Season 9 kicks off with two standout Willamette Valley producers who are redefining what it means to build a wine brand with heart, grit, and a little creative edge.

At Varnum Vintners, husband-and-wife team Taralyn and Cyler Varnum are crafting small-production wines that are as approachable as they are expressive. Focused on old-vine Riesling, Pinot Noir, and sparkling wines, their philosophy is simple: “Made to drink, don’t overthink.” From experimenting with unique varietals and styles to pioneering wine in beer bottles and even launching Oregon’s first non-alcoholic wines, Varnum is pushing boundaries while keeping wine fun, inclusive, and unpretentious.

Then we head to the rolling hills just outside Salem to meet the family behind Hudak House. Todd and Lynette Hudak traded a fast-paced California life for a bold leap into wine, taking over a historic, multi-decade vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills. Today, their 30-acre estate produces a diverse lineup of estate-grown wines, from Pinot Noir to Chardonnay, all rooted in the character of the land. What makes Hudak House truly special is the experience: a welcoming, family-driven atmosphere where wine, community, and connection take center stage, whether you’re sipping in the tasting room or enjoying live music on the lawn.

Two wineries, two unique paths—but a shared passion for storytelling, innovation, and creating wines that bring people together.

Season 9, Episode 1: Maypop Wine Co. & Wild Child Wines

In the premiere of Season 9, we uncork two boundary-pushing forces redefining Oregon wine: Maypop Wine Co. and Wild Child Wines.

Maypop Wine Co., founded by winemaking duo Shea Guevara and Vince Kelsey, is a love letter to the Willamette Valley’s untapped potential. With deep roots in generational winemaking, they’ve traded tradition for exploration—intentionally stepping outside the region’s Pinot Noir spotlight to champion underrepresented varietals like Albariño, Gamay, and Riesling. Their approach is refreshingly low-intervention, allowing the vineyard and vintage to speak with minimal interference, resulting in vibrant, expressive wines that are as playful as they are thoughtful. Sustainability and innovation are woven into their DNA, from reusable glass to experimental fermentation techniques, all grounded in a philosophy that wine should be accessible, unpretentious, and enjoyed anytime.

Wild Child Wines, led by seasoned sommelier Jonathan, brings a different kind of energy—one rooted in freedom, instinct, and a deep love for the craft. After decades in the wine world, Jonathan set out to create something entirely his own: a boutique label focused on classic Willamette Valley styles with a rebellious edge. His wines embrace minimal intervention while delivering freshness, personality, and a sense of adventure in every bottle. From small-lot Pinot Noir to vibrant Riesling and Gamay, Wild Child is about breaking rules just enough to let authenticity lead the way.

Together, these two brands embody the evolving spirit of Oregon wine—where tradition meets curiosity, and where the next generation of winemakers is rewriting the story, one bottle at a time

Troon Winery isn’t just making wine—they’re stewarding the land.

In this episode, we explore the philosophy and passion behind Troon Winery, where biodynamic farming, regenerative agriculture, and deep respect for nature shape every bottle. This conversation goes beyond tasting notes and into the why—why farming matters, why patience is essential, and why great wine starts long before grapes ever reach the cellar.

We talk about balance, biodiversity, and the intentional choices that honor both the vineyard and the people who work it. Troon’s approach is thoughtful, grounded, and refreshingly honest, proving that when you work with the land instead of against it, the result is something truly special.

This episode is for wine lovers who care about where their wine comes from, how it’s grown, and the bigger picture behind what’s in the glass.

Pour something earthy, lean in, and listen—this one’s all about connection, place, and purpose. 🍷🌿

In this episode of the Wine Crush Podcast, we sit down with the team behind Irvine & Roberts Vineyards, one of Southern Oregon’s standout producers known for their high-elevation sites and refined, expressive wines.

We explore the inspiration behind the brand, the unique characteristics of the Rogue Valley AVA, and how thoughtful farming and winemaking decisions shape their elegant portfolio. From vineyard challenges to standout varietals, this conversation highlights the passion, precision, and sense of place that define Irvine & Roberts.

Whether you’re an Oregon wine fan or just discovering the region, this episode offers insight, heart, and plenty of wine crush-worthy moments.

🍷 Tune in and fall in love with Rogue Valley wine—one story at a time.

In this episode of Wine Crush Podcast, we sit down with Joe of Sound & Vision Wines to uncover the story behind the label and the passion that fuels it. Joe shares his journey into winemaking, the inspiration behind Sound & Vision, and how staying true to both craft and creativity has shaped his approach in the vineyard and the cellar.

We talk about taking risks, trusting your instincts, and building something meaningful from the ground up—along with the challenges and rewards that come with the winemaking life. This episode is a candid, thoughtful conversation about vision, perseverance, and the deep connection between land, people, and the wines they create.

Whether you’re a wine lover, an aspiring winemaker, or someone who appreciates a good origin story, this episode offers a behind-the-bottle look at what it really takes to turn passion into a pour worth savoring. 🍷

In this week’s Road Trip Series episode, we sit down with the wonderful owners of Schultz Glory Oaks, a warm, inspiring couple who left the South to build a new life in Oregon’s breathtaking Applegate Valley.

They share the story of their bold move across the country, the winding road that brought them to their dream property, and the heart behind the vineyard they’re creating. From the challenges of uprooting a life to the joy of finding community in Oregon wine country, this episode is full of authenticity, charm, and the magic of starting fresh.

Tune in to hear their journey, their vision, and what makes Glory Oaks such a special stop on our road trip through Oregon’s wine regions.

Grit Cellars is more than a winery—it’s a mindset.

In this episode, we sit down with the heart and hustle behind Grit Cellars to talk about building something meaningful from the ground up. From long days in the vineyard to the relentless determination it takes to turn grapes into a brand, this conversation dives deep into what “grit” really means in the wine world.

We talk passion, perseverance, and the moments that test you the most—because great wine isn’t just made in the cellar, it’s shaped by the people willing to push through challenges, take risks, and believe in their vision. This episode is a reminder that behind every bottle is a story of hard work, sacrifice, and a whole lot of heart.

Pour a glass and settle in—this one’s for the dreamers, the doers, and anyone who appreciates wine with a backbone.

🎙️ Podcast Episode Out Now: The Cowboy Who Traded Cows for Grapevines 🤠🍇

Today’s episode features Cowboy Joe of Plaisance Wine — a true Southern Oregon original with a story you cannot make up. From working long days as a dairy farmer to boldly trading his cows for grapevines, Joe’s journey into winemaking is as authentic (and entertaining) as it gets.

In this episode, Joe talks about:

• How he went from dairy farming to vineyard life

• The cow-for-grapevine trade that started it all

• Building Plaisance Wine from the ground up

• What makes Southern Oregon wine so special

• His passion, his grit, and the legacy he’s creating one bottle at a time

If you love wine, storytelling, and characters who are truly one of one — you’re going to love this.