Jen Cossey: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Jen Cossey of Brooks Winery. In this interview, Jen talks about her 30-year path in hospitality, beginning with her childhood in Missouri and Kansas City and her early interest in photojournalism. She shares how she shifted from photography art education, eventually discovering wine while working harvest and serving in restaurants. Jen talks about building a career through connection—moving from Kansas City to Oregon, working in testing rooms, managing events, and helping develop marketing and community programs. She shares about balancing career and motherhood, returning to Oregon in 2020, and ultimately becoming the general manager at Brooks, where she now oversees the winer’s full wine and spirits business.Jen also discusses creating environments that bring people together, the importance of clam leadership (especially during COVID), and her work with organizations such as ¡Salud!, Women in Wine, and Wine Atlas Collective.This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Brooks Winery in Amity on November 12, 2025.