The Oregon Wine History Archive Podcast

This interview is with Erik Kramer of WillaKenzie Estate. In this interview, Erik describes his decision to join the wine industry and why he became passionate about wine. Erik then goes on to speak about studying wine in New Zealand and what eventually brought him to Oregon. He speaks about his time at Adelsheim and Domaine Serene, and what he took away from working for these well known brands. After, he speaks about working at WillaKenzie, the atmosphere of the winery, and the terroir of the Estate, and his winemaking philosophy. Towards the end of the interview, Erik touches on what he sees within the future, and what he has had to change over the past few months due to COVID-19. To conclude, Erik gives his advice for those that want to join the wine industry.

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at WillaKenzie Estate on July 17, 2020.

Show Notes

This interview is with Erik Kramer of WillaKenzie Estate. In this interview, Erik describes his decision to join the wine industry and why he became passionate about wine. Erik then goes on to speak about studying wine in New Zealand and what eventually brought him to Oregon. He speaks about his time at Adelsheim and Domaine Serene, and what he took away from working for these well known brands. After, he speaks about working at WillaKenzie, the atmosphere of the winery, and the terroir of the Estate, and his winemaking philosophy. Towards the end of the interview, Erik touches on what he sees within the future, and what he has had to change over the past few months due to COVID-19. To conclude, Erik gives his advice for those that want to join the wine industry. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at WillaKenzie Estate on July 17, 2020.

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.