Laurent Montalieu: Oral History Interview

What this episode covers

This interview is with Laurent Montalieu of Soléna Estate. In this interview, Laurent discusses his journey in creating a multi-generational legacy within the Oregon wine industry.Laurent talks about his beginnings in wine. He started out studying engineering in France until he switched to the neighboring Bourdeaux's Institute of Oenology  because it looked like they were having more fun over there. While studying, Laurent did many internships. One took him to Napa Valley which gave him an appreciation for American business management. Freshly graduated, Laurent got a call from Bridgeview Winery to work with them and finally made his way to Oregon.Laurent discusses creating NW Wine Company and its progression throughout the years. The property started as an old pie factory and was originally used to make his own wine. It turned out that people wanted Laurent to make wine for their brands as well. From there, Laurent was the winemaker for many different brands and NW Wine Company was born in 2003. After a creating a successful business with high demand, Laurent sold the company in 2021.Later in the interview, Laurent talks about his current focus, Soléna Estate. Purchasing the property in 1999 and planting vineyards as well as living on it, Soléna Estate was overshadowed by the beast of NW Wine Company in Laurent’s mind. Now, Soléna Estate is Laurent’s main focus as he nurtures the vineyard and his daughter Soléna to become the next leader of the estate.This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Soléna Estate in Yamhill on July 15, 2026.

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