Podcast
Wine Crush Podcast NW
Hosted by Heidi Moore · EN
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
29episodes
Episodes
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Walla Walla Road Trip- Brad Sorenson of Les Colline Vineyard
Dec 5, 202400:29:42Tap to summarizeIn this episode of Wine Crush Podcast, Heidi Moore takes listeners on the road to the Walla Walla Valley, where she meets Brad Sorensen, the vineyard manager at Les Colline Vineyards. Brad shares his journey from Wisconsin to the Peace Corps in Nicaragua, to working in Napa and Sonoma, and finally finding his home in Walla Walla. He discusses the unique climate, soil, and varietals of Les Colline, including the famed Block 50 Syrah. With insights into vineyard management, the challenges of grape growing, and the experimentation that sets Walla Walla apart, this episode is a fascinating deep dive into the art and science of viticulture.
Transcribe →Walla Walla Road Trip- Gros Grain Vineyards
Nov 25, 202400:30:04Tap to summarizeJoin host Heidi Moore on this captivating episode of the Wine Crush podcast as she sits down with Matt, owner and winemaker of Gros Grain Vineyards in Walla Walla, Washington. Discover how a serendipitous movie date inspired Matt and his wife Kelly to pivot from careers in tax law and fashion design to the world of winemaking. Explore their journey of reviving neglected vineyards, embracing organic farming, and specializing in unique Mediterranean grape varieties rarely seen in the Northwest. From crafting exquisite sparkling wines to designing a tasting room that feels like home, Matt shares insights into their creative process and passion for the craft. Plus, get the inside scoop on their upcoming Woodinville tasting room opening in 2025. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or love a good origin story, this episode is a must-listen!
Transcribe →Walla Walla Road Trip ‘24- Truth Teller Wine
Nov 18, 202400:34:55Tap to summarizeThis episode of the Wine Crush Podcast, hosted by Heidi Moore, takes listeners on a journey to Walla Walla, Washington, as part of their road trip series. Heidi chats with Chris and Rob, the winemakers behind Truth Teller Winery, who share their unique origin stories, their brand's journey, and their passion for wine-making.The discussion begins with the quirky history behind the Truth Teller name, inspired by Chris’s Swiss heritage, where their surname translates to "village idiot." This light-hearted but meaningful origin gave rise to their jester logo, symbolizing truth-telling. The conversation then delves into Rob's entry into the business after retiring to study wine-making in 2018. His passion and experience led him to collaborate with Chris and his wife, Dawn, turning their partnership into a successful venture blending different styles of winemaking.The hosts reflect on their journey to Walla Walla, a tight-knit community known for its collaborative wine-making environment and world-class vineyards. Both Chris and Rob emphasize how this setting has enabled them to thrive, offering a welcoming atmosphere for new and established winemakers.The podcast explores their winemaking philosophies. Chris is drawn to bold, Bordeaux-style wines, while Rob focuses on lighter, underrepresented varietals like Gamay Noir and Pinot Noir. Their complementary styles lead to a diverse selection of wines, including innovative blends and single-varietal offerings, demonstrating their commitment to quality and creativity. The discussion touches on unique varietals, lighter reds, and white wines, emphasizing their shared passion for approachable, food-friendly wines that defy traditional norms.The episode wraps up with conversations about food pairings, wine culture, and the importance of making wines that reflect personal preferences, not market trends. The duo shares how Truth Teller strives to create a welcoming tasting experience where customers can explore their wines without preconceived notions. The conversation closes with details on where to find their wines and how to connect with them online.
Transcribe →Season 07 - Episode 14 - Bertony Faustin of Abbey Creek Wine
Nov 5, 202401:15:36Tap to summarizeSeason 7 Finale: Redefining Wine with Bertony Faustin of Abbey Creek VineyardIn a special full-circle moment, host Heidi reunites with her very first guest, Bertony Faustin, Oregon's first Black vineyard owner and winemaker. Seven years after their initial conversation, Bertony returns—this time with his dynamic team members, Asha and Elise—to share his inspiring journey of defying industry norms and creating a unique wine experience at Abbey Creek Vineyard, known as "The Crick." They delve into the power of relationships, the courage to embrace authenticity, and how personal stories can transform an industry. From discussing his Haitian heritage and the pivotal moment that led him to winemaking, to exploring how his team brings the brand to life, this episode is a heartfelt exploration of passion, representation, and the magic that happens when you show up as your true self. Don't miss this engaging and uplifting conversation that goes beyond the glass.
Transcribe →Season 07 - Episode 13 - Open Soul Wine & Manifest a Vineyard
Oct 21, 202401:01:19Tap to summarizeWineCrush Season 7 Episode 13: Manifesting Vineyards & Brewing Success with Open Soul Wines and Manifest a VineyardJoin 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.
Transcribe →Season 07 - Episode 12 -Illahe Vineyards & J Wrigley Wine
Oct 9, 202401:13:04Tap to summarizeIn 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.
Transcribe →Season 07 - Episode 11 - Ocelli Cellars & Wildsound Wines
Aug 21, 202401:01:25Tap to summarizeJoin 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.
Transcribe →Season 07 - Episode 10 -Silas Wines & Botaneity Wines
Jul 20, 202401:28:13Tap to summarizeJoin 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.
Transcribe →Season 07 - Episode 9 -Dolores Wine and Jachter Family Wine
Jul 15, 202400:59:14Tap to summarizeThe 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.
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