Vintage with Brian Bushlach

The Burgundian influence on the Oregon Wine Industry, particularly the Willamette Valley, is inescapable. The Drouhin Family, led by Veronique, planted the French flag in the Dundee Hills in the 1980's and in doing so, legitimized the Oregon industry and fostered a partnership and friendship between the two regions. In this episode, Veronique joins us from Beaune to reflect on the relationships and growth of the industry with ...

1971 was a landmark year in Willamette Valley Wine Country- they just didn't know it at the time! Both Knudsen Vineyards and the Sokol Blosser Winery were founded in '71, and a half century later, they're both celebrating their 50th Anniversary. The parallels don't end there- both operations are now run by each family's second generation. In this episode, Brian welcomes back Page Knudsen Cowles to co-host a...

You've probably heard of Argyle Wines thanks to Rollin Soles, who put the winery, and Oregon sparkling wine, on the map. There's a Knudsen connection in the DNA of Argyle, as Cal Knudsen teamed up with Brian Croser to found the Dundee Wine Company, giving birth to Argyle. To this day, Argyle is still sourcing the Knudsen Vineyards fruit for its award winning bubbles. In this episode, Brian invites Page Knudsen Cowles and ...

The Island Lifestyle, and the drinks that go with it, can now be enjoyed from the comfort of your home. A decade in the making, Tommy Bahama brings us the finest craft spirits from it's Coral Cay Distilling. Rum is obviously a prerequisite here, but Coral Cay is also delivering hand crafted bourbon, gin and vodkas. For those on the go, "Tommy Travelers" provide refreshing & handy canned sparkling cocktails. Beer ...

You never know what Mother Nature has planned for harvest in the Willamette Valley. This year, a cool spring and early summer impacted the vineyards. Then, just when it appeared fall was ready to arrive, a heatwave hit forcing vintners & vineyard managers to scramble. In this episode, Brian welcomes Winemaker Katie Santora and Vineyard Manager Jason Tosch from Chehalem Winery to provide the latest update from the vineyards and ...

We return to one of our favorite destinations, the Applegate Valley and Cowhorn Vineyard & Garden. Brian reconnects with Bill Steele, who co-founded the winery with his wife Barbara. They revisit the backstory of this iconic winery and what prompted Bill & Barbara to become the industry leaders in biodynamics. Ultimately, it's all about the Rhone varietals, perfect for this site in Southern Oregon. They are all showing...

How many times have you dreamed you were at your favorite winery or vineyard? Probably often these days... Unfortunately, your favorite winery or vineyard is hours away, requires a reservation or must limit capacity due to the virus. What if you could experience it pre-COVID? No masks, no crowds, in virtual reality? That's what Stoller Family Estate is doing with their groundbreaking Immersive Experience Center. We explore the...

10 million Americans have filed for unemployment in the past two weeks, the majority of them in the hospitality industry, as the coronavirus sweeps across the nation and brings the economy to its knees. In this time of need, Oregon's Stoller Wine Group is partnering with popular local restaurant The Botanist House and Meals on Wheels to feed restaurant workers in need. In this episode, Stoller Wine Group President Gary Mortens...

This year's Destin Charity Wine Auction moves from its familiar spot on the calendar in late-April to August 21-22. In times like this, it just gives us more to look forward to! Nothing can stop us from counting down to one of America's top wine events, one that many would argue is the most fun. Destin showcases the finest wines, but this event, like no other, is just as much about the chefs & cuisine. In this episode...

Legendary winemaker and Master of Wine Bob Betz founded this iconic winery in 1997 and sold to South African business partners Steve & Bridgit Griessel in 2011. Bob has remained as consulting winemaker, forging a close friendship with the Griessel's. Their goal was not to not only continue Bob's high standards, but to take this already prestigious winery to another level. Brian revisits Betz Family Winery in Woodinvil...

Founded in 1983 as the third winery in the Walla Walla Valley, L'Ecole No. 41 enters its fifth decade as an American favorite and an international player. As Sara Schneider wrote in Robb Report "L'Ecole... has turned into a world ambassador with Ferguson." Those accolades, the result of claiming Best Bordeaux Blend in the World with the 2011 Estate Ferguson at the prestigious 2014 Decanter World Wine Awards. Own...

A Who's Who of Washington's top vintners calls the Walla Walla Valley home. And with the wineries and tasting rooms within a short drive, it makes this region one of the most enjoyable to visit. Just north of the historic Marcus Whitman Hotel, Mike & Lauri Corliss welcome you to experience one of the most magnificent wineries & tasting rooms in America, with the wines to back it up. Brian travels to Walla Walla fo...

The second generation of Oregon winemakers is now well established. In the Willamette Valley, where their parents migrated 30+ years ago, this group has set a new standard for the industry, raised expectations, perfected a Burgundian-style Chardonnay, and they are now turning their attention to sparkling wines. Jesse Lange is the winemaker, and an industry leader for his generation of smaller, family wineries that thrive in this re...