Melissa Burr: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Melissa Burr, director of winemaking at Stoller Family Estate. In this interview, Melissa discusses why how she came into the wine industry as she saw the industry emerging and fell in love with it. She also talks about how her science background informed her role in the wine industry: “having that core science was certainly helpful.” She also talks about how the various jobs she worked and how she was able to balance her demands of a new job and being a new mother. Melissa then goes on to speak about the challenges faced, yet the stories and memories captured within each bottle of wine that is special to her. She also offers her winemaking philosophy, as well as what sustainability means to her and her job. Melissa provides a unique perspective of women in the wine industry, and talks about how there has been a significant increase in the presence of women. Toward the end, she offers insight to the future of the Oregon Wine Industry, as well as Stoller. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Stoller Family Estate on January 24, 2019.