Season 07 - Episode 12 -Illahe Vineyards & J Wrigley Wine

Wine Crush Podcast NW

In this engaging episode of Wine Crush, host Heidi Moore sits down with two dynamic winemaking couples from Oregon's famed Willamette Valley: Brad and Bethany Ford of Illahe Vineyards and John and Jody Wrigley of J Wrigley Wines. The episode explores the heart and soul of these winemakers' journeys, from their humble beginnings, passions, challenges, and inventive processes in the vineyard. Brad and Bethany share intriguing stories about their sustainable winery practices, including utilizing horses and canoeing wine to Portland without using modern machinery, encapsulated by their 1899 project. Meanwhile, John and Jody recount their serendipitous meeting and development of their vineyard in the McMinnville AVA, highlighting their specialty 828 Pinot Noir clone with a fascinating backstory. Both couples share their love stories, winemaking philosophies, unique vineyard qualities, and, of course, what guilty pleasure foods pair perfectly with their wines. It's a delightful episode filled with laughter, love, wine education, and Oregon's undeniable charm.