Steve Doerner: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Steve Doerner, the lead winemaker for Cristom Vineyards, located in Salem, Oregon. Doerner recounts his journey to Oregon and what initially got him fascinated with growing grapes and making wine. Doerner also celebrates the Oregon wine industry’s overall sense of community as he credits the early success of the industry to the pioneers of Oregon wine. He cites the pioneers’ companionship and open-mindedness as characteristics that continue to define the rapidly growing industry today. The interview concludes with Doerner elaborating on the hardships he had to overcome as a winemaker and the importance of patience with regard to the winemaking process.This interview was conducted by Camille Weber on February 5, 2015.