This interview is with Brenna O’Malley from Humble Spirit. In this interview, Brenna talks about her affinity for the culinary arts, and the ways that these early passions paved the way for her career in the restaurant industry. She distinguishes service from hospitality as she describes the ways that she has learned to be intuitive and anticipatory with guests, to ensure that they have an experience they'll never forget.
Later in the interview, Brenna discusses her journey into the world of wine, as she reflects on the various crash courses that have allowed her to expand and refine her pallet. She also reflects on the true beauty of Oregon wine country, and the wonderful community that has grown alongside it, all with the common goal of applying sustainability to its daily practices.
When building a wine list, Brenna is eager to expand her knowledge by getting onto vineyard sites more frequently and diving deeper into wine practices. Her goal being to continue providing a platform for diverse and underrepresented backgrounds within the wine community.
This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Linfield University Library in McMinnville on June 17, 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.