Interview
This interview is with Erica Miller of Stoller Family Estate. In this interview, Erica speaks about growing up surrounded by farming and agriculture, going to Oregon State University, and eventually making her way into the Oregon Wine Industry.
She talks about her style of growing grapes and how she manages a vineyard. She describes her role at Stoller, what it was like getting to know the property, and why it’s important to understand every nook and cranny. She goes on to discuss Stoller’s terroir and how she tries to let the vineyard show itself by listening to the vines and maintaining them in a sustainable way.
Later, she talks about being a woman in the industry, the research project on Trunk Disease she is working on, and what she sees for herself in the future.
This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Stoller in Dayton on April 6, 2021.
interview
This interview is with Jason Tosch. In this interview, Jason talks about how he got into wine growing and the various experiences he’s had growing up with Oregon wine and working in the industry. He goes on to speak about his favorite vintage, how he became introduced to LIVE, and some of the challenges that came with learning grape growing. Towards the end of the interview, Jason touches on his relationships with the viticulturist and vineyard manager, and what sustainability is to him.
This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Stoller Winery on March 5, 2020.
interview
This interview is with Kate Payne Brown. In this interview, Kate discusses how she got into the wine industry and to Oregon, as well as her various experiences she’s gained that has aided in giving her the knowledge that she has today. Kate then talks about the responsibilities she has as a winemaker, how she works with other people doing similar jobs, and how she is still able to showcase her own voice and style through her work and decisions. She also discusses her own label and the meaning behind it’s name, and speaks about what it’s like being a woman in the wine industry. Towards the end of the interview, Kate touches on changes she’s seen in the Oregon Wine Industry, what she sees in the future, and describes what the role of wine is in society.
This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Stoller Winery on March 5, 2020.
Interview
This interview is with Katie Santora, winemaker at Chehalem Winery. In this interview, Katie discusses how she got into the wine industry after her dad’s friend suggested she study winemaking. She talks about the program she entered at UC Davis, the education she received, and how she ended up in Oregon working at various other wineries before ending up at Chehalem. Katie speaks about her travels as well as the tremendous support she received from the industry that has kept her passionate about winemaking. Towards the end of the interview, Katie showcases her gratitude for the position she has as a woman in the wine industry, her wine making philosophy, advice for people looking to enter the wine industry, the future of Chehalem, as well as her own personal goals.
This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Chehalem Winery on March 15, 2019.
Interview
This interview is with Michelle Kaufmann, communications director for Stoller Family Estate. In this interview, Michelle discusses how her public relations background informed her role in the wine industry, as well as her various roles in the wine industry— serving on the Oregon Wine Board, being a major role on the IPNC team, and being on the marketing committee for the Willamette Valley Wineries Association. Michelle discusses the lessons, challenges, and successes that come with her job, as well as why she believes it is important to capture oral histories within the wine industry. She also explains the role technology plays in marketing, and the challenges she faces in addressing multiple audiences in the industry. Towards the end of the interview, Michelle speaks about her plans for the future, Stoller Family Estate, as well as the larger Oregon industry.
This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on March 15th, 2019 at the Chehalem tasting room in Newberg, Oregon.
Interview
This interview is with Melissa Burr, director of winemaking at Stoller Family Estate. In this interview, Melissa discusses why how she came into the wine industry as she saw the industry emerging and fell in love with it. She also talks about how her science background informed her role in the wine industry: “having that core science was certainly helpful.” She also talks about how the various jobs she worked and how she was able to balance her demands of a new job and being a new mother. Melissa then goes on to speak about the challenges faced, yet the stories and memories captured within each bottle of wine that is special to her. She also offers her wine making philosophy, as well as what sustainability means to her and her job. Melissa provides a unique perspective of women in the wine industry, and talks about how there has been a significant increase in the presence of women. Towards the end, she offers insight to the future of the Oregon Wine Industry, as well as Stoller.
This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Stoller Family Estate on January 24th, 2019.
Interview
This interview is with Bill Stoller, the owner of Stoller Family Estate in the Dundee Hills AVA. Bill talks about starting a winery, the vineyard and what makes the site unique. He also discusses the future for Stoller Estate and the impact of having a liberal arts education.
This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Stoller Family Estate on July 10, 2017.
Interview
This interview is with Bill and Cathy Stoller, founders of Stoller Family Estate in Dayton, Oregon, established in 1993. They discuss sustainable farming practices, how they created their brand, and some of their ventures in the wine industry.
This interview was conducted by Janis Miglavs on September 20, 2007.
Interview Photos
