The Oregon Wine History Archive Podcast

The Oregon Wine History Archive

The Oregon Wine History Archive at Linfield University was created to collect, preserve, share, and continue the narrative of Oregon wine. The growth of the Oregon wine industry extends from the farmers and winemakers to the marketers, scientists, innovators, and dreamers of the enterprise — all of whom are vital to the industry’s success. It is our aim to link the past, present, and future of the industry in hopes of sharing the story of Oregon wine. Some oral history interviews are conducted on site and may contain background noise from nature, winery, or tasting room operations.

  1. 17h ago

    Laurent Montalieu: Oral History Interview

    This interview is with Laurent Montalieu of Soléna Estate. In this interview, Laurent discusses his journey in creating a multi-generational legacy within the Oregon wine industry. Laurent talks about his beginnings in wine. He started out studying engineering in France until he switched to the neighboring Bourdeaux's Institute of Oenology  because it looked like they were having more fun over there. While studying, Laurent did many internships. One took him to Napa Valley which gave him an appreciation for American business management. Freshly graduated, Laurent got a call from Bridgeview Winery to work with them and finally made his way to Oregon. Laurent discusses creating NW Wine Company and its progression throughout the years. The property started as an old pie factory and was originally used to make his own wine. It turned out that people wanted Laurent to make wine for their brands as well. From there, Laurent was the winemaker for many different brands and NW Wine Company was born in 2003. After a creating a successful business with high demand, Laurent sold the company in 2021. Later in the interview, Laurent talks about his current focus, Soléna Estate. Purchasing the property in 1999 and planting vineyards as well as living on it, Soléna Estate was overshadowed by the beast of NW Wine Company in Laurent’s mind. Now, Soléna Estate is Laurent’s main focus as he nurtures the vineyard and his daughter Soléna to become the next leader of the estate. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Soléna Estate in Yamhill on July 15, 2026.

  2. 1d ago

    Bryan Lewis: Oral History Interview

    This interview is with Bryan Lewis of Björnson Vineyard. In this interview, Bryan discusses how he has obtained his dream job. Bryan talks about the how he started out as a pastor, went into video production, sales management for 14 years, and eventually wine retail while making his own beverages from wine kits on the side. After being in retail for so long, Bryan started working as a steward for Market of Choice. When he felt he didn’t know what he was talking about, he decided to complete his WSET level 3 and is currently working on his level 4. When he realized he loved teaching people about wine, he started a wine education-focused Instagram page. Bryan discusses the beginnings of his account and its goal. Initially, Bryan wanted to teach wine beginners about wine in a fun, approachable way. Eventually, even more people outside of his target demographic started consuming and sharing his content. Bryan produces videos and graphics that make learning about wine easy and enjoyable. When Björnson asked Bryan to create a video, he also applied as their hospitality manager and began working there in July of 2025. Now, Bryan has taken his social media presence to the press and has two published books with the same fun approach. Later in the interview, Bryan talks about the future for himself and the Oregon wine industry. Bryan believes that Oregon is going to become more renowned around the world for wine. With this progression, Bryan hopes the industry doesn’t loose who they are along the way. As for himself, there is nothing bigger and better than Björnson for him. He is right where he wants to be and plans to grow Björnson along with his individual side projects. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Björnson Vineyard in Salem on July 14, 2026.

  3. 3d ago

    Kelley, Brad, & Kerry Brainard: Oral History Interview

    This interview is with Kelley, Brad, and Kerry Brainard of Native Son Cellars. In this interview, the group discusses their family’s heritage and transition into wine after retirement. The trio talks about the history of their family as Oregon natives. Their father was the chief of the Miluk Coos of the Confederated Tribes of Coos and his sons take great honor in their heritage. After deciding to start a vineyard and wine brand, the sons decided to pay homage to their family history within the branding. They are “Native Sons” of Oregon and use tribal images on their bottles as representation of their tribal identity. Kelley and Brad discuss their experiences traveling around the world while Brad was in the Air Force. Staying in the same place for five years or less  at a time and frequently traveling abroad, the couple has tried many different wines from many different places. A notable experience was tasting a Hungarian wine they still think about to this day. When Brad retired in 2021, they decided to bring in Brad’s brother, Kerry, to start a vineyard and wine brand.  Later in the interview, Kelley talks about her hopes for the future of Native Sons. Mainly, Kelley wants to get their name out there and continue telling the story behind the brand. Since she is only distributor and doesn’t want to work well into her 90s, they plan to keep the brand small and enjoy the privilege to do what they are passionate about.  This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at their home in Eugene on July 8, 2026.

  4. 6d ago

    John Peacock: Oral History Interview

    This interview is with John Peacock of Ocelli Cellars. In this interview, John discusses his beginnings in analytics and unique transition into wine full-time. John talks about his job experience and introduction to wine. Majoring in real estate finance at Portland State University, John had a lot of jobs in analytics. John was introduced to wine by his wife, Sirpa, and was not a fan of the beverage until he tried Pinot Gris. After enjoying wine together, John and Sirpa decided to make wine their hobby and create their own wine brand in 2013 while still maintaining their seriate full-time jobs. In 2023, John was laid off from his wine production software job and decided it was time to embrace Ocelli as a full-time gig. John discusses his hopes for the new Ocelli tasting room that opened in March of 2026. John considers wine more than a beverage and strives for community within the tasting room. John loves that the Oregon wine industry allows people to create the environments they want to create. He believes that there is new experiences available and something for everyone.  Later in the interview, John talks about his goal to never retire from Ocelli. John believes he already lives in paradise and currently does what he wants to do for the rest of his life. In the future, John hopes to hire others to manage the everyday tasks so he can focus on the winemaking and logistics and “sprinkle the winemaker dust” in the tasting room. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at the Ocelli Cellars tasting room in Dundee on July 8, 2026.

  5. 6d ago

    Sirpa Peacock: Oral History Interview

    This interview is with Sirpa Peacock of Ocelli Cellars. In this interview, Sirpa discusses her work in the Oregon wine industry and her path to starting her own brand. Sirpa talks about how she began in the industry. A Linfield University graduate in sociology, Sirpa was not looking forward to more schooling, so she decided to get into an industry she enjoyed. She started working part-time at a wine bar and kept growing from there. Her unique talent of establishing structure and organization opened doors for her to keep evolving within the industry and working at places such as Archery Summit, Colene Clemens, and Appassionata Estate. Sirpa discusses the beginnings of starting her wine brand with her husband, John. Ocelli was born in 2013 after her husband jokingly said to their winemaking friend that it would be fun to start a brand. That friend let them use some barrels to start their project and the rest is history. For the next decade, Sirpa and John would work their full-time jobs while producing and selling their small brand. Later in the interview, Sirpa talks about their new tasting room. Opening in March of 2026, the Ocelli tasting room is actually a dual tasting room with another small brand, Stephen Goff Wines. Sirpa wanted the tasting room to have a “neighborhood vibe” where people can experience comfortable community. Sirpa is confident for the growth of the tasting room and cannot wait to watch it evolve.  This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at the Ocelli Cellars tasting room in Dundee on July 8, 2026.

  6. Jul 9

    Anne Root & Ashley Campanella: Oral History Interview

    This interview is with Anne Root and Ashley Campanella of Edenvale Winery. In this interview, the duo discusses their introductions to the wine industry and everything that came after.   Anne talks about how her husband’s family was in the pear business and she was given the responsibility to do something with an empty orchard. This orchard soon became a vineyard and the rest is history. The winery still grows pears and uses them for their unique pear cider.  Ashley discusses how after she graduated from college, her mother asked her to help her with her winery project. From there, Ashley began to build the community aspect of the winery until 2008, she had to jump in as winemaker after their previous one left right before harvest. Edenvale never intended Ashley to be the winemaker, but she has a talent for it and still remains in the position. Later in the interview, the mother and daughter talk about the future of the winery. While it is important to them to keep the family history by producing pears, they do not believe Edenvale will stay within the family in the future. However, this all depends on the next generation. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Edenvale Winery on June 12, 2026.

  7. Jul 9

    Javier & Erik Marin: Oral History Interview

    This interview is with Javier & Erik Marin of Marin Estate Wines. In this interview, the father-son duo discuss their history in the wine industry and what they hope to accomplish with their own brand. The two talk about their individual introductions to the wine industry. Javier joined the industry in 1990 as a crew member and vineyard manager. Once he got his contracting license, he purchased his own property for a vineyard. Erik joined the wine industry when he was 14, working for his dad in the vineyard during summers. While not planning on joining the wine industry, he ended up doing the wine program at Chemeketa and even worked a harvest in New Zealand. Through the program, Erik discovered that he enjoyed wine mechanics Javier and Erik discuss what they have learned during their time in the industry and how they apply it to their vineyard. The family, especially Javier, have worked with many different wine makers and vineyard managers from across the Willamette Valley. From many, they have gotten different perspectives and take the best from each. After purchasing the property in 2013, they got to planting in 2018 and produced their first vintage in 2023. Later in the interview, the two talk about the labor that goes into the vineyard. With full-time jobs, the two would come home after and go straight to working on the vineyard. The property is 20 acres and they have planted everything themselves. They believe that doing everything themselves creates a better connection to the final product. For the future, Javier & Erik want to create a winery and tasting room on the hill and plant more vines on their property. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt in McMinnville on July 6, 2026.

  8. Jul 9

    Shannon Mayhew: Oral History Interview

    This interview is with Shannon Mayhew of Brooks Wine. In this interview, Shannon explains her farming philosophies and how she applies them to Brooks’ garden and vineyard. Shannon talks about growing up in Napa Valley, but never having an interest in wine. She dipped her toe into the wine industry when she saw the lack of habitats for bees and cold called vineyards to ask if they wanted hedgerows implemented in their vineyards. After a variety of jobs as a vineyard scout, in restoration work, and even a farming internship in Italy, COVID hit so Shannon switched to agriculture. Shannon discusses the transition to Oregon and the development of her role at Brooks. Shannon moved to Oregon because she felt the farming career was more sustainable in this location. Applying to manage the garden at Brooks, Shannon moved to Oregon and started working as a gardener. From there, she continued to evolve into different roles within the garden, vineyard, and tasting room. Now, she is the sustainability director that manages the whole operation’s  footprint. Later in the interview, Shannon talks about the community she has built within the farming community and her ideas for the future. Shannon is a member of many groups that meet and talk about farming, books, and bees. They share their stories and advice for ways to improve the biodynamics of their vineyards. As for the future of Brooks’ garden and vineyard, Shannon does not lack ideas for growth that span even to the next generation. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Brooks Wine in Amity on July 2, 2026.

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About

The Oregon Wine History Archive at Linfield University was created to collect, preserve, share, and continue the narrative of Oregon wine. The growth of the Oregon wine industry extends from the farmers and winemakers to the marketers, scientists, innovators, and dreamers of the enterprise — all of whom are vital to the industry’s success. It is our aim to link the past, present, and future of the industry in hopes of sharing the story of Oregon wine. Some oral history interviews are conducted on site and may contain background noise from nature, winery, or tasting room operations.

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