Interviewer
Unknown
Duration
12 minutes 49 seconds
Date Range
circa 2004-2006
Interview Summary
Terry Casteel is a co-founder of Bethel Heights Vineyard in Salem, Oregon. After 26 years as winemaker, Casteel passed the job to his son, Ben. Terry earned a degree in English Literature, a Master’s Degree in Theology, and a Ph.D in Educational Psychology en route to his journey to becoming part of the Oregon wine Industry with his family. He was actively involved in many key events in the industry, such as the formation of the International Pinot Noir Celebration and ¡Salud!.
In this interview, Casteel sheds light on what the wine industry would have been like without the land use laws that he and many other Oregon wine pioneers instigated in the early days to protect the hillsides of the valley. As an academic, he experienced a unique perspective jumping into the agricultural lifestyle. He shares his thoughts on the evolution of the industry, what the future may hold, and more.
This interview was conducted circa 2004-2006.
Comments
Some oral history interviews are conducted on site and may contain background noise from nature, winery, or tasting room operations. The videos in this collection are raw footage donated to the Oregon Wine History Archives. The quality of the footage is inconsistent and contains some visual disturbances with camera movement. Motion sickness may occur.
This project is supported in part by the Oregon Cultural Trust.