Chris and Beth Barnes: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Chris and Beth James of Chris James Cellars. In this interview, the couple talk about how they got into the wine industry, got their property, and ended up in Oregon. They also speak about some of the challenges they’ve experienced when priming the property, the varietals they’ve chosen to plant, and the reaction they received from consumers. Chris explains how he gained his winemaking knowledge and his philosophy, while Beth describes what it’s like selling and marketing the wine. Towards the end of the interview, the couple speak about their greatest successes, the future for Chris James Cellars, the perception of the Carlton AVA, and what the Oregon Wine industry is like right now. To conclude, the couple wonder about the future of the Oregon wine industry, offer words of wisdom, and the key to a successful marriage within the industry.This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Chris James Cellars on August 30, 2019.