Randall Coats: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Randall Coats of Wine4dappl. In this interview, Randall talks about his path through the wine industry and how he found his way to Oregon.

Randall talks about growing up in Detroit and how he found his first opportunity with wine with the help of his grandmother. He goes on to discuss his wine related travels to Norway and eventually California.

Later in the interview, Randall reflects on his entry into the industry and what he wants to build for those who wish to follow a similar path. He also talks about his future plans and hopes regarding his own wine label. 

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Laurelhurst Park in Portland on July 24 and August 5, 2025.

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.