INTERVIEWER
Schmidt, Rich
DURATION
1 hour 6 minutes 8 seconds
DATE
July 20, 2026
INTERVIEW SUMMARY
This interview is with James Buzo Tipton of Fullerton Wines. In this interview, James discusses joining the wine industry in California and transitioning into the Oregon wine industry.
James talks about growing up in Portland with a family that was interested in craft beer and brewing. After moving to California, James started working for his friend’s family’s wine distribution company. Eventually, he transitioned into different roles in tasting rooms and as a cellar hand. When he moved back to Oregon to be closer to family, he found Fullerton and started as a cellar hand in 2018.
James discusses his growth within Fullerton and his style as a winemaker. Starting as a cellar hand, James kept taking on more responsibilities as he did more harvests with Fullerton. Eventually, he was given the title of assistant winemaker. James describes his winemaking style as light-handed. He doesn’t like to intervene with what makes a vintage unique. In the future, James wants to make his own wine, even foraging his own fruit.
Later in the interview, James talks about the future of the Oregon wine industry. James believes it will take new faces and new blood to keep the industry afloat. He discusses that consumer trends are changing and the industry needs to take a step back to find what consumers really want.
This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Red Shed Vineyards in Lewisburg on July 20, 2026.
Interview photos
COMMENTS
Some oral history interviews are conducted on site and may contain background noise from nature, winery, or tasting room operations.