The Oregon Wine History Archive Podcast

This interview is with Meredith McGough of Union Wine Company. In this interview, Meredith speaks about why she entered the wine industry, specifically the Oregon Wine Industry. She talks about Oregon wine and the Oregon community and why she chose to venture there from California. She also describes her process and growth, going over her travels and education.

Later Meredith talks about her winemaking philosophy and what her goals are as a winemaker. She finishes by discussing what she thinks is in the future for her, Union Wine Company, and the Oregon Wine Industry.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Union Wine Company in Tualatin on May 5, 2021.

This interview is with Michael Lundeen of Lundeen Wines and Walnut City Wineworks. Michael talks about finding his way into wine and never looking back, progressing into work in winemaking, vineyard management and winery management. He talks about his family property just north of McMinnville and the vineyard there, and how important it is to him to be able to use those grapes in his work.

Later he talks about the evolution of his brand, Lundeen Wines, and some exciting things coming in the future. He talks about the changes he's seen in Oregon and the challenges of the past few years, as well as what comes next for the industry.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Michael's home in McMinnville on May 12, 2022.

This interview is with Michael Wheeler of PDX Wine. In this interview, Michael speaks about life as a wine importer and distributor. He tells us that he first realized his love of wine in New York where he began doing tastings on his own. He talks about following his passion for wine and moving out to Oregon where he found a lot of personality and joy in supporting the many small wineries here. He also shares with us his love of Spanish wines and his interest in bringing more of them to the state. Later, Michael discusses the decision to start PDX Wines in 2011, the success so far, and the goals he has for the future.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Michael’s house in Portland on July 11, 2022.

This interview is with Miguel Lopez of Red Dirt Labor. In this interview, Miguel speaks about his past work at Walnut City Wineworks and Domaine Roy et Fils. He also describes his early experiences in vineyards with his father and his wine education, which included studying at Chemeketa. He goes over how his vineyard management style has changed over the years and what it is like now running Red Dirt Labor. He shares his vineyard philosophy, explains why he doesn’t work with conventionally farmed vineyards, and discusses how he interacts with clients and employees.

Later, Miguel talks about AHIVOY, the non-profit for vineyard workers, which he helped begin and is currently serving on its Education Committee. He describes where the idea for AHIVOY came about, the people who contributed, and what the process was like to get it started and funded. He also talks about the impact COVID-19 and the 2020 fires had on both his professional and personal life. At the end, Miguel speaks about how he’s seen the industry change, what challenges it still faces, and what he is hoping for the future.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at a vineyard in Ribbon Ridge on July 27, 2021.

This interview is with Mike Andersen of Cafe du Berry. In this interview, Mike speaks about how he learned to cook and what got him interested in the restaurant industry. He discusses his first jobs and mentors, and how those experiences helped him grow. He goes on to discuss opening Cafe du Berry, what it was like at its start, and how it has evolved over the years. Later, he talks about where wine came in and what he sees in the future of Oregon Wine and restaurants.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Cafe du Berry in Portland on June 8, 2021.

This interview is with Mike Primozich of Arterberry Maresh. In this interview, Mike speaks about his early life and what got him started in the wine industry. He talks about learning on the job, mistakes he made, and mentors he had. He goes over developing his palate, his winemaking skills, and his winemaking philosophy. He also talks about tasting events, memorable experiences, and changes the industry has gone through. Later, Mike describes his work as Assistant Winemaker at Arterberry Maresh and what his goals are for his wine. At the end, he talks about what the future holds for the Oregon Wine Industry and how the events of 2020 may affect it.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Mike’s home in McMinnville on June 14, 2021.

This Oral History Interview is with Mimi Martin of Wine and Spirit Archive. Mimi talks about her time in food and wine education in New York before deciding to make the leap and move to Oregon to start her own project. She talks about the evolution of that project and the various types of educational opportunities she's able to offer.

Later, Mimi discusses the growth of Oregon wine and of global wine education, and what she sees for the future.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on February 4, 2022 at Wine and Spirit Archive in Portland.

This interview is with Cliff Robben of J. Christopher Wines. In this interview, Cliff speaks about his life before wine, including his interest in the FBI and his jobs in accounting. He goes on to describe his introduction to the Oregon Wine Industry and how his role grew from there. He talks about his positions at IPNC and Loosen Bros. and what his experience was like working for those wine organizations. Later, Jake discusses his work at J. Christopher. He goes over his initial role and how it has adapted. He also speaks about his current position as General Manager and what he sees as he looks ahead for himself, J. Christopher, and Oregon Wine.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at J. Christopher Wines in Newberg on June 10, 2021.

This interview is with Chris Mazepink of White Walnut Estate, with a brief discussion at the end with his sons, Archer and Charlie Mazepink. In this interview, Chris speaks about his life before wine and how he initially became interested in the wine industry. He discusses his work in wineries, such as Shea Wine Cellars, Lemelson Vineyards, and Benton-Lane Winery. He also talks about his decision to plant a vineyard of his own and create a winery with the help of his two sons. He goes through the process of finding White Walnut Estate, planting it, and building it into what he had envisioned. Chris describes his viticulture and winemaking philosophy, as well as what steps he takes in order to preserve the land the vineyard is on. He also describes the land itself, which had been an old walnut orchard and is currently an organic and biodynamic vineyard in Dundee. Later, Chris takes us through the last few years at the Estate, the recent work they’ve done, and his hopes for the future of White Walnut Estate.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at White Walnut Estate in Dundee on August 4, 2021.

This interview is with Chris Lubberstedt of Winter’s Hill Estate. In this interview, Chris begins by speaking about his interest in the science behind wine. He describes his time in the Napa Valley, and what his reactions were when he began hearing about Oregon Pinot Noir. Chris talks about moving to Oregon, going to Portland State, and then entering the wine industry. He goes over his work at Cristom Vineyards, WillaKenzie, Dobbes Family Estate, Methven Family Vineyards, and now Winter’s Hill, as well as his own brand Stedt Wines. Throughout, Chris shares his experiences, his favorite moments, and his advice on what building a brand, winemaking style, and vineyard style takes.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Winter’s Hill Estate in Dayton on August 9, 2021.