INTERVIEWER
Schmidt, Rich
DURATION
1 hour 45 minutes 43 seconds
DATE
February 19, 2026
INTERVIEW SUMMARY
This interview is with Trevor Hertrich. In this interview, Trevor speaks about his path into the world of wine, explaining how he grew up in Chicago without much exposure to it and originally studied sociology at the University of Illinois before discovering wine while working in a restaurant.
Next, he discusses how his curiosity led him deeper into wine, becoming known as the “wine guy” and containing his studies in Arizona, where his interest in wine began to feel more like a potential career than just a side interest.
Trevor explains how his experiences in restaurants, retail, and distribution helped him build knowledge and connections, eventually leading him into wine education and involvement in the WSET program at Linfield University.
Finally, Trevor talks about his passion for wine as something complex an ever-evolving, as well as his goal to continue advancing in the field and give back through education while pursuing higher certifications like the Master of Wine.
This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt in the Nicholson Library at Linfield University in McMinnville on February 19, 2026.
Interview photos
COMMENTS
Some oral history interviews are conducted on site and may contain background noise from nature, winery, or tasting room operations.