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.

And just like that season 6 has come to an end! What a treat our last episode of the season was! We welcomed in our first father-daughter team, Harry and Wynne Peterson-Nedry. They are the dream team behind both RR (Ribbon Ridge) Wines and Ridge Crest Wine! As a special guest we brought back the ever entertaining Andy Lytle to hold down the very first co-hosting spot! It was quiet the crowd in the studio!

Harry is one of legends and early developers of the Oregon Wine Industry and planted the very first vineyard in what is now known as the Ribbon Ridge AVA. His name is synonymous with quality and knowledge in the industry!

Wynne is a true definition of a wine kid! She was born shortly after the purchase of the Ribbon Ridge property and grew up playing and working in the vineyards. A wealth of knowledge herself, she has become a distinguished and highly respected winemaker in the Willamette Valley!

Join us we wrap up the season with a highly energetic and comical chat featuring 3 amazing personalities whose passion for wine is so very evident ! Cheers to you all and to another great season in the books!

From the heart of the Oregon wine country, the Wine Crush Podcast presents an unforgettable episode featuring two exceptional winemakers: Chris from Liska and Colin from Mendivia. Host Heidi Moore invites listeners to embark on a journey into the world of wine as Chris and Colin share their backgrounds, inspirations, and the stories behind their remarkable wine brands.

Liska, founded by Chris and his partner Draga Mirajelova, is dedicated to crafting German Riesling. Their love for the grape began during a harvest in Germany's Mosel region, where they fell in love with the style and decided to bring it to Oregon. Liska is a result of their passion for Riesling and their desire to create exceptional wines that reflect the unique terroir of the Willamette Valley.

Colin, the founder of Mendivia, draws inspiration from his family's Basque heritage and focuses on Spanish grape varieties like Tempranillo and Albarino. His wines showcase the beauty and complexity of these grapes, exploring emerging AVAs in Oregon and beyond. With Mendevia, Colin seeks to introduce wine enthusiasts to the unique flavors and stories behind these Spanish varietals.

In this captivating episode, Heidi delves deep into the winemakers' journeys, discussing their experiences, winemaking philosophies, and the importance of terroir in their wines. Discover the nuances and complexities of German Riesling and Spanish varietals as Chris and Colin share their expertise and passion. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or simply curious about the world of winemaking, this episode is a must-listen for its rich insights, inspiring stories, and the celebration of two talented winemakers pushing the boundaries of their craft.

In this episode of the Wine Crush podcast, host Heidi Moore takes listeners on a journey through the world of winemaking with two Dave's and their unique stories. First, we meet Dave Paige, a Midwestern boy who found his passion for wine while working in a wine shop. Dave shares his transition from a car-making family in Ohio to becoming a winemaker in Oregon's Willamette Valley. He discusses the evolution of the American wine industry, the changing perceptions of wine, and the importance of understanding the unique characteristics of different vineyards.

Next, Heidi is joined by Dave and Casi from Namaste Wine. They share their love story, which began on a Match.com date, and how they became the proud owners of a vineyard in Dallas, Oregon. They discuss their passion for winemaking, the intricacies of their wines, and the recent opening of their stunning new tasting room, housed in a renovated 100-year-old barn. They share their journey of transforming the barn into a warm and inviting space, perfect for enjoying their exceptional wines.

Throughout the episode, listeners will gain insights into the winemaking process, the importance of terroir, and the joy of exploring different flavors and styles of wine. Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or new to the world of wine, this episode offers a delightful blend of information, entertainment, and inspiration. So grab a glass of wine and join Heidi as she uncorks the stories of these passionate winemakers. Cheers!

Episode 9 brings us legendary wine maker Robert Brittan! We travel through history and the path Robert took on his way to Oregon. His time in college and the making of his first wine, becoming winemaker at the famed Stags Leap in Napa, the meeting of his beautiful wife Ellen and the eventual move to Oregon and what is now Brittan Vineyards. Every path into the wine industry is unique and different and this is definitely a show to listen to and enjoy! Be sure to share this with all your wine loving friends and go find the wine! You won’t be disappointed!