The Oregon Wine History Archive Podcast

This interview is with Robert McKinley of Norris Wines. In this interview, Robert speaks about becoming interested in wine after his parents purchased vineyard property in Oregon. He then takes us through his journey of wine education and production work at a large number of wineries around the world.

Later, Robert talks about getting to know Norris Vineyard and starting a brand from scratch, as well as what comes next for Oregon's wine industry.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Norris Wines on August 18, 2022.

This interview is with Robin and Danuta Pfeiffer of Pfeiffer Winery. In this interview, the couple begin speaking about their life before wine, including how they met, Robin’s time teaching and growing up on the family farm, and Danuta’s time as a broadcast journalist, ski instructor, long distance bicycle rider, and so forth. They go on to talk about Pfeiffer Vineyards, which began after Robin received offers to purchase the land due to its grape growing potential. Later, they go over building their tasting room, growing their brand, and consider how their business has changed over the years.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Pfeiffer Vineyards in Junction City on May 26, 2021.

This interview is with Roc Wilcox of Casa S Wines. In this interview, Roc speaks about his lifelong fascination with wine, and his work in the high-tech field which brought him to the West Coast and wine country.

He talks about learning about wine and diving deep into the culture and geography of the wines he enjoyed, and about the chance encounter with a property in Dayton that brought him to Oregon. From there, he talks about learning vineyard and winery work on the fly while building Casa S, and where he hopes to take the brand in the future.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Casa S in Dayton on August 2, 2022.

This oral history interview is with Rudy Marchesi of Montinore Estate. Rudy talks about growing up with a family that was interested in wine, and then discovering grapegrowing and winemaking as an alternative to his graduate studies in Sonoma. From there he charts his journey to starting a small winery in New Jersey, to working in wine distribution, to Oregon and Montinore.

He also talks about biodynamic farming and his efforts at raising awareness of the practice, as well as the changes in Oregon and what comes next for the state's wine industry.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Montinore Estate in Forest Grove on March 23, 2022.

This oral history interview is with Sam Cole-Johnson of JancisRobinson.com. Sam talks about her introduction into wine and her education - both formal and informal - that led her into the industry. She talks about her harvest experiences, and documenting those for JancisRobinson.com, which eventually turned into a full-time writing job.

Sam also talks about what she looks for in a story, balancing consumer needs with her own research and writing interests, and what changes she foresees for the wine industry. Particular attention is paid to the "undertold" stories she enjoys finding and diving deeply into.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Linfield University in McMinnville on March 24, 2022.

This interview is with Ryan Kelly-Burnett of Dominio IV. In this interview, Ryan speaks about his early work in the industry and goes over some of his first jobs. He talks about why he chose Dominio IV and what his role is there. He describes working with clients and how the experience varies based on their demand, style, and experience. He also discusses his own wine preferences and what he enjoys making and experimenting with most.

Later, Ryan talks about his winemaking philosophy, noting that his style is always evolving and he’s constantly learning.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Dominio IV in Carlton on May 14, 2021.

This interview is with Ryan Sherman of Communiqué Wines. In this interview, speaks about his career as a chef and sommelier, and how that led him into winemaking.

He also talks about his work in Oregon and his views on the Oregon industry, as well as how he approaches the craft of winemaking.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Methven Family Vineyards on February 23, 2022.

This interview is with Sam Poehlman of Jackson Family Wines Oregon. Sam talks about growing up in the Midwest and learning about food science and dairy, then being introduced to wine. Her summer internship at Argyle turned into a full-time job, and launched her into the Oregon wine industry.

She talks about the places she's worked and her mentors along the way, particularly Tony Rynders. And she talks about going to work for Jackson Family Wines and where she sees the industry going in the future.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Jackson Family Wines in McMinnville on May 11, 2022.

This interview is with Sami Gaston of Bar Diane and Négociant wine shop. At the start, Sami goes over her time before wine as an artist studying studio art, apparel design, and fashion forecasting. She also mentions her eagerness to travel, which inspired her to earn a degree in Spanish literature.

The daughter of a bartender and cocktail waitress, Sami describes how she found herself soon drawn to a similar scene. She talks about trying out different jobs, hospitality, and eventually discovering Oregon wine. She goes on to speak about her own business, their clientele, and how it has already expanded and evolved.

Throughout, Sami speaks about the communal, collaborative nature of wine. For her, wine is better with other people and her work centers around introducing people to what the Oregon wine world offers.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Bar Diane in NW Portland on June 7th, 2022.

This interview is with Sarah Cabot of Precept Wines. In this interview, Sarah speaks about the highs and lows of working in the Oregon Wine Industry. She talks about how her interest started, and how her love for Pinot Noir led to moving to Oregon to make wine. She speaks about working in New Zealand, and how the style of winemaking differed from back in the states. She also goes over what it’s like working for a small winery versus a large one in the Oregon market.

Later, Sarah describes what it’s like working with Pinot Noir and why she chose to focus on it. She also talks about what it’s like to run her own crew and collaborate with interns, crew members, and even neighbors. She discusses her style of winemaking and talks about the fantasy of winemaking versus the reality.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at 12th & Maple in Dundee on April 27, 2021.