Season 3, E2 - Valcan Cellars & Winderlea Vineyard

Valcan Cellars and Winderlea Vineyard talks with us in the studio about their stories, and family history of making wine. In this episode, we hear one story centered on second careers, a well-planned next chapter, and the pursuit of a shared passion. Then we uncork a second story coming from one of a multi-generational line of wine entrepreneurs, who focus on an Argentinean approach to fermentation. GuestsBill Sweat, Founder & Winemaker, Winderlea Winery JP Valot, Owner & Winemaker, Valcan Cellars Guest Biographies Bill Sweat & Donna Morris The kernels of Winderlea were spun over milestone birthdays and anniversaries travels to Bill Sweat & Donna Morris's favorite wine regions, and nightly dinners with a bottle of wine after good and not so good days at the office. In the early 90s they fell in love with Pinot Noir. Its elegance and sensuality – and the beautiful way it paired with a range of foods delighted them. As they tasted through wines from across the country they found the characteristics they most loved in Oregon Pinot Noir. They believe it is due in large part to Oregon’s unique climate and soils paired with the heritage of artisanal craftsmanship and an obsession with making small lots of the highest quality wine. On a practical level, they found the Oregon wine community to be a collaborative one – where newcomers are welcomed, tutored and expected to perfect their craft. In 2006 they relocated from Boston and have made Dundee, Oregon their home. They are committed to continuing the traditions of responsible stewardship of the land and the highest quality artisan winemaking. JP Valot, Juan Pablo (JP) was born in Mendoza, the heart of Argentina’s wine country, and completed a five-year degree in Agricultural Sciences with a focus in Enology and Viticulture at the National University of Cuyo. After graduation, JP worked as an enologist for Esmeralda, one of the Catena wineries. In 2001, he came to Oregon looking for new challenges and was attracted by Oregon’s gr