INTERVIEWER
Schmidt, Rich
DURATION
51 minutes 54 seconds
DATE
September 15, 2026
INTERVIEW SUMMARY
This interview is with Chris Luby who worked at Cherry Hill Winery and Dobbes Family Estate. Chris discusses his journey into the wine industry and how his career has changed over the years.
Chris originally became interested in wine after a honeymoon trip to Napa Valley in the late 1980’s, where he developed an interest in sparking wine. With a background in business and economics, he originally worked in insurance before deciding to pursue a career in wine. He taught himself about wine through reading and then decided he wanted to give it a try so he applied to work at High Pass Winery and completed a harvest internship there.
Chris began his winemaking career after being referred to a cellar job at what was formally known as Flynn Winery, where he worked a little over 3 years. He later worked at Cherry Hill, where he began making his own wine from 2003-2010. After Cherry Hill, Chris spent three years as a winemaker while also working in marketing and sales at Olsen Family Vineyards.
Chris then spent ten years at Hobbes Family Estate as a vineyard liaison and senior cellar technician. After deciding he wanted a change from the wine industry, he began working at Prestige Senior Living as an Enrichment Assistant. He also works as a certified personal trainer at Southwest Community Gym.
This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Linfield University in McMinnville, Oregon on September 15, 2026.
Interview photos
COMMENTS
Some oral history interviews are conducted on site and may contain background noise from nature, winery, or tasting room operations.