Episode 23 - Emily Yensen - Director of Marketing & Sales - Balsall Creek Vineyards

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In this episode of The Realtor Who Wines, Rashelle Newmyer is recording from the stunning Balsall Creek Vineyards Tasting Room, where family vision meets Oregon heritage in every glass. Rashelle sits down with Emily Jensen, former realtor turned Director of Marketing & Sales, to hear how her family transformed a dream into a 35-acre vineyard and gorgeous tasting room overlooking wine country.

Emily shares how her father’s early retirement sparked the leap, how she leveraged her real estate expertise to navigate the purchase of agricultural land, and what the family learned through farming, harvesting, and winemaking. From the surprises of sparkling wine production (hint: it requires a whole different process and partner team) to partnerships with Northwest Wine and renowned winemaker Laurent Montilla, their story is both inspiring and real.

We delve into Balsall Creek Vineyards' diverse wines, such as their crisp Aligoté, bold Gamay Noir rosé, still Pinot Meunier, and three tiers of Pinot Noir, including the heritage “1850” bottling that honors their Oregon Trail roots. Beyond the glass, Emily explains why wine tasting doesn’t have to feel intimidating; it’s about relaxing, enjoying, and learning what you like, not passing a test.

Balsall Creek Vineyards also stands out for its deep commitment to sustainability: a LIVE-certified, Salmon-Safe, bee-friendly vineyard with plans for sheep and goats to manicure the property, owl and bird programs for natural pest control, and over 150 feet of solar panels powering not just the winery but the grid, complete with EV charging stations for guests.

The episode wraps with Emily’s advice for anyone dreaming of starting a business: be bold, ask questions, seek guidance, and don’t be afraid of mistakes. Her reminder? Honesty, openness, and leveraging others’ expertise are the true markers of great ownership.

Whether you’re curious about wine country living, interested in sustainability, or just want to sip something delicious while hearing a family’s bold journey, this episode will leave you raising your glass.

Thank you for listening! Connect and collaborate with Realtor Rashelle on any of her social media platform pages > https://linktr.ee/RealtorRashelle