Kelly Kidneigh: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Kelly Kidneigh of Mad Violets Wine Co. In this interview, Kelly talks about how she started out in acting and made her way to developing a passion for wine. After moving from California to Oregon, she talks about the various places she worked and gained experience from, her decision to get an education at OSU, and how she got to where she is today, making wine for the “most amazing people.” Kelly then goes on to speak about how she balances each place she makes wine for, her hands off-approach with winemaking, and what’s so special about Oregon Pinot Noir. Towards the end of the interview, Kelly shares the story in starting her boutique label with her husband, Stirling Fox, what it’s like to be a woman in the wine industry, changes/difficulties she’s seen to the industry, and the future for her business. To conclude, she ends with offering advice to anyone looking to enter the industry. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at the Nicholson Library at Linfield College on August 6, 2019.