Season 07 - Episode 6 -Flora Jane and Human Cellars

Wine Crush Podcast NW

This week on the Wine Crush Podcast, brought to you from the heart of Oregon wine country and sponsored by Country Financial, Heidi Moore welcomes two prominent figures in the wine industry with deep ties to the local winemaking community and beyond. Taking place in beautiful downtown McMinnville, Heidi is joined by Johnny Brose from Flora Jane and Brian Berenger from Human Cellars, both of whom bring compelling stories and insights about their journey through the winemaking world.

Johnny Brose shares his fascinating path starting from brewing beer in college, experiencing a fellowship in Germany, and transitioning from beer to wine after stints at places like Gallo and the McLaren Vale in South Australia. This journey eventually led him to the creation of Flora Jane, named after his wife's grandmother, driven by their mutual love for winemaking. Flora Jane maintains a focus on Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, Syrah, and the occasional Cabernet. Notably, Johnny introduces an exciting food pairing of black garlic with their Syrah, garnering delighted reactions from Heidi and the listeners.

Brian Berenger of Human Cellars brings an international flavor to the discussion, recounting his adventures spanning continents from pharmaceutical work to agricultural projects in countries like Thailand, Gambia, and Bolivia. His journey also includes significant time studying and working in Europe, specifically in France and Germany, before finding his way to Oregon to teach at Chemeketa. Human Cellars’ wines are crafted to reflect the people Brian has met globally, adding a personal narrative to each bottle. Their offerings include both varietals and unique blends, predominantly using a hands-off approach in harmony with biodynamic principles.

The episode also delves into the significant role of the Chemeketa Wine Program where both guests currently educate future winemakers and vineyard managers, emphasizing the hands-on approach that the program adopts. They highlight the collaboration between Chemeketa and Ivoy, stressing the importance of offering educational and advancement opportunities to vineyard stewards.

Johnny and Brian underscore the dedication, detail, and passion woven into every aspect of winemaking, from the vineyard to the winery. As always, Wine Crush Podcast shines a spotlight on the personal stories behind the labels, promoting a deeper appreciation for the art and science of winemaking.