INTERVIEWER
Schmidt, Rich
DURATION
1 hour 22 minutes 16 seconds
DATE
June 24, 2026
INTERVIEW SUMMARY
This interview is with Ariel Eberle of Yamhill Valley Vineyards. In this interview, Ariel is interviewed for the second time after 8 years and reflects on what has changed and what the future may hold.
Ariel talks about her initial interest in wine being related to science. She started with an interest in biology that transitioned into botany and wine. Studying biology and minoring in chemistry at Oregon State University, Ariel believes that knowledge is power and that this education laid the foundation for her work as a winemaker. Ariel explains how she was originally interested in working in healthcare, but joined Yamhill Valley Vineyards in 2008 when head winemaker at the time, Stephen Cary, needed help. Now, she believes it is a gift to study the land.
Ariel discusses her relationship with her mentor, Stephen Cary. She describes him as the most determined person she has ever known and discusses how she values his commitment to nature. She explains Stephen’s significance within not only the Oregon wine industry, but within the international wine industry as well. She claims that Pinot Noir would not be where it is today without Stephen. After working under him as the assistant winemaker for years, she made the natural transition into head winemaker.
Later in the interview, Ariel explains how her relationship with Yamhill Valley Vineyards has changed and deepened since 2018. She believes that being a winemaker is her purpose and that purpose is to facilitate connection. Ariel talks about how the energy from the people who grew and made the wine transitions to the people who drink it. To her, it is all about intention when winemaking.
This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Yamhill Valley Vineyards in McMinnville on June 24, 2026.
Interview photos
COMMENTS
Some oral history interviews are conducted on site and may contain background noise from nature, winery, or tasting room operations.