The Oregon Wine History Archive Podcast

This interview is with Courtney Merriott and Johnny Brose of Flora Jane. In this interview, the couple speak about both their personal and joint journeys in the wine world. Johnny, who attended OSU, talks about his college introduction to the wine scene and what it is like teaching winemaking in Chemeketa’s wine studies program. Meanwhile, Courtney, who started her recognition for wine working at the Dundee Bistro, talks about her role in wine distribution. They go over the story of beginning their small wine business together, sharing the meaning behind its name and logo. They also discuss the highs of selling wine to new customers, the hopes for their product, and the challenges of having a first vintage in 2020.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Courtney and Johnny’s home in Newberg on June 21, 2022.

This Oral History Interview is with Craig Camp of Troon Vineyards. Craig has worked in a variety of roles in wine and a variety of places in the world, but the chance to practice biodynamic farming and winemaking at Troon is what brought him back to Oregon to stay.

In this interview he talks about his path through the industry, what excites him about biodynamics, and the future of Troon and the Oregon wine industry.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on January 20, 2022 at the Troon Vineyards tasting room in McMinnville.

This interview is with Corey Guinee of Core Enology. In this interview, he speaks about his upbringing, how he was introduced to the wine industry, and his work as an analytical chemist. He talks about his experience in barrel sales, wine analysis, and how this has led him to eventually co-owning and managing Core Enology.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Nicholson Library on August 10, 2021.

This interview is with Colin Howard of Mendivia Wines and Day Wines. In this interview, Colin speaks about getting interested in wine and finding his way to Oregon, including his working in wine and spirits on the West Coast. He then talks about getting back into wine production at Day Wines and starting his own brand, Mendivia.

Colin also talks about his experience during 2020 including some creative solutions to smoke-affected grapes, and about what he's looking ahead to in the future.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Day Wines on July 26, 2022.

This interview is with Chris Freytag and Dan Perkins of McKenzie Crest Wines. In this interview, the two share how they were initially introduced to wine and gained a passion for it. They talk about the struggles of entering the industry and only producing six bottles of wine their first year, and how the brand has grown and developed into what it is today.

They conclude the interview by looking into the future of the industry and of McKenzie Crest Wines.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt in Springfield on June 10, 2022.

This interview is with Leah Adint of Erath Winery. In this interview, Leah speaks about her childhood in Alaska and how a coffee table book from her father cemented her decision to study wine. After getting a bachelor's and a master's in enology, Leah traveled around the world learning various types of winemaking strategies and techniques. Since July 2022, she has been the Head Winemaker at Erath Winery in Dundee, OR.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at the Erath offices on January 25th, 2023.

This interview is with Isabelle Meunier of Lavinea Wines. In this interview, Isabelle speaks about her time traveling the world and learning about wine. She talks about her experiences in Burgundy, New Zealand, Vancouver Island, Niagara, Oregon, and more. She describes her wine education in France, where she discovered she was interested in wine production more than marketing. Isabelle also goes on to talk about her roles involving organic and biodynamic viticulture and winemaking. Later, Isabelle discusses her brand Lavinea Wines, as well as her tasting room and partner Greg Rolston.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Lavinea Wines in Carlton on July 18th, 2022.

This interview is with Isabel Newlin of Dacha Wines. In this interview, Isabel speaks about her enthusiasm for viticulture and holistic farming, and what drew her into growing grapes and making wine.

She talks about how she came to Oregon and what her work here has consisted of so far. And she talks about her Dacha Wines project and where it might be headed. Finally, she takes us on a quick vineyard tour to point out some of the things she's most excited about.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Lewisburg Vineyard in Lewisburg on August 11, 2022.

This interview is with Hans Van Dale of Dusky Goose Winery. Hans talks about how he discovered wine, and the process of deciding on it as a career path. He discusses the places he worked in California and how he ended up in Oregon, and eventually at Dusky Goose.

In addition, Hans talks about the challenges (and blessings!) of the past couple years and looks ahead at the future for the Oregon wine industry.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Dusky Goose Winery in Carlton on May 18, 2022.

This interview is with Hallie Whyte of Soter Vineyards. She began the interview with discussing her time studying math and Spanish at Linfield College. Hallie grew up in McMinnville working in and around the wine industry at restaurants and tasting rooms. After college she went to Mexico City to teach and upon returning to Oregon she ended up at Soter.

Hallie began in DTC sales and eventually took the role of Managing Director. She spoke of striving for diversity of all kinds in Soter employees, and gave her marketing advice. Later in the interview Hallie described the changes she has seen in the industry and of her hopes for the collaborative culture of the Oregon wine industry to remain.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on May 7, 2021 at Soter Vineyards.