Join us for an inspiring and down-to-earth episode of the Weinnotes Podcast as we sit down with Travis Todd, the innovative winemaker behind de la boue. Renowned for his creative approach and unwavering dedication to quality, Travis shares his extraordinary journey from humble beginnings to successfully establishing de la boue.
In this episode, Travis opens up about his early days growing up in North Carolina and how those formative experiences shaped his path. He reminisces about the influence of his upbringing, his adventures as a latchkey kid, and the tight-knit community that fostered his love for collaboration and creativity.
Travis discusses the pivotal moment when he fell in love with Oregon Pinot Noir, particularly the 2007 vintage, while working at the Yellowstone Club. This passion for the nuanced and delicate nature of Oregon wines led him to the Willamette Valley.
Listeners will gain insight into the challenges and rewards of running a small winery, including navigating unique wine distribution laws and building a niche market in places like Utah. Travis highlights the importance of community and collaboration in the wine industry, expressing gratitude for the support and resources from the Oregon State research vineyard and extension services.
The episode also delves into the practical aspects of winemaking, from sourcing high-quality fruit at Gregory Ranch to farming Vista Grande. Travis shares his excitement about future projects, including producing a Blanc de Noir with Dr. Bubbles and expanding de la boue’s production.
Throughout the conversation, Travis Todd’s genuine passion and dedication to his craft shine through. His stories and insights provide a deeper understanding of the hard work, creativity, and community spirit that drive de la boue winery. Whether you're a seasoned wine enthusiast or new to the world of viticulture, this episode offers an engaging and educational look at the art of winemaking in Oregon.
0:00 - Introduction
0:28 - Catching Up
3:07 - Utah Wine Scene
8:23 - Childhood Stories
19:52 - Falling in Love with Oregon Pinot Noir
36:41 - Farming and Gregory Ranch
52:32 - Small Business Challenges and Community Support
56:08 - Future Projects
1:02:10 - Tess and Family Support
1:12:45 - Growth and Distribution Strategy
NEWSLETTER: newsletter.oregonvinocountry.com
About A.J. Weinzettel:
A.J. Weinzettel is the person behind Weinnotes. With a German last name translating into “wine note”, there is only one mission: Highlight the people and stories of wine with a tag line of “A.J. sent me” when customers visit wineries.
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