Daniel Estrin: Oral History Interview

This Interview is with Daniel Estrin, winemaker at Cristom Vineyards. In this interview, Daniel describes his gradual exposure to the wine industry, and what the appeal to joining it was. Daniel walks us through his many harvests worked all over the world, his education, and eventual interest in soil and biodynamics. He speaks about the multi-faceted aspect of the wine industry and speaks about getting the opportunity to work a harvest at Littorai wines, and how his career progressed there. Later, Daniel describes jumping in as the assistant winemaker at Burn Cottage in New Zealand, then returning to Littorai to a promotion as Assistant Winemaker. He describes his hand in farming the vineyard, buying sheep for the vineyard, adding cows, and goes in depth about his role in biodynamic farming. Next, Daniel shares what brought him back to Oregon, and to Cristom Vineyards. He describes what is next for Cristom and bringing more biodynamics to the vineyard. Towards the end of the interview, Daniel describes his first impressions of the Oregon wine industry and looks ahead to his future, as well as tells of his new family and the world he wants his daughter to live in. To conclude, he gives his philosophy for wine’s role in society. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Cristom Vineyards on November 5, 2020.