Taking the Leap, Oregon Pinot Noir & Building a Dream Wine Business

Taking the Leap, Oregon Pinot Noir & Building a Dream Wine Business

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2464262/fan_mail/new] What happens when a lifelong winemaker finally gets the chance to own the vineyard he's always dreamed of? In this episode of The Realtor Who Wines, Rashelle Newmyer sits down with Aaron Bell, Owner and Winemaker of RH Estate Wines at Red Hawk Vineyard in Oregon's Eola-Amity Hills, for an inspiring conversation about taking risks, following your passion, and crafting exceptional Oregon wines. After more than 25 years in the Oregon wine industry, including nearly 27 vintages with one of Burgundy, France's most respected winemaking families, Aaron and his partner, Tracy Rogers, made the life-changing decision to purchase the nearly 50-year-old Red Hawk Vineyard and begin a new chapter as vineyard owners. Their story is one of courage, timing, and pushing "all the chips into the middle of the table." 🍷 From Philosophy Major to Oregon Winemaker Aaron never planned on becoming a winemaker. While working at a steakhouse in Scottsdale, Arizona, Arron attended a blind wine tasting featuring an Oregon Pinot Noir that changed everything. Inspired by the wines being produced just miles from his hometown of Newberg, Aaron packed up, moved back to Oregon, and immersed himself in the wine industry. What started in hospitality soon led to the cellar, where mentorship, curiosity, and years of hands-on experience shaped his philosophy of winemaking. > "Winemaking is an art first. Science is there when you need it." 🍇 Why Old Vines Matter One highlight of this conversation is Aaron's passion for mature vineyards. RH Estate Wines is home to vines planted as early as 1978, making them among the oldest-producing Pinot Noir vines in Oregon. Aaron explains: * Why older vines create more consistent wines * How vineyard age impacts complexity and flavor * The importance of terroir and site expression * Why the Eola-Amity Hills AVA produces world-class Pinot Noir * How the Van Duzer winds naturally cool the vineyards and help create balanced, elegant wines If you've ever wondered why some wines taste so unique, this conversation offers a fascinating look into the relationship between climate, soil, and vine age. 🏡 Building More Than a Winery When Aaron and Tracy purchased the property, they weren't just buying a vineyard; they were creating a lifestyle. Together they've: * Reimagined the Red Hawk brand as RH Estate Wines * Preserved the vineyard's history while modernizing its identity * Added a beautiful on-site Airbnb overlooking the vines * Continued community events, wine club experiences, and live music * Created a welcoming destination that's family-friendly, dog-friendly, and rooted in hospitality Their philosophy is simple: Serious Wines. Fun Times. 🤝 Community Over Competition One of the recurring themes throughout the episode is collaboration. Aaron shares how Oregon's wine industry is built on relationships, where neighboring wineries support one another, share equipment, and celebrate each other's successes. That same spirit extends into RH Estate Wines through local partnerships, wine club events, harvest celebrations, and community-focused gatherings that make guests feel like family. 🌿 The Leap of Faith Perhaps the most inspiring moment of the episode comes when Aaron reflects on taking the biggest risk of his career. Leaving the security of a long-established winery to purchase his own vineyard wasn't easy, but it was worth it. > "If you're going to go... go. You have to be willing to take the leap." For anyone dreaming of starting a business, changing careers, or pursuing something bigger, Aaron's story is a reminder that growth often begins on the other side of fear. 🔥 Why You Should Listen If you love: * Oregon wine and Pinot Noir * Willamette Valley wineries * Entrepreneurship * Small business ownership * Vineyard life * Winemaking * Hospitality * Stories of taking bold risks ...this episode is for you. Pour yourself a glass, settle in, and join us for a conversation about Oregon wine, old vines, community, and having the courage to chase your dream. Cheers!  Thank you for listening! Connect and collaborate with Realtor Rashelle on any of her social media platform pages > https://linktr.ee/RealtorRashelle

The 2026 Real Estate Market Explained: What Buyers & Sellers Need to Know

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2464262/fan_mail/new] How's the real estate market? It's one of the questions REALTOR® Rashelle Newmyer gets asked every day, and the truth is, there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. In this special solo episode of The Realtor Who Wines, Rashelle pulls back the curtain on what she's seeing in the Oregon real estate market and shares practical advice for both buyers and sellers navigating today's housing landscape. Recorded from one of her Bull Mountain listings in Tigard, Oregon, this episode is packed with real-world insights, market perspective, and tips she shares with clients every day. 🏡 Is It a Buyer's Market or a Seller's Market? One of the biggest misconceptions in real estate is thinking the market is the same for everyone. Rashelle breaks down: * Why today's market feels different to buyers and sellers * What a balanced market actually means * Inventory trends in Oregon * Supply and demand realities * Why pricing strategy matters more than ever She also discusses the challenges many buyers and sellers face as they try to reconcile today's market with the ultra-low-interest-rate environment of 2020–2022. 📈 Seller Tips: How to Position Your Home for Success Thinking about selling? Rashelle shares practical advice on: * Pricing your home correctly from the start * Why overpricing can hurt your sales * Decluttering and preparing your home for showings * Creating a strong first impression * The benefits of pre-listing inspections * Choosing the right REALTOR® * Questions every seller should ask before hiring an agent * Creating a transition plan for your next move Whether you're selling your first home or your fifth, these tips can help you maximize your results and reduce stress. 🔑 Buyer Tips: What First-Time Buyers Need to Know Many buyers wait too long to start preparing. In this episode, Rashelle explains: * Why talking to a lender early is so important * Common misconceptions about credit scores * Down payment assistance programs * The difference between down payments and closing costs * Earnest money explained * Why inspections matter even with new construction * What to expect during the buying process If you're considering homeownership in the next year or even the next few years, this conversation can help you build a roadmap for success. 🤝 Real Estate Is About Education One of the core themes throughout this episode is the importance of having the right team and the right information. From lenders and inspectors to REALTORS® and escrow officers, buying or selling a home becomes significantly easier when you're working with professionals who educate, communicate, and advocate for your goals. 🍷 Why This Episode Matters Whether you're: * Thinking about buying your first home * Preparing to sell * Curious about the Oregon housing market * Wondering what today's market conditions really mean * Looking for practical real estate advice This episode provides honest, actionable guidance you can use right now. Grab a glass of wine, settle in, and join Rashelle for a candid conversation about buying, selling, and navigating today's real estate market with confidence. Cheers! 🥂 Thank you for listening! Connect and collaborate with Realtor Rashelle on any of her social media platform pages > https://linktr.ee/RealtorRashelle

From Hobby to Heritage Farming | Meat Craftsmanship, Community & Food Education

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2464262/fan_mail/new] What if one unexpected decision changed the way you think about food forever? In this episode of The Realtor Who Wines, Rashelle Newmyer sits down with Nick Clark, owner of Mountain View Heritage, farmer, educator, and self-described "aspiring meatsmith," for a fascinating conversation about heritage pigs, traditional butchery, food preservation, sustainable farming, and building community through food. What began during the COVID lockdowns as a desire to raise a few animals on a beautiful piece of Oregon property quickly evolved into a passion for understanding the entire journey from farm to table. 🐖 What Is a Meatsmith? Most people know what a butcher is, but a meatsmith takes things a step further. Nick explains how a meatsmith is involved in every stage of the process: * Raising the animal * Caring for the animal * Harvesting the animal * Butchering the meat * Curing and preserving * Cooking and sharing it with others For Nick, it's about developing a deeper connection to food, honoring the animal, and understanding exactly where your meals come from. > "You're invested in the whole process from the animal all the way to dinner." 🥓 Heritage Pigs, Better Flavor & Breaking Food Myths Throughout the conversation, Nick shares why he chose Berkshire pigs, how heritage breeds differ from commercial livestock, and why slower growth often results in better flavor and quality. Listeners will learn: * Why are some pigs raised for bacon while others are prized for marbling * The difference between heritage and commercial breeds * Why older animals aren't necessarily tougher * Common misconceptions about pork * How proper farming practices impact flavor One surprising takeaway? Some of Nick's favorite pigs aren't harvested until they're several years old. 🔪 The Lost Art of Traditional Butchery Nick opens up about traveling across the country to learn from one of the few programs teaching the complete farm-to-table process. That education eventually inspired him to create classes and workshops at Mountain View Heritage, where guests can learn: * Sausage making * Curing meats * Whole-animal butchery * Charcuterie techniques * Traditional food preservation methods His goal isn't just to teach skills; it's to help people reconnect with food and gain confidence in the kitchen. 🧂 The Magic of Cured Meats Ever wondered how prosciutto can age for years and still be safe to eat? Nick explains: * The science behind curing * Why salt matters * The difference between fresh and cured meats * How traditional preservation methods have been used for centuries * Why proper technique changes everything Some of the meats hanging in his curing room have been aging for more than two years. 🤝 Food, Community & Bringing People Together One of the most inspiring themes of this episode is community. For Nick, the goal was never simply to raise livestock; it was to create opportunities for people to gather, learn, share meals, and reconnect with skills that previous generations considered common knowledge. Whether it's a sausage-making class, charcuterie workshop, tasting event, or whole-animal butchery course, every experience is designed to bring people together around food. 🌱 What's Next for Mountain View Heritage? Nick shares his future plans, including: * Expanding into sheep * Hosting more tasting events * Creating food and beverage pairings * Teaching additional preservation techniques * Continuing to build a community centered around food education 🔥 Why You Should Listen If you love: * Farm-to-table food * Heritage farming * Charcuterie and cured meats * Sustainable agriculture * Homesteading * Food education * Oregon farms * Entrepreneurship and craftsmanship This episode is packed with practical knowledge, fascinating stories, and a fresh perspective on where our food comes from. Grab a cup of coffee (or a glass of wine) and join us for a conversation about farming, food, craftsmanship, and community. Cheers! 🥂 Thank you for listening! Connect and collaborate with Realtor Rashelle on any of her social media platform pages > https://linktr.ee/RealtorRashelle

From Vineyard Ownership to Real Estate Leadership

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2464262/fan_mail/new] What does it really take to build a successful real estate career rooted in integrity, relationships, and community? In this episode of The Realtor Who Wines, Rashelle Newmyer sits down with Jenny Morrow, Salem REALTOR®, 2026 President of the Mid Valley Association of REALTORS®, former vineyard owner, and passionate advocate for leadership and professionalism within the real estate industry. From owning a vineyard in South Salem to leading one of Oregon’s local REALTOR® associations, Jenny shares an honest and relatable conversation about growth, leadership, communication, advocacy, and the realities of life behind the scenes in real estate. 🍷 From Vineyard Ownership to Real Estate Leadership Before real estate, Jenny owned Bunker Hill Vineyards in South Salem, which she later sold to a French owner now associated with Lingua Franca Winery . She reflects on the beauty and hard work of vineyard ownership, sharing how the experience shaped her appreciation for business, hospitality, and community. Today, Jenny has spent more than 11 years building her business with Coldwell Banker Mountain West Real Estate while becoming increasingly involved in leadership and advocacy throughout Oregon real estate. 🏡 What REALTOR® Associations Actually Do Jenny gives listeners an inside look into the role of REALTOR® associations and why advocacy matters for homeowners, buyers, sellers, and communities. This episode explores: * Property rights advocacy * Housing affordability conversations * REALTOR® education and professionalism * Government affairs and legislation * Oregon REALTORS® Leadership Academy * The importance of community involvement within real estate > “People don’t realize how important it is for us to be setting the stage for the future of homeownership.” 🌟 Leadership Academy, Personal Growth & Communication Jenny and Rashelle also reflect on their experience through the Oregon REALTORS® Leadership Academy and how it changed the way they communicate, lead, and better understand personality styles through tools like the DISC assessment. This conversation dives into: * Personal growth through leadership * Communication styles * Working with different personalities * Emotional intelligence in real estate * Building stronger client relationships * Collaboration over competition > “Being different can be good, as long as you know how to communicate.” 🤝 The Real Side of Real Estate This episode also highlights what many people don’t see behind the scenes of real estate: * Managing stress during transactions * Helping buyers and sellers navigate emotions * Keeping homes “show-ready” * Reading inspection reports * Problem-solving daily surprises * Supporting clients beyond the sale Jenny shares why relationships, integrity, and communication matter far more than simply “selling houses.” > “If your clients always come first, that’s what’s most important.” 🌲 Why Community Matters in Real Estate One of the biggest themes throughout the episode is connection. From local referrals and collaboration to mentorship, networking, and industry friendships, Jenny explains why real estate is far more community-driven than most people realize. This episode is a great reminder that behind every transaction are real people, real emotions, and trusted relationships. 🔥 Why You Should Listen If you’re: * A REALTOR® or entrepreneur * Curious about leadership and advocacy * Interested in communication and relationship-building * Thinking about getting into real estate * Passionate about personal growth and community This episode is packed with honesty, encouragement, practical insight, and relatable stories from behind the scenes of the real estate industry. Grab a glass, settle in, and join us for a conversation about leadership, growth, relationships, and the real heart behind real estate. Cheers! 🥂 Thank you for listening! Connect and collaborate with Realtor Rashelle on any of her social media platform pages > https://linktr.ee/RealtorRashelle

40 Years of Oregon Wine, Pinot Noir & the Science of Winemaking

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2464262/fan_mail/new] Season 2 - Episode 9 - Steve Anderson - Winkemaker Eola Hills Wine Cellars What does it take to spend more than 30 years crafting wine in Oregon’s Willamette Valley… and why is winemaking truly a never-ending science experiment? In this episode of The Realtor Who Wines, Rashelle Newmyer sits down with Steve Anderson, longtime winemaker at Eola Hills Wine Cellars, for an incredible deep dive into Oregon wine, Pinot Noir, sparkling wine, vineyard management, and the fascinating details most people never realize go into a single bottle of wine.  From making homemade wine in a bucket at 13 years old to becoming one of Oregon wine country’s most experienced winemakers, Steve shares the stories, science, and experimentation that shaped his career. 🍷 From Homemade Wine to Oregon Winemaker Steve’s journey into wine started unexpectedly—with neighborhood grapes, a 5-gallon bucket, sugar, yeast, and curiosity. What began as a teenage science project eventually evolved into a lifelong passion after traveling to France, discovering the complexity of wine, and realizing that winemaking was far more than simply producing alcohol. > “For me, it wasn’t just appreciation for wine… it became a never-ending science project.” 🍇 Pinot Noir, Clones, Rootstocks & Barrel Science This episode dives deep into the art and science behind Oregon Pinot Noir. Steve explains: *  Pinot Noir clones and rootstocks  *  Why soil and vineyard location matter  *  How yeast selection changes flavor profiles  *  American oak vs. French oak barrels  *  Why barrel forests matter  *  Sparkling wine production  *  Harvest timing and vineyard management  *  How Oregon wine differs from other regions  Listeners also get an insider look into: *  Single-clone Pinot Noir  *  Vineyard-designate wines  *  Sparkling Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc  *  Cabernet-based port-style wines aged over 20 years  🧪 Winemaking Is Constant Experimentation One of the most fascinating themes throughout the episode is how much experimentation goes into crafting wine. Steve shares how: *  Small fermentation changes impact flavor  *  Different yeasts create different textures and aromas  *  Oak toast levels influence wine character  *  Climate and weather affect every vintage  *  Tiny decisions dramatically change the final product  > “The permutations are endless.” 🍾 Oregon Wine Then vs. Now As someone who has spent decades in Oregon wine, Steve also opens up about: *  The evolution of Oregon wine country  *  Industry growth and scaling challenges  *  Changes in wine consumer behavior  *  Younger generations are drinking differently  *  Direct-to-consumer wine sales  *  The future of Oregon wineries  This conversation gives listeners an honest behind-the-scenes perspective on both the beauty and business realities of modern winemaking. 🥂 Why “Cheers” Matters One of the most memorable moments of the episode? Steve shares the story behind why we say “cheers” before drinking wine. > “Don’t forget the ears.” It’s a beautiful reminder that wine is truly a full sensory experience. 🔥 Why You Should Listen If you love: *  Oregon wine  *  Pinot Noir  *  Willamette Valley wineries  *  Winemaking science  *  Food and wine culture  *  Entrepreneurship and craftsmanship  *  Behind-the-scenes stories  This episode is packed with insight, humor, education, and appreciation for the people behind every bottle. Grab a glass, settle in, and join us for a conversation about Oregon wine, storytelling, science, and the passion behind creating world-class Pinot Noir. Thank you for listening! Connect and collaborate with Realtor Rashelle on any of her social media platform pages > https://linktr.ee/RealtorRashelle