Interview
This interview is with Amael Orrego of Benton-Lane Winery. In this interview, Amael shares his wine journey and how he found himself in Oregon after growing up in Chile.
Amael talks about his childhood and growing up in rural Chile. He reminisces about the countryside and his family. He then shares how these factors drove him to find a profession in the wine industry.
Amael then dives into finding jobs after his time spent at a university in Chile. He talks about being introduced to Pinot and Chardonnay in California and how he has come to fall in love with the varieties while in Oregon. He also shares what all he loves about wine and winemaking.
Amael leaves us with some of his aspirations and observations about Oregon wine.
This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Benton-Lane Winery in Monroe, Oregon on February 27, 2024.
Interview
This interview is with Gretchen Boock of Benton-Lane Winery. In this interview, Gretchen speaks about her unique introduction to the wine industry, and the leadership philosophy that has shaped her career. Despite difficult times, Gretchen is ready for whatever the future has in store for Benton Lane.
This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Benton-Lane Winery on August 19, 2021.
Interview
In this oral history interview, we talked with Steve Girard of Benton-Lane Winery. Steve talks about his early appreciation for wine and how he got hooked on Oregon Pinot Noir. He also discusses his journey of acquiring his unique property, planting his vines, and making his wine. One point that he emphasizes is that it takes a team, not a single person, to make a wine successful.
This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on June 27, 2018 at Benton-Lane Winery in Monroe, Oregon.