The Oregon Wine History Archive Podcast

This interview is with Ken and Penny Durant of Durant Vineyards. In this interview, the couple discuss how they started as home winemakers just for fun, then decided to transition fully into the wine industry. They speak of the challenges and successes that came with their business, as well as how they uniquely decided to make and sell olive oil alongside their grapes and wines. Towards the end of the interview, the couple acknowledge how fortunate they are to have built something that has lasted and that can survive, as well as what they see for the future of the Oregon Wine Industry.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on June 4, 2019.

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.