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 community, top-notch winemaking, and the joy of sharing good wine.