Wine Crush Podcast NW Heidi Moore

This week on the Wine Crush Podcast, brought to you from the heart of Oregon wine country and sponsored by Country Financial, Heidi Moore welcomes two prominent figures in the wine industry with deep ties to the local winemaking community and beyond. Taking place in beautiful downtown McMinnville, Heidi is joined by Johnny Brose from Flora Jane and Brian Berenger from Human Cellars, both of whom bring compelling stories and insights about their journey through the winemaking world.
Johnny Brose shares his fascinating path starting from brewing beer in college, experiencing a fellowship in Germany, and transitioning from beer to wine after stints at places like Gallo and the McLaren Vale in South Australia. This journey eventually led him to the creation of Flora Jane, named after his wife's grandmother, driven by their mutual love for winemaking. Flora Jane maintains a focus on Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Syrah, and the occasional Cabernet. Notably, Johnny introduces an exciting food pairing of black garlic with their Syrah, garnering delighted reactions from Heidi and the listeners.

Brian Berenger of Human Cellars brings an international flavor to the discussion, recounting his adventures spanning continents from pharmaceutical work to agricultural projects in countries like Thailand, Gambia, and Bolivia. His journey also includes significant time studying and working in Europe, specifically in France and Germany, before finding his way to Oregon to teach at Chemeketa. Human Cellars’ wines are crafted to reflect the people Brian has met globally, adding a personal narrative to each bottle. Their offerings include both varietals and unique blends, predominantly using a hands-off approach in harmony with biodynamic principles.

The episode also delves into the significant role of the Chemeketa Wine Program where both guests currently educate future winemakers and vineyard managers, emphasizing the hands-on approach that the program adopts. They highlight the collaboration between Chemeketa and Ivoy, stressing the importance of offering educational and advancement opportunities to vineyard stewards.

Johnny and Brian underscore the dedication, detail, and passion woven into every aspect of winemaking, from the vineyard to the winery. As always, Wine Crush Podcast shines a spotlight on the personal stories behind the labels, promoting a deeper appreciation for the art and science of winemaking.

In this episode of the Wine Crush podcast, host Heidi Moore speaks with Dr. Greg Jones, CEO of Abacela, a winery in Oregon's Umpqua Valley known for its distinctive approach to wine, focusing on varieties suited for the specific climate and terroir of the region, such as Spanish and Portuguese grapes, notably Tempranillo. Dr. Jones shares an extensive overview of his journey from a professional chef to a renowned climatologist with a PhD, influencing his decisions in viticulture and winemaking. His narrative includes his academic progression, global research contributions, particularly around the impacts of climate change on viticulture, and his eventual role taking over the family winery.
Dr. Jones discusses his father's influence and their mutual dedication to exploring underrepresented grape varieties in America, which led them to plant Tempranillo in Oregon. He also recounts how climate and soil studies have been pivotal in his wine-growing strategies, ensuring each variety thrives in its ideal environment, which enhances the quality of the wines produced.

The story includes an intriguing discovery at Abacela of a historical grape variety, Listán Prieto, found on their property, concealed under a blackberry patch. This grape, known for its legacy within the early Californian wine history and its relation to the Spanish Mission grape, is being harnessed by Abacela to produce a traditional wine called Angelica, a nod to the historical sacramental wines of the missions.

Besides this historical exploration, Dr. Jones emphasizes the winery's array of offerings, including a true port, crafted with all traditional varieties and sourced from the local vines, highlighting their holistic approach to winemaking.

The podcast provides a blend of historical anecdotes, personal journey, and technical insights into vineyard management under the shadow of climate considerations, making it a compelling narrative for wine enthusiasts and industry peers interested in the nuanced interplay between traditional methods and modern scientific approaches in viticulture and enology

In this engaging episode of the WineCrush podcast, Season 7, hosted by Heidi Moore, listeners are taken on a journey into the heart of Oregon's wine country, with a emphasis on the storied wine-producing region of the Willamette Valley. The episode is adorned with rich narratives from two distinguished guests, Paul Johnson of Satyr Fires and Maria Ponzi, who delve into their personal histories, their contributions to the Oregon wine industry, and their perspectives on wine education and collaboration.
Paul Johnson's story is one of a passionate transition from the East Coast to Oregon, driven by a love for Pinot Noir. Having managed a wine shop in Connecticut and being enchanted by Oregon's Pinot Noir, Paul made the significant move to Oregon with hopes of contributing to its wine legacy. Despite his self-professed status as an outsider, Paul highlights the open, collaborative spirit within the Oregon wine community that welcomed him and allowed him to pursue his winemaking dreams. His venture, Satyr Fires, stands as a testament to the success born from community support and mutual enthusiasm for wine.
Maria Ponzi offers a profound insight into growing up amidst the burgeoning Oregon wine industry. Not born into it but introduced at a tender age of four, Maria's narrative is rich with the evolution of the Oregon wine scene from its nascent stages, marked by skepticism and a lack of identity, to its current global renown. Maria's journey transitions from hard labor in the vineyards to a pivotal role in sales and marketing, illustrating her adaptability and passion for the family business. Furthermore, her literary contribution, "Pinot Girl," serves as a personal memoir and a historical account of Oregon's wine industry's growth, capturing the collaborative spirit that propelled it forward.
The episode takes a thoughtful turn towards education with a focus on Linfield's Wine Studies Program. Maria Ponzi, serving as the interim director, outlines the program's comprehensive approach to wine education, encompassing viticulture, enology, marketing, sales, and more. Linfield's program stands out for its emphasis on real-world experience, boasting partnerships with local wineries and the innovative Acorn to Oak Wine Experience managed by Paul Johnson. This unique venture pairs wine business operations with educational goals, offering Linfield students invaluable hands-on experience in the wine industry.

From the heart of the Oregon wine country, the Wine Crush Podcast brings you an intriguing conversation with Eugenia Keegan, a legendary figure in the world of wine. In this episode, host Heidi Moore dives deep into Eugenie’s fascinating journey from childhood adventures in agriculture to becoming an integral part of Jackson Family Wines in the Willamette Valley. Join us as we uncork the stories behind the labels, exploring the art, passion, and culture that shapes the wine industry.
Eugenia’s journey through the world of wine is a testament to the importance of community, innovation, and sustainability in shaping the future of winemaking. Her passion for Oregon wines and commitment to excellence continues to inspire and influence the global wine community.

In this captivating episode of the Wine Crush Podcast Season 7, Episode 2, host Heidi Moore whisks us away on a global journey that highlights the diverse and rich tapestry of winemaking. Through engaging conversations with winemakers from the Willamette Valley and beyond, this episode delves deep into not just the intricacies of crafting wine, but also the personal narratives that define the essence of each vineyard.
We begin with Mark from Domain 524, whose fascinating story traverses continents, from the lush vineyards of France to the flourishing wine country of Oregon. Mark's winemaking voyage is a testament to the profound influence of cultural heritage and personal experiences on the craft of winemaking. Growing up with summers in France and later embarking on winemaking in Oregon, Mark's narrative beautifully encapsulates how the diversity of experiences and the richness of tradition interlace to create exceptional wines. Through engaging tales of selecting grape clones, adapting to Oregon's climate, and the inspiration behind his wine labels, Mark's journey offers a deep dive into the heart and soul behind Domain 524.

In the heart of the episode, we transition to a delightful wine tasting session. This interlude not only serves as a sensory exploration of Oregon's wine diversity but also beautifully bridges the stories of our guests, underscoring the shared passion and distinctive philosophies that shape their winemaking practices.

The episode culminates with Akiko and Chris from Shiba Wichern Cellars, whose remarkable journey from Germany, with stops in Japan and Virginia, eventually led them to Oregon. This duo's story is a harmonious blend of love, adventure, and the pursuit of winemaking excellence across borders. With backgrounds that span from beer to wine and continents from Asia to North America and Europe, Akiko and Chris's adventures underscore the universal appeal of winemaking and the unique paths that lead to the vineyard. Their thoughtful approach to embracing Oregon's terroir, coupled with their innovative spirit and dedication to producing distinct blends, reveals the depth of their commitment to contributing to Oregon's wine legacy.

This episode of the Wine Crush Podcast transcends the traditional discussions of winemaking by weaving a narrative that celebrates the human element behind every bottle. From Mark's intimate connection to his French heritage and Oregon's land to Akiko and Chris's cross-continental love story underscored by their shared passion for winemaking, listeners are taken on an immersive journey that explores the profound connections between culture, personal journey, and the art of wine.

Pour yourself a glass, and let's celebrate the stories of winemakers who remind us that behind every bottle lies a world of stories, waiting to be uncorked.

Season 7 commences with an international flair, featuring two distinguished wine brands shaped by global influences. Jesse Schwartz, of Cassie Bella Wines and The Wine Scribes, shares his passion for wine cultivated during extensive travels, leading to the establishment of Wine Scribes—a valuable resource for wine enthusiasts. Their portfolio expands to include vineyards in the Columbia Gorge (Oregon) and Portugal, with Cassie Bella serving as a tribute to Jesse’s wife and their shared life.
The second narrative unfolds as a captivating love story between Chad Ana Bree Stock. Originating from Australia, Bree’s global wine explorations intersected with Chad during a transformative visit to Oregon. Their love story birthed Limited Addition, where they explore diverse varietals, challenging conventional grape choices in the Willamette Valley to produce exceptional wines. Season 7’s inaugural episode promises excitement and surprise as we delve into these unique wine journeys. Thank you for joining us.