Wine

Crush Season 7 Episode 13: Manifesting Vineyards & Brewing Success with Open Soul Wines and Manifest a Vineyard

Join host Heidi Moore in the picturesque setting of McMinnville, Oregon, for an engaging and heartfelt episode of the Wine Crush podcast. In this episode, Heidi welcomes two passionate winemakers embarking on their first podcast journey: Jordan Hostetter from Open Soul Wines and Reba from Manifest a Vineyard.

Jordan shares his inspiring transition from managing operations at boutique wineries like Double Back and XOBC Cellars to launching his own brand, Open Soul Wines. Discover his dedication to crafting exceptional rosé and Blanc de Blanc, his collaboration with renowned winemaker Kate Payne Brown, and his unique approach to sourcing grapes exclusively from Oregon’s Willamette Valley and Columbia Gorge.

Reba takes listeners on her own journey of manifesting a vineyard later in life. From planting six vines in her Portland front yard to acquiring a half-acre fixer-upper vineyard, Reba discusses her intuitive path into winemaking, her educational pursuits with Chemeketa Wine Program, and the magical serendipity that led her to create Manifest Vineyard. Learn about her delightful Pinot Gris, inspired by the wild beauty of her land and adorned with charming llama illustrations.

Throughout the episode, enjoy candid conversations, laughter over spilled sparkling wine, and insightful discussions on the soulful essence of winemaking. Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or new to the world of viticulture, this episode offers a blend of personal stories, industry insights, and the vibrant spirit of Oregon’s wine community.

In this engaging episode of Wine Crush, host Heidi Moore sits down with two dynamic winemaking couples from Oregon's famed Willamette Valley: Brad and Bethany Ford of Illahe Vineyards and John and Jody Wrigley of J Wrigley Wines. The episode explores the heart and soul of these winemakers' journeys, from their humble beginnings, passions, challenges, and inventive processes in the vineyard. Brad and Bethany share intriguing stories about their sustainable winery practices, including utilizing horses and canoeing wine to Portland without using modern machinery, encapsulated by their 1899 project. Meanwhile, John and Jody recount their serendipitous meeting and development of their vineyard in the McMinnville AVA, highlighting their specialty 828 Pinot Noir clone with a fascinating backstory. Both couples share their love stories, winemaking philosophies, unique vineyard qualities, and, of course, what guilty pleasure foods pair perfectly with their wines. It's a delightful episode filled with laughter, love, wine education, and Oregon's undeniable charm.

Join host Heidi Moore as she uncorks captivating stories from two extraordinary winemakers in Episode 11 of the Wine Crush Podcast. Kicking off the episode, we delve into the world of John from Ocelli Cellars, located in the heart of McMinnville, Oregon. Known for his singular focus on Grenache, John shares the serendipitous journey from corporate finance to winemaking, and the adventures of producing exquisite Grenache-based wines. Learn about his avant-garde approach to crafting a white wine from red Grenache Noir, and how he champions the beauty of this underrated varietal.

In the second segment, we head to the rugged beauty of Oregon’s coast range with John and Megan from Wildsound Wines. This dynamic duo left the hustle of LA to become moonlighting farmers, meticulously nurturing their vineyard from the ground up. Explore their unique winemaking philosophy centered on minimal intervention and the powerful "wild sound" of the land. With tales of challenging winters, vibrant co-ferments, and lessons from global wine travels, this episode is a blend of passion, perseverance, and pioneering spirit.

Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or a curious newbie, this episode is a must-listen. Don’t miss out on these inspiring journeys filled with love for the vine, innovative winemaking techniques, and true dedication to the craft.

Join host Heidi Moore in Season 7, Episode 10 of the Wine Crush Podcast for an engaging discussion with three special guests from Oregon's wine country. First, meet Robert from Botaneity, who shares the story behind his uniquely crafted wines that blend spontaneity with sustainable farming. Next, Alex of Silas Wines takes us through his eclectic journey from chemistry and comedy to winemaking, showcasing his exceptional Pinot Noirs and innovative techniques. Lastly, Kelsey, the producer of the Neskowin Food and Wine Festival, previews the upcoming event, highlighting the incredible wines, local food, and the beautiful coastal setting.

The Wine Crush podcast's Season 7, Episode 9, is set in the picturesque downtown McMinnville in Yamhill County, Oregon, known as the heart of the Willamette Valley wine industry. The episode features two interviews with winemakers Kate Payne Brown and Dave Jachter, delving into their unique stories and perspectives on winemaking.

First up, Kate Payne Brown, owner and winemaker of Dolores Wines. Kate, known for her sparkling wines, brings an array of bubbly to the show. Her brand, Dolores, carries a deep, personal connection, being her mother’s nickname when she traveled through Spain. Paying tribute to her mother’s adventurous spirit, Kate shares how the name and the memories behind it inspired her wine brand’s creation.

Kate recounts her journey into winemaking, initially on a path to become a doctor due to her academic prowess in science. However, an interest in wine led her to volunteer at a winery, eventually earning a master's in oenology from the University of Adelaide in Australia. Returning to Oregon, she joined Archery Summit and later contributed significantly to Stoller Family Estate, establishing their sparkling wine program.

Highlights include discussions about her wines made from Pinot Gouge Blanc, a rare varietal, and the 2015 vintage that stood out for its brioche characteristics gained from extended aging on lees. Kate emphasizes the importance of acidity in Willamette Valley Chardonnay, having potential energy that balances the wine beautifully.

Kate has also been working on a new project called Ambar Estate, a vineyard recently certified as regenerative organic. The 2021 Chardonnay from Ambar, a barrel-fermented delight, showcases the vineyard's potential and reflects the collaborative spirit of the Oregon wine industry. The wine is available on her websites, callmedolores.com and ambarestate.com.

Next, Dave Jachter, once prominent in the car dealership industry with Wilsonville Toyota and Subaru, shares his story of transitioning into wine. Dave’s reinvention of the car buying experience through a no-nonsense, customer-friendly approach echoes his philosophy for Jachter Family Wines, aiming to offer a welcoming, less intimidating wine-tasting experience.

Introduced to winemaking serendipitously, Dave detailed how he and Jared Etzel, their winemaker, embarked on creating Jachter Family Wines in 2019, starting with vineyards in Ribbon Ridge and a nearby property they acquired. Their first vintage, including Cuvee Karen Ann named after Dave's wife, received notable accolades, scoring 94 and 95 points from Wine Advocate.

Dave emphasizes their commitment to organic farming practices, rejecting chemical herbicides and pesticides, integrating sustainable landscaping, and focusing on creating a vibrant and fun atmosphere at their tasting room. They host events like tastings paired with food from renowned chefs like Eric Caballeros.

Jachter Family Wines, located on Kings Grade Road, offers picturesque views and a hospitable environment, promoting a relaxed experience for visitors. The brand's philosophy is to make wine enjoyment accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

To visit or buy their wine, one can check jachterwine.com. The podcast highlights their mutual philosophy of integrating...

In this milestone episode of Wine Crush, we are welcomed by the spirited host who is bubbling with enthusiasm as Season 7 advances to Episode 8. This episode features two distinct yet compelling winemakers: Ryan Sharp from Enso Winery and Lizzie with Lagniappe Wines (previously known for her 'Fizzy Lizzy').

First in the hot seat is Ryan Sharp, hailing from Enso Winery. Ryan traces his circuitous path to winemaking, recounting his early days transitioning from graphic design to wine production, driven by his passion for hands-on, earthy work. Ryan delves into the inception of Enso Winery and shares the challenges faced in popularizing the concept of an urban winery in Southeast Portland.

Ryan reveals that his fascination with wine evolved over various careers and his first projects practically lacked typical winery amenities. His story is peppered with anecdotes about DIY solutions and relentless aspiration, from drawing inspiration from traditional Burgundy practices to making his wines in Salisbury.

Interestingly, Ryan's philosophy of Enzo (a Japanese term referring to a single brushstroke circle representing the moment) mirrors his approach to making wine. He explains his reluctance to produce Pinot Noir initially because of the competition but found an innovative angle by co-fermenting it with white wine grapes, creating a distinct vintage true to the moment's uniqueness.

Next, we shift to Lizzie with her brand Lagniappe Wines (originally known for Fizzy Lizzy). Lizzie’s journey kicks off ambitiously in New Orleans and travels through prestigious wine regions across the globe, including Burgundy and Chile. Lizzie shares her story of acquiring the travel bug, working in diverse regions, and ultimately planting roots in Oregon after a rewarding yet unexpected stop during the pandemic.

Lizzie’s vibrant personality shines through as she discusses sourcing fruits from adventurous regions such as the Columbia Gorge. Her whimsical yet insightful recount of her first commercial success with Fizzy Lizzy's swamp water Pet-Nat provides a captivating glimpse into her dynamic world of wine creation. Lizzie’s emotional and professional trajectory illustrates the intersections of culture, tradition, community, and innovation.

In closing, both Ryan and Lizzie discuss their current offerings and interaction in the community. Lizzie's recent introduction to Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Chenin Blanc, and Riesling adds an exciting dimension to her evolving portfolio. Meanwhile, Ryan’s continued focus on interesting blends and urban winery ambiance in Portland offers a sophisticated yet accessible venture into the wine world.

Join us in the heart of Oregon wine country for a bubbly and spicy adventure! 🍷✨ First, meet Kenny and Allison from Arabilis Wines. From WA grads to Oregon winemakers, discover their sparkling journey and savor their meticulously crafted traditional method wines 🍾.

Then dive into an unexpected flip with Meg from Flip Turn Cellars 🌊. From competitive swimmer to passionate winemaker, hear about her vibrant reds and try pairing Flaming Hot Cheetos with her new dry Riesling 🧀🔥 seamlessly blending curiosity and flavor!

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.