Vivianne Marks: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Vivianne Marks. In this interview, Vivianne talks about how she got started in the wine industry and the education she received at Washington State University. She then speaks about working at ENSO as the assistant winemaker there which has allowed her to create her labels RAM cellars and VIV. Vivianne describes what it’s like being a part of the LGBTQIA community, acknowledges how they are definitely underrepresented within the industry, and notes that part of her goal is to be a beacon for others to be visible and exist as themselves. She touches on her label VIV and why she chooses to give back to support transgender and non-binary individuals, her winemaking philosophy, and the challenges/benefits of being a small urban winery. Towards the end of the interview, Vivianne talks about what she sees in the future for herself, for the future of the Oregon Wine Industry, and ends by leaving words of wisdom/advice for someone not historically a part of the industry, or looking to enter it today. This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at ENSO Winery on August 16, 2019.