Join host Heidi Moore in Season 7, Episode 10 of the Wine Crush Podcast for an engaging discussion with three special guests from Oregon's wine country. First, meet Robert from Botaneity, who shares the story behind his uniquely crafted wines that blend spontaneity with sustainable farming. Next, Alex of Silas Wines takes us through his eclectic journey from chemistry and comedy to winemaking, showcasing his exceptional Pinot Noirs and innovative techniques. Lastly, Kelsey, the producer of the Neskowin Food and Wine Festival, previews the upcoming event, highlighting the incredible wines, local food, and the beautiful coastal setting.

The Wine Crush podcast's Season 7, Episode 9, is set in the picturesque downtown McMinnville in Yamhill County, Oregon, known as the heart of the Willamette Valley wine industry. The episode features two interviews with winemakers Kate Payne Brown and Dave Jachter, delving into their unique stories and perspectives on winemaking.

First up, Kate Payne Brown, owner and winemaker of Dolores Wines. Kate, known for her sparkling wines, brings an array of bubbly to the show. Her brand, Dolores, carries a deep, personal connection, being her mother’s nickname when she traveled through Spain. Paying tribute to her mother’s adventurous spirit, Kate shares how the name and the memories behind it inspired her wine brand’s creation.

Kate recounts her journey into winemaking, initially on a path to become a doctor due to her academic prowess in science. However, an interest in wine led her to volunteer at a winery, eventually earning a master's in oenology from the University of Adelaide in Australia. Returning to Oregon, she joined Archery Summit and later contributed significantly to Stoller Family Estate, establishing their sparkling wine program.

Highlights include discussions about her wines made from Pinot Gouge Blanc, a rare varietal, and the 2015 vintage that stood out for its brioche characteristics gained from extended aging on lees. Kate emphasizes the importance of acidity in Willamette Valley Chardonnay, having potential energy that balances the wine beautifully.

Kate has also been working on a new project called Ambar Estate, a vineyard recently certified as regenerative organic. The 2021 Chardonnay from Ambar, a barrel-fermented delight, showcases the vineyard's potential and reflects the collaborative spirit of the Oregon wine industry. The wine is available on her websites, callmedolores.com and ambarestate.com.

Next, Dave Jachter, once prominent in the car dealership industry with Wilsonville Toyota and Subaru, shares his story of transitioning into wine. Dave’s reinvention of the car buying experience through a no-nonsense, customer-friendly approach echoes his philosophy for Jachter Family Wines, aiming to offer a welcoming, less intimidating wine-tasting experience.

Introduced to winemaking serendipitously, Dave detailed how he and Jared Etzel, their winemaker, embarked on creating Jachter Family Wines in 2019, starting with vineyards in Ribbon Ridge and a nearby property they acquired. Their first vintage, including Cuvee Karen Ann named after Dave's wife, received notable accolades, scoring 94 and 95 points from Wine Advocate.

Dave emphasizes their commitment to organic farming practices, rejecting chemical herbicides and pesticides, integrating sustainable landscaping, and focusing on creating a vibrant and fun atmosphere at their tasting room. They host events like tastings paired with food from renowned chefs like Eric Caballeros.

Jachter Family Wines, located on Kings Grade Road, offers picturesque views and a hospitable environment, promoting a relaxed experience for visitors. The brand's philosophy is to make wine enjoyment accessible and enjoyable for everyone.

To visit or buy their wine, one can check jachterwine.com. The podcast highlights their mutual philosophy of integrating...

In this milestone episode of Wine Crush, we are welcomed by the spirited host who is bubbling with enthusiasm as Season 7 advances to Episode 8. This episode features two distinct yet compelling winemakers: Ryan Sharp from Enso Winery and Lizzie with Lagniappe Wines (previously known for her 'Fizzy Lizzy').

First in the hot seat is Ryan Sharp, hailing from Enso Winery. Ryan traces his circuitous path to winemaking, recounting his early days transitioning from graphic design to wine production, driven by his passion for hands-on, earthy work. Ryan delves into the inception of Enso Winery and shares the challenges faced in popularizing the concept of an urban winery in Southeast Portland.

Ryan reveals that his fascination with wine evolved over various careers and his first projects practically lacked typical winery amenities. His story is peppered with anecdotes about DIY solutions and relentless aspiration, from drawing inspiration from traditional Burgundy practices to making his wines in Salisbury.

Interestingly, Ryan's philosophy of Enzo (a Japanese term referring to a single brushstroke circle representing the moment) mirrors his approach to making wine. He explains his reluctance to produce Pinot Noir initially because of the competition but found an innovative angle by co-fermenting it with white wine grapes, creating a distinct vintage true to the moment's uniqueness.

Next, we shift to Lizzie with her brand Lagniappe Wines (originally known for Fizzy Lizzy). Lizzie’s journey kicks off ambitiously in New Orleans and travels through prestigious wine regions across the globe, including Burgundy and Chile. Lizzie shares her story of acquiring the travel bug, working in diverse regions, and ultimately planting roots in Oregon after a rewarding yet unexpected stop during the pandemic.

Lizzie’s vibrant personality shines through as she discusses sourcing fruits from adventurous regions such as the Columbia Gorge. Her whimsical yet insightful recount of her first commercial success with Fizzy Lizzy's swamp water Pet-Nat provides a captivating glimpse into her dynamic world of wine creation. Lizzie’s emotional and professional trajectory illustrates the intersections of culture, tradition, community, and innovation.

In closing, both Ryan and Lizzie discuss their current offerings and interaction in the community. Lizzie's recent introduction to Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, Chenin Blanc, and Riesling adds an exciting dimension to her evolving portfolio. Meanwhile, Ryan’s continued focus on interesting blends and urban winery ambiance in Portland offers a sophisticated yet accessible venture into the wine world.