Charles Hesson: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Charles Hesson of Arborbrook Vineyards. In this interview, Charles talks about his path into the wine industry and finding Oregon. 

Charles shares about growing up and spending time on his great grandparents’ farm outside of Dallas, Texas. He goes on to talk about the farm’s wild blackberry bushes and how wine really started to click when he connected the aromas of his great grandma’s fermented blackberry juice to wine. 

Charles goes on to talk about his experience in fine dining and how he got immersed in Italian wine. Later, he shares about transitioning out of the restaurant industry and into wine. He goes on to talk about finding Oregon and working at places like Dobbes, Alexana, and now Arborbrook.  

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Arborbrook Vineyards in Newberg on February 27, 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.