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Wine Crush Podcast NWStories Uncorked from the Willamette Valley Author: Heidi Moore
From the heart of the Oregon Wine Country, Wine Crush Podcast is designed to tell the amazing and colorful stories of the local wine industry. We interview winemakers from the Willamette Valley in a conversational format, and is going in its Season 5! Hosted by Heidi Moore, sponsored by Country Financial and other local partners, produced by The Daydream Agency, formerly Powered by Portland Radio Project Language: en Genres: Arts, Food, Places & Travel, Society & Culture Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Season 9 - Episode 2 - Varnum Vintners & Hudak House
Episode 2
Friday, 17 April, 2026
Season 9 kicks off with two standout Willamette Valley producers who are redefining what it means to build a wine brand with heart, grit, and a little creative edge.At Varnum Vintners, husband-and-wife team Taralyn and Cyler Varnum are crafting small-production wines that are as approachable as they are expressive. Focused on old-vine Riesling, Pinot Noir, and sparkling wines, their philosophy is simple: “Made to drink, don’t overthink.” From experimenting with unique varietals and styles to pioneering wine in beer bottles and even launching Oregon’s first non-alcoholic wines, Varnum is pushing boundaries while keeping wine fun, inclusive, and unpretentious. Then we head to the rolling hills just outside Salem to meet the family behind Hudak House. Todd and Lynette Hudak traded a fast-paced California life for a bold leap into wine, taking over a historic, multi-decade vineyard in the Eola-Amity Hills. Today, their 30-acre estate produces a diverse lineup of estate-grown wines, from Pinot Noir to Chardonnay, all rooted in the character of the land. What makes Hudak House truly special is the experience: a welcoming, family-driven atmosphere where wine, community, and connection take center stage, whether you’re sipping in the tasting room or enjoying live music on the lawn. Two wineries, two unique paths—but a shared passion for storytelling, innovation, and creating wines that bring people together.
