Ursula McCabe: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Ursula McCabe. In this interview, Ursula talks about the early Portland wine scene and her role as a trailblazing wine saleswoman.

Ursula shares how she got into wine through restaurants and talks about the burgeoning Portland wine and restaurant scene of the seventies. Ursula also dives into the adaptation of these industries and their consumers over the years. She then goes on to talk about her wine-sales philosophies and what she loves about the Oregon wine industry. 

Later in the interview, Ursula talks about her retirement and her current role in the wine industry. 

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt on July 2, 2024 at Ursula’s home in Portland.

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.