Brian McCormick: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Brian McCormick of Idiot's Grace Wines. In this interview, Brian talks about growing up in a family centered around food, with parents who owned a restaurant, and how that early exposure sparked his interest in cooking and flavor.Brian talks about attending Dartmouth College, where he studied religion, and how after graduating he had no clear idea what he wanted to do. He explains how his interest in food eventually led him to wine, as he became curious about what to pair with it, which used him to pursue wine more seriously.He also discussed his early experiences in the wine industry, including working in tasting rooms, doing wine auctions, and getting hands-on exposure that helped him better understand the culture and business of wine. Later in the interview, Brian reflects on building Idiot’s Grace, his philosophy around farming and working with the land, and how he defines success in winemaking—not just through outcomes, but through the process and continual learning each vintage brings. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Idiot’s Grace Wines in Mosier, Oregon on March 11, 2026.