Career Change Pt 1
From the Ag Information Network, this is today’s Fruit Grower Report. Northwest wines continue to grow in both production and popularity, as Washington and Oregon wine industries continue to thrive.
70-year-old Roger Lemstrom got into the business after finishing wine school and purchasing a vineyard in Northeastern Oregon … eight years ago …
LEMSTROM … “I’m physically located, my main vineyard is physically located, I’m on the east side of the Rocks District (Rocks AVA). And I bought in just after the Rocks District was designated.”
The Rocks District AVA in Milton Freewater, Lemstrom says has lived up to its name …
LEMSTROM … “Farming rocks is, to most sane people would be a stupid idea. But it does great for grapes, and it does great for fruit.”
But many in agriculture, Lemstrom says are a bit surprised …
LEMSTROM … “I’ve had wheat farmers and cattle guys and apple guys show up to the vineyard and they’re kind of curious. You know, they want to know what I’m doing. And they show up and they see my tractor with an implement on it, parked there, and they said, oh my God, you’re a farmer. And I say, I told you, I told you I was.”
Lemstrom says it’s been an adjustment …
LEMSTROM … “When I moved here eight years ago, my approach was to code-switch. I needed to join the community rather than to force the community to join me.”
Tune in tomorrow to hear how that’s worked out for Lemstrom and his Los Rocosos wines.
