Greg Jones: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Dr. Greg Jones of Southern Oregon University. In this interview, Dr. Jones discusses Southern Oregon’s unique climatology, the diversity of varietals that could thrive in the region, and a look at how early Oregon pioneers may have kept vine cuttings viable. Further into the interview, he addresses how using past knowledge can make it easier for current winemakers, thereby implying that Oregon may not have to wait centuries to catch up to the established knowledge of older grape-growing regions. Jones speculates that knowledge from data collectors and forecasters (such as Peter Britt) about Oregon’s past and current experimentation by winemakers and institutions in the area will lead to an accelerated evolution of Oregon’s wine. This interview was conducted by Rachael Woody at the Nicholson Library at Linfield College on September 11, 2013.