Interview
This interview is with Ryan Clifford of Alloro Vineyard and The Allison.
Ryan talks about his early life growing up in Detroit, Michigan, where he developed interests in biology, animals, and aquarium science, which later influenced in his interest in wine.
Next, Ryan discusses his education and career path, including attending the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, moving to Portland, Oregon and studying wine at Chemeketa Community College, transferring to Oregon State University, and completing the WSET coursework at Linfield University.
Ryan also talks about his first harvest experience in the Willamette Valley, the pandemic and how it caused him to move back to Michigan, interrupting an internship, and eventually moving back to Oregon for a job at Élevée. He now works as an assistant winemaker for Alloro Vineyard and at The Allison as a sommelier for Jory.
This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Alloro Vineyard in Sherwood, Oregon on January 6, 2026.
Interview
This interview is with David Nemarnik, owner and vineyard manager, and Tom Fitzpatrick, winemaker, at Alloro Vineyard. The interview is split into three sections with the first being with just David, the second with Tom and the last part is with both of them.
During the first section, David talks about his dream of owning a vineyard and the importance of being LIVE certified. The second part with Tom, he talks about his journey to the wine industry and his winemaking philosophy. During the final section, they talk about how the partnership was formed and the future for Alloro Vineyard.
This interview was on July 21st, 2016 at Alloro Vineyard by Rich Schmidt.