Wine Crush Podcast NW

Heidi Moore
  • 4.8 (11)
  • Places & Travel
  • Updated Monthly

From the heart of the Oregon Wine Country, Wine Crush Podcast is designed to tell the amazing and colorful stories of the local wine industry. We interview winemakers from the Willamette Valley in a conversational format, and is going in its Season 5! Hosted by Heidi Moore, sponsored by Country Financial and other local partners, produced by The Daydream Agency, formerly Powered by Portland Radio Project

  1. May 22

    Season 9 - Episode 4 - Balsall Creek & Henderson Ave

    On this episode of Wine Crush Podcast, we explore two wineries redefining what Oregon wine can look and feel like through entirely different lenses. We first head to Balsall Creek, a family-owned winery nestled in the Chehalem Mountains AVA just north of the Dundee Hills. Founded by Jon and Lesli Owens, whose Oregon roots stretch back to the 1850 Oregon Trail era, Balsall Creek combines deep agricultural heritage with a modern vision for luxury Willamette Valley wine. Their estate vineyard is LIVE Certified, Salmon Safe Certified, dry-farmed, hand-harvested and powered with a strong sustainability mission. Alongside Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, they are also producing exciting varietals including Gamay Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Aligoté and Pinot Meunier with an eye toward true Champagne-style sparkling wines. (Balsall Creek) Then we shift gears with Henderson Avenue Wine and founder Tiquette Bramlett, one of the most impactful voices in modern Oregon wine. Henderson Avenue is built around accessibility, storytelling, music, culture and community, creating wines meant to bring people together rather than intimidate them. Tiquette also continues to shape the industry through leadership roles, nonprofit advocacy and mentorship focused on diversity and inclusion within wine. (Henderson Ave) This episode is a conversation about legacy, innovation, authenticity and the many ways wine can create connection. Listen now on all major podcast platforms

    1h 6m

  2. Apr 17

    Season 9 - Episode 2 - Varnum Vintners & Hudak House

    Season 9 kicks off with two standout Willamette Valley producers who are redefining what it means to build a wine brand with heart, grit, and a little creative edge. At Varnum Vintners, husband-and-wife team Taralyn and Cyler Varnum are crafting small-production wines that are as approachable as they are expressive. Focused on old-vine Riesling, Pinot Noir, and sparkling wines, their philosophy is simple: “Made to drink, don’t overthink.” From experimenting with unique varietals and styles to pioneering wine in beer bottles and even launching Oregon’s first non-alcoholic wines, Varnum is pushing boundaries while keeping wine fun, inclusive, and unpretentious. Then we head to the rolling hills just outside Salem to meet the family behind Hudak House. Todd and Lynette Hudak traded a fast-paced California life for a bold leap into wine, taking over a historic, multi-decade vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills. Today, their 30-acre estate produces a diverse lineup of estate-grown wines, from Pinot Noir to Chardonnay, all rooted in the character of the land. What makes Hudak House truly special is the experience: a welcoming, family-driven atmosphere where wine, community, and connection take center stage, whether you’re sipping in the tasting room or enjoying live music on the lawn. Two wineries, two unique paths—but a shared passion for storytelling, innovation, and creating wines that bring people together.

    1h 4m

  3. Apr 3

    Season 9 - Episode 1 - Wild Child & Maypop Wine Co.

    Season 9, Episode 1: Maypop Wine Co. & Wild Child Wines In the premiere of Season 9, we uncork two boundary-pushing forces redefining Oregon wine: Maypop Wine Co. and Wild Child Wines. Maypop Wine Co., founded by winemaking duo Shea Guevara and Vince Kelsey, is a love letter to the Willamette Valley’s untapped potential. With deep roots in generational winemaking, they’ve traded tradition for exploration—intentionally stepping outside the region’s Pinot Noir spotlight to champion underrepresented varietals like Albariño, Gamay, and Riesling. Their approach is refreshingly low-intervention, allowing the vineyard and vintage to speak with minimal interference, resulting in vibrant, expressive wines that are as playful as they are thoughtful. Sustainability and innovation are woven into their DNA, from reusable glass to experimental fermentation techniques, all grounded in a philosophy that wine should be accessible, unpretentious, and enjoyed anytime. Wild Child Wines, led by seasoned sommelier Jonathan, brings a different kind of energy—one rooted in freedom, instinct, and a deep love for the craft. After decades in the wine world, Jonathan set out to create something entirely his own: a boutique label focused on classic Willamette Valley styles with a rebellious edge. His wines embrace minimal intervention while delivering freshness, personality, and a sense of adventure in every bottle. From small-lot Pinot Noir to vibrant Riesling and Gamay, Wild Child is about breaking rules just enough to let authenticity lead the way. Together, these two brands embody the evolving spirit of Oregon wine—where tradition meets curiosity, and where the next generation of winemakers is rewriting the story, one bottle at a time

    1h 4m

  4. Apr 2

    Season 9 - Episode 3 - Anthony King & James Cahill

    In this episode of Wine Crush Podcast, we sit down with two deeply respected figures in Oregon wine: James Cahill and Anthony King. Together, they share the winding journeys that brought them to the heart of the Willamette Valley and the experiences that shaped their winemaking philosophies. James Cahill of North Valley Vineyards brings decades of industry experience and a grounded perspective on farming, winemaking, and building authentic relationships in Oregon wine country. Known for his thoughtful approach and commitment to quality, James reflects on how the Oregon wine scene has evolved while still holding onto its collaborative spirit. Anthony King of Ratio Wineworks and Carlton Winemakers Studio shares his dynamic path through the industry, balancing creativity, precision, and community. From crafting approachable, expressive wines to working within one of Oregon’s most innovative collaborative winemaking spaces, Anthony offers insight into the modern side of Oregon wine and what continues to inspire him vintage after vintage. Together, James and Anthony dive into harvest stories, industry changes, vineyard challenges, friendship within the wine community, and the passion that keeps them chasing the next great bottle. This episode is equal parts education, storytelling, and celebration of the people who make Oregon wine so special. 🍷

    1h 8m

  5. 12/31/2025

    Season 8 - Southern Oregon Road Trip - Troon

    Troon Winery isn’t just making wine—they’re stewarding the land. In this episode, we explore the philosophy and passion behind Troon Winery, where biodynamic farming, regenerative agriculture, and deep respect for nature shape every bottle. This conversation goes beyond tasting notes and into the why—why farming matters, why patience is essential, and why great wine starts long before grapes ever reach the cellar. We talk about balance, biodiversity, and the intentional choices that honor both the vineyard and the people who work it. Troon’s approach is thoughtful, grounded, and refreshingly honest, proving that when you work with the land instead of against it, the result is something truly special. This episode is for wine lovers who care about where their wine comes from, how it’s grown, and the bigger picture behind what’s in the glass. Pour something earthy, lean in, and listen—this one’s all about connection, place, and purpose. 🍷🌿

    55 min

  6. 12/26/2025

    Season 8 - Southern Oregon - Irvine Roberts

    In this episode of the Wine Crush Podcast, we sit down with the team behind Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, one of Southern Oregon’s standout producers known for their high-elevation sites and refined, expressive wines. We explore the inspiration behind the brand, the unique characteristics of the Rogue Valley AVA, and how thoughtful farming and winemaking decisions shape their elegant portfolio. From vineyard challenges to standout varietals, this conversation highlights the passion, precision, and sense of place that define Irvine & Roberts. Whether you’re an Oregon wine fan or just discovering the region, this episode offers insight, heart, and plenty of wine crush-worthy moments. 🍷 Tune in and fall in love with Rogue Valley wine—one story at a time.

    39 min

  7. 12/19/2025

    Season 8 - Southern Oregon - Sound & Vision Wines

    In this episode of Wine Crush Podcast, we sit down with Joe of Sound & Vision Wines to uncover the story behind the label and the passion that fuels it. Joe shares his journey into winemaking, the inspiration behind Sound & Vision, and how staying true to both craft and creativity has shaped his approach in the vineyard and the cellar. We talk about taking risks, trusting your instincts, and building something meaningful from the ground up—along with the challenges and rewards that come with the winemaking life. This episode is a candid, thoughtful conversation about vision, perseverance, and the deep connection between land, people, and the wines they create. Whether you’re a wine lover, an aspiring winemaker, or someone who appreciates a good origin story, this episode offers a behind-the-bottle look at what it really takes to turn passion into a pour worth savoring. 🍷

    27 min

  8. 12/09/2025

    Season 8 - Southern Oregon Road Trip - Schultz Family

    In this week’s Road Trip Series episode, we sit down with the wonderful owners of Schultz Glory Oaks, a warm, inspiring couple who left the South to build a new life in Oregon’s breathtaking Applegate Valley. They share the story of their bold move across the country, the winding road that brought them to their dream property, and the heart behind the vineyard they’re creating. From the challenges of uprooting a life to the joy of finding community in Oregon wine country, this episode is full of authenticity, charm, and the magic of starting fresh. Tune in to hear their journey, their vision, and what makes Glory Oaks such a special stop on our road trip through Oregon’s wine regions.

    26 min
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4.8
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

From the heart of the Oregon Wine Country, Wine Crush Podcast is designed to tell the amazing and colorful stories of the local wine industry. We interview winemakers from the Willamette Valley in a conversational format, and is going in its Season 5! Hosted by Heidi Moore, sponsored by Country Financial and other local partners, produced by The Daydream Agency, formerly Powered by Portland Radio Project

Information

  • Creator
    Heidi Moore
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    110
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Heidi Moore
  • Show Website
    Wine Crush Podcast NW

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