In this episode, we’ll uncork two new wine stories. The first is about a winery which perpetuates the hand-in-hand collaboration of its co-founders. And the second centers on a three-year-long process between four friends to make their craft what it is today.

Guests

Jessica Mozeico, Co-Founder & Winemaker, Et Fille Wines

Nick Marshall, Co-Owner & Winemaker, Benedetto Vineyards

Guest Biographies

Jessica Mozeico

Jessica Mozeico co-founded Willamette Valley winery Et Fille Wines, which means “and daughter”, with her father Howard Mozeico in 2003. Jessica grew up helping her dad with his winemaking hobby in their garage. She fell in love with wine, though it was a passion she cultivated from the sidelines as she pursued an undergraduate degree from Hamilton College, an MBA from Wharton at the University of Pennsylvania, and a career in biotechnology marketing. After years of leading biotechnology drug launches and marketing teams, Jessica founded Mozeico Consulting to provide strategic planning services.

Finally, Jessica and Howard decided to co-found Et Fille Wines, where they ran the winery together until Howard’s untimely death. Jessica learned everything about winemaking from her dad. Today, Jessica operates the business, making elegantly complex wines inspired by her late father’s legacy and her daughter’s future. She says, “I have the honor and responsibility to carry Et Fille forward in a manner that is consistent with my dad’s vision, values, and palate. I will continue building the legacy of Et Fille for my daughter.” She feels fortunate to be part of the collaborative and encouraging Oregon wine community.

Nick Marshall & Lisa Marshall

Nick is a graduate of “THE” University of Southern Oregon in Ashland, and Lisa a graduate of Cal Poly Pomona. They both competed in sports at the college level. Nick has been a life-long Oregonian and Lisa has lived in several wine growing regions on the west coast. Together, their knowledge and passion for wine continues to grow and they are excited to share this new venture with you.

Host:

Heidi Moore, Wine Enthusiast

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In this episode, we hear one story centered on second careers, a well-planned next chapter, and the pursuit of a shared passion. Then we uncork a second story coming from one of a multi-generational line of wine entrepreneurs, who focus on an Argentinean approach to fermentation.

Guests

Bill Sweat, Founder & Winemaker, Winderlea Winery

JP Valot, Owner & Winemaker, Valcan Cellars

Guest Biographies

Bill Sweat & Donna Morris

The kernels of Winderlea were spun over milestone birthdays and anniversaries, travels to Bill Sweat & Donna Morris's favorite wine regions, and nightly dinners with a bottle of wine after good and not so good days at the office.

In the early 90s they fell in love with Pinot Noir. Its elegance and sensuality – and the beautiful way it paired with a range of foods delighted them. As they tasted through wines from across the country they found the characteristics they most loved in Oregon Pinot Noir. They believe it is due in large part to Oregon’s unique climate and soils paired with the heritage of artisanal craftsmanship and an obsession with making small lots of the highest quality wine. On a practical level they found the Oregon wine community to be a collaborative one – where newcomers are welcomed, tutored and expected to perfect their craft.

In 2006 they relocated from Boston and have made Dundee, Oregon their home. They are committed to continuing the traditions of responsible stewardship of the land and the highest quality artisan winemaking.

JP Valot

Juan Pablo (JP) was born in Mendoza, the heart of Argentina’s wine country, and completed a five year degree in Agricultural Sciences with a focus in Enology and Viticulture at the National University of Cuyo. After graduation, JP worked as an enologist for Esmeralda, one of the Catena wineries. In 2001, he came to Oregon looking for new challenges and was attracted by Oregon’s growing wine industry. Shortly after, he met his wife Doris and both decided to settle in Oregon.

JP worked for Willamette Valley Vineyards, Soter Vineyards, and Dobbes Family Estate. JP’s qualifications include 16 years of winemaking experience between 19 vintages in Oregon and Argentina. He has played multiple roles in Oregon’s wine industry including winemaker, vineyard manager, and educator, and was appointed by the Governor to be a member of the Oregon Wine Board. JP is a well-rounded wine professional who understands the winemaking process from the vine to glass. He brings strong educational and professional experience; but most importantly, he brings his passion and commitment to making high-quality wine.

Host:

Heidi Moore, Wine Enthusiast

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Join us for the premiere of Wine Crush Season 3!

In this episode, we uncork two unique wine stories. The first comes from a daughter and mother operation rooted in tradition, adventure and good dirt. The other centers on a family-owned producer of small-lot, handcrafted, estate wines, with a special emphasis on world-class Pinot Noir.

Guests

Kate Taylor, Operations & Vineyard Manager, One Love Cellars

Dan Warnshuis, Owner/Winemaker, Utopia Vineyard

Winery Biographies

One Love Cellars

This adventure started in 2006, in an unfinished basement with a bumper crop of raspberries in Michigan. The fermentation obsession brought the Taylor family from Michigan and Montana, to Oregon in 2010. After education, clearing land and getting to know their industry neighbors, they planted our first vineyard block in 2012. At the heart of their farming practices are sustainability, stewardship and premium quality fruit.

The 16 acres of estate vines thrive at One Heart Vineyards, in the volcanic soils of the South Salem hills. One Love Cellars’ Pinot Noir, Albariño, limited production Bubbles and some other wonderful whites and red blends are luscious, lively & vibrant. Delicate barrel notes on the reds, lend to an appealing, lingering finish that continue to tell their distinct story.

These mostly estate grown, Northwest wines are an incredible value in bottle and a treat for any palate. They show well solo, accent a great meal, company or stand out for a special occasion. The attention to detail in the craft and care of their wines can be tasted in each pour.

Utopia Vineyard

Utopia Vineyard is the embodiment of a dream that began in the mind of its owner, Dan Warnshuis. He and his family live on the property, in that big house you’ll see as you turn off of Ribbon Ridge Road.

After college, Dan returned to his home in California and began a successful career in Silicon Valley. Along the way, he opened a retail store in Napa and began spending time with Napa Valley growers and winemakers. Utopia Estate Vineyard was born in 2002 after talks with Oregon growers at the International Pinot Noir Celebration led Dan on a search for a vineyard site. He found a parcel located just above the old Bergstrom farm on Ribbon Ridge that seemed ideal, and subsequent soil tests proved it to be so. The Utopia Estate Vineyard is perfectly situated at an elevation of five hundred feet in the heart of the Ribbon Ridge Appellation in the Northern Willamette Valley in Yamhill County, Oregon. It consists of a total of 16.8 acres of sloping contiguous south-facing hillsides of Willakenzie soils.

Dan’s first commercial vintage produced just 413 cases in 2006. It was a good start, but the 2007 was even better, winning the Grand Award of Excellence, the Gold Medal in the 2010 Oregon Wine Awards for Pinot Noir over $35. Subsequent vintages have continued to improve and the first private reserve release, Paradise, was produced as part of the 2009 vintage. In addition to world class Pinot Noir, Utopia also produces Pinot Blanc, made exclusively from certified grapes grown in the Willamette Valley and Pinot Noir Rose. New Chardonnay plantings were added in 2010 and a well appointed tasting room with outdoor seating was built that same year.

Host:

Heidi Moore, Wine Enthusiast

You can follow Wine Crush on Social Media:

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Join us for the Season 2 finale of Wine Crush!

In this episode, we center on a husband and wife who just fell in love with the people, culture, and the stories of all things wine. In addition, we have a second story which comes from a winemaker taking over some big shoes, but entering the position with quite the pedigree.

Guests

Kelly Robinson, Co-founder/Business Development, Lev Livet Wines

Tres Burns, Winemaker/Operations Manager, White Rose Estate

Guest Biographies:

Ryan & Kelly Robinson

Ryan & Kelly met in 2012 and have been partners in life ever since. They decided to take on this venture as most do, drinking wine in their kitchen, after a long day of work. Kelly had been in the corporate world since graduating from college in 2009, and wanted to take her learned sales and business relations experience to a new level.

Ryan & Kelly had frequented Oregon wine country and Napa Valley, only to fall in love with the people, the culture, the stories and all things wine. They knew they had to be a part of that community and here they are!

Their journey would not be complete without their dog Gary. He's a huge part of their life and is Lev Livet's official wine dog. Because what's a winery without one?

Tres Burns

Tres is a native Oregonian and Newport High School graduate who spent 10 years in the technology industry before turning his attention to wine. He studied enology at Oregon State University before accepting a position in 2011 to work under the tutelage of Anthony King, who was the head winemaker at Lemelson Vineyards in Carlton at the time. He then spent four years at Brittan Vineyards, where he had the opportunity to help make their wines as well as those of several other Willamette Valley wineries, including Winderlea Vineyards and Youngberg Hill.

Host:

Heidi Moore, Wine Enthusiast

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~ Thanks to Country Financial! To solve the big challenges of tomorrow, start with simple steps today. ~

In this episode, we hear a tale of a new vision for a previous estate that involves enriching the local community. Then we touch on a story from a small-production winery that strives to make the finest German and Alsatian-style wines in Oregon. 

Guests

Sara Jivanjee, General Manager, Archer Vineyard

Barnaby Tuttle, Co-Owner/Winemaker, Teutonic Wine Company

Winery Biographies

Archer Vineyard

In 1989, Don and Grace Archer planted a vineyard on the southern slope of Parrett Mountain. At that time, the Oregon wine industry was still young, a little-known collection of wine enthusiasts making a go of it in the Willamette Valley. Grace had grown up on a vineyard in California and saw the potential for producing wine in Yamhill County. Don Archer, the namesake of Archer Vineyard, lived with his wife on the property he planted for many years.

In 2005, Saj and Pauline Jivanjee purchased the 8-acre property and brought with them a new vision. With the help of family and close friends, they converted the old Archer barn into a cutting-edge winery and tasting room, and set up a business committed to enriching the local community. Today, Archer Vineyard handcrafts a small production of estate-grown Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris, and gathers people around creative events that unlock the pleasures of wine—including music, art, and enjoyment of the natural environment. 

Teutonic Wine Company

It all started in 2002 when Barnaby was the wine buyer at Papa Haydn Restaurant in Portland’s southeast location. German wine importer Ewald Moseler, showed him 14 different Rieslings from Germany’s famed Mosel wine region. Barnaby bought all 14 and started one of the largest German wine lists in Portland. That same night he told his wife, Olga that he needed to learn how to make wines that are as expressive to terroir (expression of the place the grapes are grown) as these Rieslings. Out of this came Teutonic Wine Co., now a small production winery in Oregon. Their wines are German and Alsatian in style, made with grapes from cool-climate sites. 

Host:

Heidi Moore, Wine Enthusiast

In this  episode, host Heidi Moore will guide us through the stories of two local winemakers. One winery happens to be women-owned and operated as well as dog-friendly. The other focuses on small-production and emphasizes working with the wines they love as well as a bit of experimentation.

Guests: Mary Olson, Owner, Airlie Winery

Liz Clark, Winemaker, Airlie Winery

Cyler Varnum, Winemaker/Owner, Varnum Vintners

In this episode, host Heidi Moore will guide us through the stories of two local winemakers. The first shows how one little phone call can open up the viticultural opportunity of a lifetime. And the second comes from a winery that describes their wines in 3 words: acid-driven, transparent, and adventurous.

Guests

Jared Etzel, Winemaker, Domaine Roy

Jason Hanson, Winemaker, Hanson Vineyards

Guest Biographies

Jared Etzel

Jared grew up on the Beaux Freres Vineyard and was schooled in Enology and Viticulture at Oregon State University. He worked vintages at Cristom and Brick House Vineyards before traveling to Spain where he worked at Artadi & Clos Erasmus. Before developing Domaine Roy, Jared moved to California where he worked with Fisher Vineyards, Kapcsandy, and Blankiet. Jared’s inspiration comes from the many organic and biodynamic estate vineyards making soulful wines specific to their site and vintage.

Jason Hanson

Jason did his undergraduate studies in upstate New York, and then obtained a Master’s in politics from George Washington University. For a while he had his own company doing political research. He lived in D.C. for 14 years before finally deciding that he did not really enjoy being that closely involved with politics.

He had a true desire to get back to the Pacific Northwest. His father had retired from teaching and they started talking. While it took a few years to figure it all out, they then we got some grapes in the ground and in 2005 got their commercial winemaking license.

Eleven varieties are now in the ground on the fourth generation family farm. Currently about nine and a half acres of vines accounts for the majority of their grape production. Butte Creek has washed away much of the soil and left behind two distinct areas: sandy, rocky ground where you will find their Pommard, Dijon 115, Wadenswil and Riesling blocks.

Host:

Heidi Moore, Wine Enthusiast

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In this episode, host Heidi Moore will guide us through the stories of two family-owned and operated wineries. The first maintains a small annual production as part of their commitment to offer the highest quality wines at exceptional values; and the second is the largest grape producer in the Elkton Oregon AVA, whose core belief is that Oregon wineries should aim to be Old World in the New World.

Guests

Beth Klingner, Director of Sales & Marketing/Winemaker, Dion Vineyard

Tyler Bradley, Winemaker, Bradley Vineyards

Winery Biographies

Dion Vineyard

Just outside of greater Portland, off the Hillsboro Highway 219, nestled in the Chehalem Mountains of the northern Willamette Valley, is Dion’s 60-acre vineyard dating back to 1976 and their small winery and tasting room. Their family-owned and operated enterprise maintains an intentionally small annual production as part of their commitment to offer the highest quality wines at exceptional values.

Winemaker Kevin Johnson, founded the winery in 2007 and carries on third-generation winegrowing traditions. His grandfather began the legacy by growing grapes and producing wines near Sunnyside, Washington. For over 45 years, Kevin and his family have been growing wine grapes in their little slice of beautiful Oregon, just outside the city.

Their production includes primarily Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris. They also offer in limited quantities: Sparkling Wines, Tempranillo, Rose, Viognier, and Chardonnay. Kevin and his wife Beth Klingner handcraft around 1000 cases per year. They still provide premium wine grapes to other Willamette Valley wineries from their 60 acres

Bradley Vineyards

Bradley Vineyards was founded in 1983 by brothers John and Richard Bradley. With the helping hands of family and friends, nearly 30 acres of Pinot Noir, Gewurtztraminer and Riesling grapes were planted in the South and West facing hills of Elkton, Oregon.

For the first 17 years, John developed as a viticulturist, and sold the entirety of his crop to wineries around the state of Oregon. But when friends Mike and Vonnie Landt moved to town and built their winery, River’s Edge, a partnership began allowing John to start producing a small amount of wine under the Bradley Vineyards label.

In the early 2000s, John expanded the vineyard by planting a small block of Baco Noir grapes, as well as grafting Baco Noir onto a portion of mature Gewurtztraminer vines. He also introduced a small block of Pommard, a clone of Pinot Noir. After John’s untimely passing in 2014, the Vineyards continue to thrive under the leadership of his wife, Bonnie. Their son, Tyler cares for the vineyard and makes the wines at the River’s Edge Winery facilities on the west end of Elkton.

Host:

Heidi Moore, Wine Enthusiast

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In this episode, host Heidi Moore will guide us through two diverse wine stories.

The first centers on two interconnected wineries and their processes; and the second shows the culmination of a collaborative effort between the wineries mentioned in the first story.

Guests

Melissa Burr, Vice President of Winemaking, Stoller Family Estate

Kate Payne-Brown, Assistant Winemaker, Stoller Family Estate

Katie Santora, Winemaker, Chehalem Wines

Winery Biographies

Stoller Family Estate

Stoller’s LEED Gold and LIVE certified winery combines progressive, environmentally-friendly design with gentle, traditional winemaking practices that minimize their environmental impact. Their gravity flow process offers a more gentle approach to winemaking, allowing a reduction in the amount of energy required for wine production. These factors make them one of the premier sustainable wineries in the Pacific Northwest, and they are proud to be the first LEED Gold Certified winery in the world.

They harvest, process, ferment and age each individual section of fruit separately. This process allows the ability to highlight the unique characteristics and extraordinary diversity of flavors created by the age of the vines, vine density, and micro-climate within each individual section.

The goal is to produce elegant wines that reflect the individuality of the site as well as their place within the Dundee Hills. Their wines are beautifully textured and layered with fine, silky tannins, bright red fruit, hints of earth and spice, mouthwatering acidity that will help age the wines for many years to come.

Chehalem Wines

Chehalem boasts a rich history of innovation, sustainability, and exceptional quality. Known for their single-vineyard Pinot Noirs and a progressive approach to white wines, they firmly believe that outstanding wine should accompany every course of a meal.

Their wine quality is determined by the cool macro-climate of the Willamette Valley, vintage, soil profiles, vineyard micro-climates, and winemaking style. Their job is to let the terroir speak and to make the winemaker imprint as transparent as possible.

The climate and winemaking style reveal wines that emphasize balance, elegance and texture. This openness allows the vintage and three terroirs on which they farm to express themselves as wines of startling distinction.

Their objective is to blaze a trail towards a future that is stimulating, exciting and beautiful—such as it must have been generations ago for the Calapooia, overlooking their “valley of flowers.”

Host:

Heidi Moore, Wine Enthusiast

You can follow Wine Crush on Social Media:

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In this episode, host Heidi Moore will guide us through two stories of local winemakers.

The first comes from the oldest running winery in the McMinnville AVA – and the second centers on a family vineyard with an extensive history of working the land.

Guests

Ariel Eberle, Winemaker, Yamhill Valley Vineyards

Jody Wrigley, Co-Owner, J. Wrigley Wines

Guest Biographies

Ariel Eberle

Ariel has spent more than a decade at Yamhill Valley Vineyards (YVV) in the McMinnville AVA of the mid-Willamette Valley. Her passion for winemaking turned heads immediately and after just a single harvest in Oregon, YVV owner Denis Burger nudged Ariel elsewhere to round out her training. She worked a pair of harvests in New Zealand at Palliser Estate in Martinborough and Chard Farm in Central Otago before returning stateside.

Ariel is currently the head winemaker at YVV, which specializes in Pinot Noir, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris, Riesling and Chardonnay. Her vast experience fits in well with YVV, among the oldest producers in the McMinnville area having launched in 1983. She is also the founder and vintner for A Cheerful Note Cellars, a micro-batch label with a percentage of the proceeds going in support of a handful of Portland-based nonprofits.

Jody Wrigley

With a long love of wines, Jody met her husband John on a trip to Oregon. It was at that first meeting the two knew they were not only going to share a love of wine, but also a love for each other and building what is now known as J. Wrigley Vineyards.

Jody and John have invested their heart and soul in developing this family business. As it is often said, “Planting a vineyard and making wine is a lifestyle!” With the help of their team, John and Jody continue to share their passion with wine lovers one glass at a time.

Host:

Heidi Moore, Wine Enthusiast

You can follow Wine Crush on Social Media:

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Join us Sunday, May 12th at 4 p.m. for Wine Crush: Season 2, Episode 7, featuring Ariel Eberle and Jody Wrigley. Listen live at 99.1 FM in the heart of Portland – or online anywhere at PRP.fm.