Denise and Bryan White: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Denise and Bryan White of Troon Vineyards in Grants Pass. In this interview they share their journey into winemaking, their professional backgrounds, and how they built their vineyard and business together.Both Denise and Bryan originally came from medical backgrounds. Bryan worked in internal medicine and is board certified in hospice and palliative care, while Denise attended medical school and worked in a clinic, including time in neurology. Before entering the wine industry, they were involved in starting medical nonprofits in California and in Texas.In 2017, they purchased Troon Vineyards and began transitioning it to organic and biodynamic practices. Inspired by ecological approaches to farming, they focused less on industrial methods and more on soil health and microbiology. Over several years, they replanted much of the vineyard and expanded beyond just wine production to include apple cider, gardens, and livestock.They emphasize the importance of building a strong, knowledgable team to support all aspects of the vineyard, from soil science to vineyard management. They even conducted extensive soil testing, digging large soil pits and consulting experts to better understand the land. Overall, Denise and Bryan highlight intentionality in both their farming and business practices, aiming to create high-quality wine while improving the land and contributing positively to their community.This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Troon Vineyards in Grants Pass on March 18, 2026.Thank you to the Oregon Wine Board for generously supporting this interview as part of our Southern Oregon 2026 tour!