Perry Heistuman & Eli Doty: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Perry Heistuman and Eli Doty of Hoty Wines. In this interview, the couple discusses their separate careers in hospitality and how they created a wine brand together.

Perry talks about always being plant-driven and hospitality-centered. Her father worked in wine distribution all throughout her childhood so she already had a limited view of the wine industry. At 19, Perry worked her first harvest in Italy, learning a lot about winemaking and cellar work. At the age of 26, she decided to go to Oregon State University to study viticulture, a side of the industry she didn’t know much about at the time. From that experience, she learned that she enjoyed the winemaking and hospitality side of the industry.

Eli discusses his entrance into the industry. Eli also started working in hospitality and restaurants where he grew an interest in wine. He had always had a connection to nature, and wine was a way to celebrate that. He also believes that wine can take you places both physically and mentally. Working in restaurants, Eli got heavily involved in creating wine lists and pairings. Eli has completed his WSET diploma and is looking to advance further as a sommelier through CMS.

Later in the interview, the two talk about coming together to create Hoty Wines. The two met in college and started drinking wine together. After bonding over wine throughout their relationship, they came across some fruit that was unspoken for. They took this opportunity to make their own wine with grapes Perry had farmed. They claim that every wine they make is like a college course. The two released their first vintage in 2023 and look forward to releasing their 2024 and 2025 vintages.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at No Clos Radio in Forest Grove on July 31, 2026.