The Oregon Wine History Archive Podcast

This interview is with Tom Schaad of August Cellars. In this interview, Tom tells the story of August Cellars. He goes over starting the business, choosing the land, and building their clientele. He talks about his mission for the brand, describing it as a “Tuesday night wine” and notes the steps they have taken to reach their goals. Later, Tom speaks about his role as Facility Manager at August Cellars. He also talks about the nature if the Oregon Wine communities and why Oregon’s industry is unique. At the end, he describes what the future looks like for him, August Cellars, and the industry as a whole.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at August Cellars in Newberg on June 21, 2021.

This interview is with Travis Bonilla of Bergström Wines. In this interview, Travis speaks about his career in winemaking and why he began working in the Oregon Wine Industry. He describes his wine education process, which included working harvest, developing his palate, and learning from mentors. He also talks about his winemaking style. He goes over how he became Assistant Winemaker at Bergström Wines and what it is like working there. Later, he discusses the challenges brought by COVID-19 and the 2020 fires. At the end, Travis goes over what trends and changes he sees in the industry, as well as, what advice he’d give to those interested in working with wine.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Bergström Winery in Newberg on July 16, 2021.

This interview is with Andy McVay of Portland Wine Cellar. In this interview, Andy speaks about his passion for art and agriculture, and how science is the nuts and bolts of life.

Andy takes us through his experience in winemaking from cellarmaster to winemaker. His journey follows him through wineries like Edgefield Winery and Dobbes Family Estate. He also talks about stepping away from winemaking to focus on the sales and hospitality side, and pursuing his passion for sustainability in wine packaging and other pressing issues he sees within the wine industry.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Linfield University on July 26, 2022.

This interview is with Travis Todd of De La Boue Wines. In this interview, Travis speaks about his life before wine, including his work in the restaurant industry. He goes on to talk about his understanding of the Oregon Wine Industry prior to joining it versus his impression after he began working in Oregon. He also describes his first experiences in the industry, going over what lessons he found to be most valuable.

Later, Travis discusses starting De La Boue and building the brand. He talks about designing the label, the people who helped him along the way, and what their mission is. At the end, he speaks about 2020’s effect on the industry and his work, as well as, what he sees for the future of his business.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt in Scholls, Oregon on June 25, 2021.

This interview is with Andy Young of St. Reginald Parish and Marigny Wines. In this interview, Andy speaks about feeling a call to wine, and how its role in his life was a recurring theme. He talks about his life before wine, including his time performing alt rock music professionally after signing a record deal. He also discusses some of his other vocations, like his work in advertising, and how a few trips to Oregon and some wine self-education led him to a wine career. Later, Andy talks about finding his niche in natural wine and exploring the edges of what he could do to find the perfect product. He also shares the growth his brands have had and what comes next.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at St. Reginald Parish and the Marigny on July 14, 2022.

This interview is with Kathy McBride of Filigree and Stone. In this interview, Kathy speaks about her life before wine, growing up in Australia and going to work for Four Seasons. Her time in hospitality took her all over the world, and instilled a passion for food and wine.

She talks about deciding to make wine, her wine education in Australia and eventually finding her way to Oregon. After joining the team at Walter Scott and finding her place, she also started her own brand focusing on small lots of wine from her favorite vineyards. Kathy also talks about some of the challenges facing Oregon wine and what comes next for herself and the industry.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt in Nicholson Library at Linfield University on September 13, 2022.

This interview is with Ben Casteel of Bethel Heights Vineyard. In this interview, Ben speaks about being born into the wine industry. He goes over what it was like growing up on a vineyard and working with his father, uncle, and cousins. He describes his education and his interest in English Literature before he decided to pursue wine. Ben also talks about going to France, learning the language, and working on a vineyard in Burgundy.

Later, Ben speaks about how his career in the Oregon Wine Industry took off. He discusses his work at Rex Hill and what it was like starting as a Warehouse Manager and growing until he became Assistant Winemaker. Then, he talks about his decision to go back home and take on the role as Winemaker at his family’s vineyard.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Bethel Heights Vineyard in Salem on May 12, 2021.

This interview is with Aurélien Labrosse of Auriginal Wines. In this interview, Aurélien speaks about pursuing wine as an offshoot of a passion for food, and obtaining formal and informal wine education.

He talks about coming to the US, and what brought him to Oregon, first at Del Rio in Southern Oregon before coming to work with John Grochau in the Willamette Valley. He also talks about what has gone into starting his brand and his thoughts on the past, present and future of Oregon wine.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at the Grochau Cellars tasting room in Amity on August 15, 2022.

This interview is with Art Tierce of Antica Terra. In this interview, Art speaks about his background in food, wine, and spirits, and the revelation of starting to learn about wine and work in the industry.

He then tells of how he came to Oregon, his work at Ransom and a variety of places around Portland, and about continuing his wine education both formally and informally. Later, he tells how he came to Antica Terra and the work he's done there so far, as well as looking ahead to the future.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Archery Summit's guest house in Dayton on August 10, 2022.

This interview is with Ari and Brandy Grey of Greywing Wines. In this interview, Ari and Brandy talk about their interesting lives and careers before wine, and about finding wine first through hospitality and later production.

They talk about the various places they've worked in the wine industry, and about starting their brand Greywing. Though small, they have ambitions with the wines they produce, and an interesting perspective on what might come next.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Fairsing Vineyard in Yamhill on August 15, 2022.