INTERVIEWER
Schmidt, Rich
DURATION
1 hour 20 minutes 36 seconds
DATE
April 16, 2025
INTERVIEW SUMMARY
This interview is with Layne Witherell. In this interview, Layne shares his journey from growing up in Los Angeles during the 60s to retiring in Portland, Maine as a foodie. He talks about his education, jobs, hobbies, and everything in between.
Layne dives into his early life in Los Angeles, California and how he eventually found himself serving in the U.S. Navy. He then talks about going to college and finding wine. Layne goes on to share about living in Oregon and his time and memories associated with selling the wines of the early wine pioneers of Oregon.
Later in the interview, Layne goes on to talk about moving to Virginia and selling Oregon wine on the East Coast. He then shares about writing his own book, Wine Maniacs, and the passions he has found with retirement.
This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on Zoom on April 16, 2025.
Interview photos
COMMENTS
Some oral history interviews are conducted on site and may contain background noise from nature, winery, or tasting room operations.