Amael Orrego: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Amael Orrego of Benton-Lane Winery. In this interview, Amael shares his wine journey and how he found himself in Oregon after growing up in Chile. Amael talks about his childhood and growing up in rural Chile. He reminisces about the countryside and his family. He then shares how these factors drove him to find a profession in the wine industry. Amael then dives into finding jobs after his time spent at a university in Chile. He talks about being introduced to Pinot and Chardonnay in California and how he has come to fall in love with the varieties while in Oregon. He also shares what all he loves about wine and winemaking. Amael leaves us with some of his aspirations and observations about Oregon wine. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Benton-Lane Winery in Monroe, Oregon on February 27, 2024.