Interview
This interview is with Denise and Bryan White of Troon Vineyards in Grants Pass. In this interview they share their journey into winemaking, their professional backgrounds, and how they built their vineyard and business together.
Both Denise and Bryan originally came from medical backgrounds. Bryan worked in internal medicine and is board certified in hospice and palliative care, while Denise attended medical school and worked in a clinic, including time in neurology. Before entering the wine industry, they were involved in starting medical nonprofits in California and in Texas.
In 2017, they purchased Troon Vineyards and began transitioning it to organic and biodynamic practices. Inspired by ecological approaches to farming, they focused less on industrial methods and more on soil health and microbiology. Over several years, they replanted much of the vineyard and expanded beyond just wine production to include apple cider, gardens, and livestock.
They emphasize the importance of building a strong, knowledgable team to support all aspects of the vineyard, from soil science to vineyard management. They even conducted extensive soil testing, digging large soil pits and consulting experts to better understand the land. Overall, Denise and Bryan highlight intentionality in both their farming and business practices, aiming to create high-quality wine while improving the land and contributing positively to their community.
This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Troon Vineyards in Grants Pass on March 18, 2026.
Thank you to the Oregon Wine Board for generously supporting this interview as part of our Southern Oregon 2026 tour!
Interview
This interview is with Nate Wall of Troon Wines. In this interview, Nate speaks about discovering an interest in microbes and an interest in wine, but taking a while to find the connection between the two. He talks about getting his start working in the Virginia wine industry before coming to Oregon, and the various places he worked.
Once in Oregon, he takes us through the path to coming to Troon, from finding a passion for biodynamic farming to finding Troon just as it was about to undertake a massive biodynamic project. He also talks about what comes next for him and for the brand.
This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Troon Wines tasting room in McMinnville on April 5, 2023.
Interview
This Oral History Interview is with Craig Camp of Troon Vineyards. Craig has worked in a variety of roles in wine and a variety of places in the world, but the chance to practice biodynamic farming and winemaking at Troon is what brought him back to Oregon to stay.
In this interview he talks about his path through the industry, what excites him about biodynamics, and the future of Troon and the Oregon wine industry.
This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on January 20, 2022 at the Troon Vineyards tasting room in McMinnville.
interview
This interview is with Garett Long of Troon Vineyard. In this interview, Garett speaks about his interest in biogeochemistry, also known as soil science. He also touches on what spirituality and therapeutic practices bring to the winemaking process.
This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Troon Vineyards tasting room in McMinnville on January 20, 2022.
Interview
This interview is with Maggie Bowman, step-daughter of the late Dick Troon and covers the personal life of Dick Troon, the founder of Troon Vineyard. Bowman recounts her early years at Troon Vineyard and life with Dick Troon and Bowman’s mother, Virginia.
This interview was conducted by Rachael Woody at Troon Vineyar’s Carlton Tasting Room on November 8, 2013.
Historical Photos
