The Oregon Wine History Archive Podcast23 Tammi

David Harrelson: Oral History Interview

This interview is with David Harrelson, founder of Amaa Wines.

David talks about his background growing up in the Pacific Northwest, including being born in Eugene, Oregon, growing up in Tacoma, Washington, before moving to Dundee, Oregon. He discusses his family, including his father being a mountaineer, spending much of his childhood outdoors, and how these experiences shape his connection to land and culture. David also talks about being an Indigenous tribal member and the importance of his cultural identity, traditions, and relationship to land. He discusses his work with his tribe, including working in cultural resource and later becoming a department manager.

Next, David discusses his education and early career path. He talks about attending Lewis & Clarke College, being a rower, studying abroad in South Africa, and originally wanting to become a firefighter. He explains his time working seasonal fire jobs and how wine began as a side interest rather than a main career goal, also mentioning other experiences such as being a beekeeper.

David also talks about his journey into winemaking. He explains how a trip to Georgia in 2019 was a turning point for him, inspiring his approach to wine and house wine traditions. David discusses the transition from making wine at hoe to producing wine commercially, using shared vineyard space. He reflects on the Oregon wine community being welcoming and expresses pride in being an Indigenous winemaker, hoping to see more Indigenous representation in the wine industry.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Linfield University’s Nicholson Library on January 7, 2026.

Tämä jakso on lisätty Podme-palveluun avoimen RSS-syötteen kautta eikä se ole Podmen omaa tuotantoa. Siksi jakso saattaa sisältää mainontaa.

Jaksot(969)

Alberto Alcazar: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Alberto Alcazar of Lanphere Cellars. In this interview, Alberto discusses joining the Oregon wine industry in the late 90s and how it has changed over time.Alberto talks about m...

27 Elo 53min

David Andreani: Oral History Interview

This interview is with David Andreani of Cherry Hill Winery. In this interview, David discusses his beginnings within the wine industry in France and continuing that journey in America.David talks abo...

26 Elo 51min

Eliseo Bell-Uribe: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Eliseo Bell-Uribe of Heartland Ciderworks. In this interview, Eliseo discusses his experiences within the traditional cider industry.Eliseo talks about his decision to join the ...

26 Elo 1h 24min

Will Craigie: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Will Craigie of Bryn Mawr Vineyards. In this interview, Will discusses the many pivots he took that led him to the wine industry.Will talks about his beginnings as a musician an...

24 Elo 1h 23min

Elishca Charles: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Elishca Charles of Kann. In this interview, Elishca discusses her journey through hospitality and what it means to her.Elishca talks about her early aspirations of becoming a mi...

20 Elo 1h 17min

Carrie Higgins: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Carrie Higgins of Press Printing & Packaging. In this interview, Carrie discusses her part within the wine industry and starting her own company.Carrie talks about looking for a...

19 Elo 1h 4min

Aaron Kirschnick: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Aaron Kirschnick of Galaxy Wine Company. In this interview, Aaron discusses his work selling wine in almost every medium and the story that inspired his Pinot Noir Rosé, Mano Co...

19 Elo 1h 23min

Scott Sabbadini: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Scott Sabbadini of Bjornson Vineyard. In this interview, Scott discusses his experiences within the wine industry and achieving his dream of working in the Willamette Valley.Sco...

18 Elo 1h 29min