Ryan Clifford: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Ryan Clifford of Alloro Vineyard and The Allison. Ryan talks about his early life growing up in Detroit, Michigan, where he developed interests in biology, animals, and aquarium science, which later influenced in his interest in wine. Next, Ryan discusses his education and career path, including attending the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York City, moving to Portland, Oregon and studying wine at Chemeketa Community College, transferring to Oregon State University, and completing the WSET coursework at Linfield University.Ryan also talks about his first harvest experience in the Willamette Valley, the pandemic and how it caused him to move back to Michigan, interrupting an internship, and eventually moving back to Oregon for a job at Élevée. He now works as an assistant winemaker for Alloro Vineyard and at The Allison as a sommelier for Jory.This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Alloro Vineyard in Sherwood, Oregon on January 6, 2026.