Listen "Heath Payne: Oral History Interview"
Episode Synopsis
This interview is with Heath Payne of Abbott Claim. In this interview, he describes becoming interested in the wine industry after working at a vineyard with concord grapes in Arizona, and deciding to move to Oregon and take classes at Chemeketa Community College. After working a harvest in France for some time and falling in love with the rhythm of life there, he tells of his increasing interest in Pinot Noir. Later, he describes meeting Alban Debeaulieu at Abbott Claim, where he liked the culture and the people, and found his place in the vineyards. Heath speaks in depth about his passion for biodynamics and sustainability with grape growing. Towards the end of the interview, he describes his winemaking philosophies, and talks about the various varieties he makes wine with, and discusses the rich community he surrounds himself with. To conclude, Heath gives his thoughts for the future, and gives his words of wisdom for those that would like to join the Oregon wine industry.
This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Abbott Claim on September 3, 2020.
More episodes of the podcast The Oregon Wine History Archive Podcast
Bethany Ford: Oral History Interview
08/01/2026
Nathan Litke: Oral History Interview
07/01/2026
Manuel Recio: Oral History Interview
18/12/2025
Dave & Sarah Gregory: Oral History Interview
16/12/2025
Jen Cossey: Oral History Interview
09/12/2025
Geoff Hall: Oral History Interview
03/12/2025
Claudia Bowers: Oral History Interview
02/12/2025
ZARZA We are Zarza, the prestigious firm behind major projects in information technology.