INTERVIEWER
Schmidt, Rich
DURATION
1 hour 21 minutes 32 seconds
DATE
June 11, 2026
INTERVIEW SUMMARY
This interview is with Mike and Mark Wisnovsky of Valley View Winery. In this interview, the brothers discuss the responsibility of continuing the legacy their parents passed onto them.
The brothers talk about how they were almost born into the industry. They started planting at four and eight years old, learning the ins and outs of harvest. When they were made partners after their father passed away, they were forced to make big decisions about the winery earlier than most. After their mother passed away, they took on full responsibility of the winery. Now, Mark’s children work with their father and uncle, a three generational impact on Valley View.
Mark discusses how connected he is to the vineyard even having nightmares about bugs and various other corruption. This isn’t just a business for the family, it is their life. While Mark focuses on the vineyard, Mike is responsible for the sales. They described their partnership as passing the baton to each other throughout the years.
Later in the interview, the duo talks about their strengths. With the responsibility of continuing a 50-year legacy, they discuss how they keep the business afloat. A big strength they talked about is their accessibility. They also discuss the benefits of producing wine in Southern Oregon as it is the place to go to try something different.
This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Valley View Winery on June 11, 2026.
Interview photos
COMMENTS
Some oral history interviews are conducted on site and may contain background noise from nature, winery, or tasting room operations.