The Oregon Wine History Archive Podcast

This interview is with Chris Fladwood of Soter Vineyards. In this interview, Chris speaks about his life before wine, including his time in the army. He talks about his initial interest in the vineyard and how that turned into winemaking. He describes his work in France, New Zealand, and tells us why he decided to stay and work in the Oregon Wine Industry. He talks about the adventure, risk, and thrill that’s in winemaking and also compares winemakers to artists.

Later Chris goes over his role as winemaker for Soter and offers words of wisdom to those entering the industry. His advice: trust your instincts and prepare yourself for a difficult job.

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

This interview is with Levi Seed of the Joel Palmer House Restaurant. In this interview, Levi discusses how childhood experiences shaped his professional development. After surviving leukemia as a teenager, Levi discovered a passion for fine dining, and then, for wine. He passed the Certified Master Sommelier exam at 21.

Stints as a sous chef, and later on as an executive chef, left him burnt out, but he couldn’t pass up the opportunity in 2020 to join the Joel Palmer House as a sommelier. For the past two years, Levi has thoughtfully crafted a curated list of Oregon wines, focusing on Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

Levi also speaks about his approach to hospitality and wine selection, and his hopes for the future of the Oregon wine industry.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Joel Palmer House Restaurant in Dayton on November 9, 2022.

This interview is with CJ and Elise McCollum of McCollum Heritage 91 Wines. In this interview, CJ and Elise speak about meeting in college as they were both pursuing their career passions - basketball for CJ and dentistry for Elise.

They talk about coming to Oregon after CJ was drafted by Portland, and their introduction to the Oregon wine scene. This eventually led to the start of their McCollum Heritage 91 wine brand and their purchase of 300 acres in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA. Their plans for that acreage and what they hope to accomplish through wine are also discussed.

CJ and Elise also talk about the future of wine in Oregon and what role they hope to play going forward.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Adelsheim Vineyard on July 19, 2022.

This interview is with Chris Hermann of 00 Wines. In this interview, Chris goes over the history of the Oregon Wine Industry. He speaks about how Oregon Wine got its start and what “Wine Pioneers” were instrumental in making it happen. He talks about how the industry has grown, how business is done, and what changes have taken place. Chris also shares his own history with wine, which includes his time spent as a lawyer and his memories with his father.

Later, Chris describes 00 Wines and what it’s been like building the brand. He goes on to share what he's observed recently in the industry and he gives advice for those wanting to make and sell their own wine. At the end, Chris discusses the future for himself, 00 Wines, and the Oregon Wine Industry as a whole.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Chris’s home in Carlton on July 16, 2021.

This oral history interview is with Chenin and Sean Carlton of Twist Wine Company. Chenin and Sean talk about their various paths into the wine industry, with some recollections of the Temecula and Napa wine industries in California. They also talk about how they ended up in Oregon, and how they ended up with a hospitality space on the Oregon coast.

Along the way, the pair talks about the growth of their brand and the various events they host, as well as the effects of the pandemic on their business and how they see things progressing in the future.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Twist Wine Company in Pacific City on March 15, 2022.

This interview is with Mordechai Kotler of Averæn Wines. In this interview, Mordechai speaks about how he went from teaching to working harvest to working as Winemaker for Averæn Wines. He begins by describing his early life in Southern California and later his experience attending Linfield College. He goes on to share his initial interest in wine and what his first jobs were like. He also talks about his decision to pursue winemaking seriously and what steps he took to refine his skillset, which included hands on experience, learning from mentors, and studying abroad.

Later, he discusses Averæn Wines and how his role as Winemaker has grown. Mark also talks about how he and the team at Averæn Wines adapted to the hurdles that 2020 set before them and what they are hoping for in the future of their business. At the end, he talks about the future for himself and the industry as a whole, including what changes he expects to see.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Linfield University in McMinnville on July 12, 2021.

This interview is with Nicholas Gates of Gresser Vineyard. In this interview, Nicholas speaks about growing up and making wine with his father Paul Gates, who was educated in wine and started Gresser Vineyard. Nicholas describes both his formal and informal education, going over the interests he had before wine, what he learned from his father, and the different jobs he’s worked in the industry. Later, he discusses the work he is doing now at Gresser Vineyard. He talks about their unique tasting room style, business philosophy, and interaction with clients. Nicholas also speaks about working with his daughter on the Vineyard, the current projects they are working on, and their hopes for the future at Gresser Vineyard.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Gresser Vineyard in Cornelius on May 28, 2021.

This oral history interview is with Nick and Sheila Nicholas of Anam Cara Cellars. The couple describe meeting and getting married, eventually ending up owning a pizza restaurant in Napa Valley and getting to know the wines and winemakers of the area. They then describe discovering Oregon and starting the vineyard that would become the home of Anam Cara.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at the Nicholas home in Sherwood on March 9, 2022.

This interview is with Ocean Yap-Powell of Rootstock PDX and the Wine Cellar. In this interview, Ocean speaks about her journey through the world of wine. She talks about her first jobs in the industry and how she learned about the Oregon Wine Industry. Ocean describes working at the Wine Cellar in Portland and what her philosophy is when working in a wine shop. She speaks about approaching customers and interacting with them so that they are in a comfortable learning environment.

Ocean also discusses the nature of the Oregon Wine Industry. She talks about what growth she has seen in the industry, as well as what she would still like to see change. Later, she talks about Rootstock PDX and its mission to redefine wine culture, make more accessible wine, and create opportunities for underrepresented wine creators and consumers. She also talks about her hopes to grow the event and what she sees in the future for herself and Oregon Wine.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt and Lily Hanridge at Barrio in Portland on June 7, 2021.

This interview is with Chancy and Toni Croft and Bill Bailey of Croft Vineyards. In this interview, the trio speak about their friendship throughout the years and what their lives were like before wine. They go over where the idea of Croft Vineyards began and describe forming a partnership, building their business, and finding land for a vineyard. They talk about the early days of the Oregon Wine Industry, including who they met, what practices were common, and what ideas were popular. They discuss their mistakes and successes, going on to talk about how they learned over time. Later, they talk about how the Oregon Wine Industry has changed. They also discuss the future of Croft Vineyards and what the next generations may bring to the label.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Croft Vineyards in Salem on May 24, 2021.