The Oregon Wine History Archive Podcast

This interview is with Clare Carver and Brian Marcy of Big Table Farm. In this interview, the couple discuss how they got into the Oregon Wine Industry after moving from California to Oregon. Brian discusses his love for wine after transitioning from being a beer maker, as well as its natural pairing to food as a big part of his lifestyle— that is what has kept him so passionate. Clare speaks about the marketing side of wine and how she found her place in the industry, as well as how they approached their business and the challenges/lessons that came with starting their own business. The couple also discuss their work with biochar, their views on the land, as well as how they got their wine label. Towards the end of the interview, the couple speak about their marketing techniques, growth, plans for the future, as well as what they see for the future of the Oregon Wine Industry.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Big Table Farm on May 28, 2019.

This interview is with Chris Willams, the winemaker at Brooks Winery. Chris talks about his roundabout introduction to the wine industry by his friend and founder of Brooks Winery, Jimi Brooks. He then discusses his love of Muscat and the future of the Oregon wine industry.

This interview was conducted by Stephanie Hofmann at Brooks Winery on Janurary 10, 2018.

This interview is with Janie Brooks Heuck, the managing director at Brooks Winery. First, she talks about her brother, Jimi, and how she first got introduced to the industry. Janie discusses the challenges of marketing wine now and the future of the industry.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Brooks Winery on January 10, 2018.

This interview is with David Nemarnik, owner and vineyard manager, and Tom Fitzpatrick, winemaker, at Alloro Vineyard. The interview is split into three sections with the first being with just David, the second with Tom and the last part is with both of them.

During the first section, David talks about his dream of owning a vineyard and the importance of being LIVE certified. The second part with Tom, he talks about his journey to the wine industry and his winemaking philosophy. During the final second, they talk about how the partnership was formed and the future for Alloro Vineyard.

This interview was on July 21st, 2016 at Alloro Vineyard by Rich Schmidt.

This interview is with Bertony Faustin, owner and winemaker of Abbey Creek Winery. During this interview, Bertony discusses the challenges of creating a winery from scratch and crafting a wine brand that’s unique to who he is. Bertony talks about the newly released documentary, Red, White & Black: An Oregon Wine Story and his hopes for the future of the industry.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on June 4th, 2018 at Abbey Creek Winery in North Plains, Oregon.

This interview is with Thomas Houseman, winemaker of Anne Amie Vineyards. In this interview, Thomas tells the story of how he came to love winemaking: from being a professional dancer, to brewing beer, to finally wine. He goes on to discuss how his creative side informs his winemaking, as it is very much like dancing. Thomas explains how his wines are unique—his acid driven blends can be easily spotted as a common thread throughout his wines. He then goes on to discuss the future of the Oregon wine industry.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Anne Amie Vineyards on June 19, 2018.

This interview is with Joe Allan and Karen Saul, owners of Andanté Vineyard. In this interview, the couple discuss why they got into wine with a desire to “come back to the land.” The couple realized that they wanted land in the countryside, found their vineyard, and decided to plant grapes. Joe calls the business “a labor of love,” discussing the difficulties with owning the vineyard and being in the industry. He then goes on to talk about how they came up with the name Andanté for their vineyard. Joe and Karen also talk about how they determined the roles they would play in conjunction with the other work they do. They go on to discuss why they chose sustainable farming: “there’s a certain love of the land surrounding Oregon.” Karen explains why and how Andanté became part of the Van Duzer Corridor AVA, and Joe talks about what it means to have their brand be a part of the Oregon Wine Industry. Toward the end, the couple talk about the future of Andanté and the Oregon Wine Industry. Karen ends with the statement: “It’s been hard but good… I would do it all over again.”

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Andanté Vineyard on January 12th, 2019.

This interview is with Dean and Ann Fisher of ADEA Wine co. In this interview, the couple talk about how they got into wine after it originally being a hobby. Dean then talks about his time working with people in the industry such as Michael Etzel and Hal Medici, and the process of getting the Gaston property and creating their vineyard. They then share memorable experiences and what makes their location special: it’s like family, where everybody helps everybody. The couple then go on to talk about what’s special about Oregon Pinot noir, challenges and changes within the industry, and the future of it. To conclude, Dean ends with speaking about the future for ADEA, and his hopes for Oregon’s industry in general.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at ADEA Wine Company on August 1, 2019.

This interview is with Joe Olexa of Ankeny Vineyard and Winery.  In the interview, Olexa first talks about how he came to his property, what it was like growing the grapes, and making the wine. He then discusses the future of the Oregon wine industry.

This interview was conducted by Camille Weber at Ankeny Vineyard and Winery on August 17, 2015.

This interview is with Elena Rodriguez of Alumbra. In this interview, Elena answers the question “why grapes,” as she details how she grew up and now took over the vineyard for her father. She then goes on to talk about the challenges in managing her vineyard, developing a love for farming grapes, how she goes about finding buyers for them, and what she currently and will plant. Elena then goes on to discuss her decision to make her own wine, how her heritage represents her wine label, and the challenges in making the wine. Towards the end of the interview, Elena discusses what it’s been like selling her wine and her focus on selling it to the Latino community, future plans for Alumbra, and offers advice for someone looking to enter the wine industry.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Elena’s family farm in Dayton on August 12, 2019.