses planting the vineyard, early organizations and industry relationships.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Nicholson Library at Linfield College on June 23, 2017.

This interview is with Herb and Eleanor Sims of Barrel Fence Cellars. In this interview, the couple talk about how they got into the wine industry as it was not their original jobs, how they obtained their property, and their land purchase in New Zealand. They go on to speak about the similarities and differences between New Zealand and Oregon wine, and what it’s like managing separate locations. Towards the end of the interview, they discuss the Oregon wine industry and Herb discusses his passion for preserving the industry’s histor. To conclude, they touch on the future for them, and the Oregon Wine Industry.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Barrel Fence Cellars on August 14, 2019.

This interview is the owner and winemaker of Bergström Wines, Josh Bergström. During this interview, Josh discusses his start in the industry, the foundation of the estate vineyard and his winemaking philosophy. He also talks about his Syrah project and the future of the winery.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Bergström on April 23rd, 2018.