The Oregon Wine History Archive Podcast

This interview is with Julia Bailey and Scott Gulstine of Loop de Loop Wines. Julia talks about how she became interested in wine and starting Loop de Loop, and she and Scott talk about their lives before wine and how they've worked together as the label has grown.

They also talked about their new site in the Columbia Gorge and what the future holds.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Loop de Loop Wines in Underwood, Wash., on March 30, 2022.

This interview is with Julia Burke of Willamette Valley Wineries. In this interview, Julia speaks about her wine journey that eventually brought her to the West Coast. She talks about her initial love of wine and an internship she took in South Africa that opened her eyes to all the work that goes into winemaking. She also describes the joy she gets from educating others and shares that she plans to teach others about wine and do freelance work in the future. At the end, Julia tells us that she is currently wrapping up her time in Oregon and will be moving back to the East Coast to finish the Master of Wine program.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Boedecker Cellars Winery and Bottle Shop in Portland on June 30, 2022.

This interview is with Julia Cattrall of Great Oregon Wine Company. She began the interview with what life looked like growing up on her family's farm, and later discussed her education and what got her into wine. Julia shared about working her first harvest and the steep learning curve of winemaking. She worked at Lumos and Ransom where she learned more about the wine industry and at Ransom learned about making Spirits. Julia spoke of what she enjoyed about working with spirits at Ransom. She walked through the process of vermouth and discussed the complexities of the spirit and how it crosses over with wine.

Later, Julia explained why she continues to stay in the Oregon wine industry and how she continues to develop her palate. She spoke about what brought her to Duck Pond and what her role is today. Next, Julia spoke about the changes in Oregon wine and looked ahead to the future. To conclude, she shared her advice for joining the wine industry.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on June 11, 2021 at Duck Pond Cellars.

This interview is with Jure Poberaj of Poberaj Wines. In this interview, Jure speaks about finding an interest in wine and cooking while growing up in Washington DC, and finding his way to Oregon for college.

He talks about moving to the Columbia Gorge and starting a bakery, and from there starting to make wine before finding a site for a vineyard and winery space. He also talks about how the Gorge's wine scene has changed and what lies ahead.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Poberaj Wines in White Salmon, Wash., on August 8, 2022.

This interview is with Charley Coury and Joel Myers, telling the story of Charles Coury (Charley's father) and his life. Charles Coury attended UC Davis and helped start the modern Oregon wine industry in the Willamette Valley in the mid-1960s.

Charley and Joel, who grew up together in Sacramento, Calif., before both families eventually moved to Oregon, talk about Charles' early life, his work and education in wine, his time in France and his befriending of David Lett. They then talk about the move to Oregon, the beginning of Charles Coury Winery, and Charles' eventual exit from the industry as well as his life post-wine.

In addition, Charley and Joel discuss a number of other people involved in the early industry and show off pictures from Charley's collection, and discuss Charles Coury's legacy in Oregon wine.

Despite the story mostly being about Charles Coury, Charley also talks about notable events in his own life, including his religious awakening and the formation of his business.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Linfield University's Nicholson Library on May 20, 2022.

This interview is with Karl Weichold of Stoller Wine Group. In this interview, Karl talks about his college experience in Texas, where he was introduced to the wine world while waiting tables at an Italian Restaurant. After working for a few wineries in Texas, he made his way to Oregon. Karl speaks about the differences between the Texas and Oregon wine industries and describes his time working at 12th and Maple Wine Co. and Erath Winery. Karl also talks about his current role at Stoller and shares his winemaking approach.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Stoller Family Estate in Dayton on July 6, 2022.

This interview is with Kate Ayres of Penner-Ash Wine Cellars. In this interview, Kate speaks about her education and training in the industry and goes over various jobs she’s worked. She describes her first harvest and what it was like creating memories with her crew. She goes over what it’s like working in different places and how winemaker’s style can vary. She also tells some fun stories, including one about a not so conventional interview.

Later, Kate speaks about her work at Penner-Ash and how her role has evolved. She also talks about what it’s like working with Pinot noir, what the Oregon environment and community is like, and what she predicts in her future.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Penner-Ash Wine Cellars in Newberg on April 21, 2021.

This interview is with Kate Claunch of Antica Terra Winery. In this interview, Kate speaks about how a love for food and Europe led her to begin her wine education. She talks about beginning her Sommelier career with the esteemed Yellowstone Club Ski Resort in Montana where she learned the ins and outs of the trade and eventually became lead Sommelier. She describes her time spent studying, traveling in Italy where she earned her masters, and working in wineries.

At the end, she talks about her decision to move to Oregon. She describes her work at Antica Terra and also offers advice to other people curious about working in the industry.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Nicholson Library on June 8th, 2022.

This interview is with Kathleen Willcox, wine writer. In this interview Kathleen describes growing up in Germany and tells of her interest in wine and journalism blossoming over the years. She describes starting out writing for her local newspaper, moving to New York, and later working as a freelance writer. Kathleen speaks about what drew her to wine and journalism and how it continues to interest her.

Later Kathleen describes traveling for work, becoming well-known on Instagram, and how she includes her family in her work. Kathleen describes how she developed a thicker skin, and how she takes on serious topics when they arise. She takes us through her daily life, and goes through her biggest challenges as a freelance writer.

Kathleen concludes with balancing life with twins and freelance writing. She describes her greatest strength in her career and how it has benefited her.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt with Kathleen Willcox on December 23, 2020.

This interview is with Kathryn Hermann of 00 Wines. In this interview, Kathryn speaks about her upbringing, and how growing up surrounded by nature affected her understanding of wine. Her careers in marketing, product management, and software development led her to her current role at 00 Wines.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Kathryn's home in Carlton on August 19, 2021.