Interview
This interview is with Alex Davis of PDX Wine. In this interview, Alex talks about his love for all things food, travel, and wine.
Alex shares about his childhood and growing up in Maine. He dives into growing up around his parents’ bar and how these memories still influence him today. He then goes on to talk about going to college and his subsequent travels.
Later in the interview, Alex talks about catching the wine bug and goes on to share some of his first memories and impressions of Portland. He then talks about his journey to finding his current roles at PDX Wine.
This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Tulip Shop Tavern in Portland on June 3, 2025.
Interview
This interview is with Don Heistuman. In this interview, Don shares his journey, first paved with music, to wine and where wine has led him.
Don dives into being born in Portland and raised in Washington. He talks about his early love for food, sociology, music, and culture. He then shares how all of his passions and experiences led him to the wine industry.
Later in the interview, Don shares what he finds to be his proudest accomplishments and what he hopes to do in the future.
This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt in the Nicholson Library at Linfield University on February 26, 2024.
Interview
This interview is with Michael Wheeler of PDX Wine. In this interview, Michael speaks about life as a wine importer and distributor. He tells us that he first realized his love of wine in New York where he began doing tastings on his own. He talks about following his passion for wine and moving out to Oregon where he found a lot of personality and joy in supporting the many small wineries here. He also shares with us his love of Spanish wines and his interest in bringing more of them to the state. Later, Michael discusses the decision to start PDX Wines in 2011, the success so far, and the goals he has for the future.
This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Michael’s house in Portland on July 11, 2022.