Chris Mazepink: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Chris Mazepink of White Walnut Estate, with a brief discussion at the end with his sons, Archer and Charlie Mazepink. In this interview, Chris speaks about his life before wine and how he initially became interested in the wine industry. He discusses his work in wineries, such as Shea Wine Cellars, Lemelson Vineyards, and Benton-Lane Winery. He also talks about his decision to plant a vineyard of his own and create a winery with the help of his two sons. He goes through the process of finding White Walnut Estate, planting it, and building it into what he had envisioned. Chris describes his viticulture and winemaking philosophy, as well as what steps he takes in order to preserve the land the vineyard is on. He also describes the land itself, which had been an old walnut orchard and is currently an organic and biodynamic vineyard in Dundee. Later, Chris takes us through the last few years at the Estate, the recent work they’ve done, and his hopes for the future of White Walnut Estate. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at White Walnut Estate in Dundee on August 4, 2021.