This interview is with Brian McCormick of Idiot's Grace Wines. In this interview, Brian talks about growing up in a family centered around food, with parents who owned a restaurant, and how that early exposure sparked his interest in cooking and flavor.
Brian talks about attending Dartmouth College, where he studied religion, and how after graduating he had no clear idea what he wanted to do. He explains how his interest in food eventually led him to wine, as he became curious about what to pair with it, which used him to pursue wine more seriously.
He also discussed his early experiences in the wine industry, including working in tasting rooms, doing wine auctions, and getting hands-on exposure that helped him better understand the culture and business of wine.
Later in the interview, Brian reflects on building Idiot’s Grace, his philosophy around farming and working with the land, and how he defines success in winemaking—not just through outcomes, but through the process and continual learning each vintage brings.
This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Idiot’s Grace Wines in Mosier, Oregon on March 11, 2026.
What is The Oregon Wine History Archive Podcast?
The Oregon Wine History Archive at Linfield University was created to collect, preserve, share, and continue the narrative of Oregon wine.
The growth of the Oregon wine industry extends from the farmers and winemakers to the marketers, scientists, innovators, and dreamers of the enterprise — all of whom are vital to the industry’s success. It is our aim to link the past, present, and future of the industry in hopes of sharing the story of Oregon wine.
Some oral history interviews are conducted on site and may contain background noise from nature, winery, or tasting room operations.