Wine Crush Season 3, Episode 2

Guest Biographies

Bill Sweat & Donna Morris

The kernels of Winderlea were spun over milestone birthdays and anniversaries, travels to Bill Sweat & Donna Morris’s favorite wine regions, and nightly dinners with a bottle of wine after good and not so good days at the office.

In the early 90s they fell in love with Pinot Noir. Its elegance and sensuality – and the beautiful way it paired with a range of foods delighted them. As they tasted through wines from across the country they found the characteristics they most loved in Oregon Pinot Noir. They believe it is due in large part to Oregon’s unique climate and soils paired with the heritage of artisanal craftsmanship and an obsession with making small lots of the highest quality wine. On a practical level they found the Oregon wine community to be a collaborative one – where newcomers are welcomed, tutored and expected to perfect their craft.

In 2006 they relocated from Boston and have made Dundee, Oregon their home. They are committed to continuing the traditions of responsible stewardship of the land and the highest quality artisan winemaking.

JP Valot

Juan Pablo (JP) was born in Mendoza, the heart of Argentina’s wine country, and completed a five year degree in Agricultural Sciences with a focus in Enology and Viticulture at the National University of Cuyo. After graduation, JP worked as an enologist for Esmeralda, one of the Catena wineries. In 2001, he came to Oregon looking for new challenges and was attracted by Oregon’s growing wine industry. Shortly after, he met his wife Doris and both decided to settle in Oregon.

JP worked for Willamette Valley Vineyards, Soter Vineyards, and Dobbes Family Estate. JP’s qualifications include 16 years of winemaking experience between 19 vintages in Oregon and Argentina. He has played multiple roles in Oregon’s wine industry including winemaker, vineyard manager, and educator, and was appointed by the Governor to be a member of the Oregon Wine Board. JP is a well-rounded wine professional who understands the winemaking process from the vine to glass. He brings strong educational and professional experience; but most importantly, he brings his passion and commitment to making high-quality wine.

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