What happens when a powerhouse trial lawyer and his equally driven wife trade suits and city life for vines and vision in Oregon’s Willamette Valley? You get LucidWild — a boutique winery rooted in purpose, passion, and one hell of a view.

In this episode of the Weinnotes Podcast, I sit down with Blair and LJ Nicholas, the couple behind LucidWild, to talk about their incredible journey from the courtroom and corporate world to crafting wine with soul and intention. This isn’t a “retirement” story — it’s a second chapter fueled by grit, heart, and a relentless desire to create something lasting from the land.

We kick things off with a blind tasting (spoiler: it’s a 2016 Chardonnay from their winemaker, the iconic Isabelle Meunier), and then get into the backstory of how LucidWild came to be. From their early inspiration on a trip to Tuscany to planting 300 vines in their backyard, Blair and LJ share how the spark of curiosity turned into a full-blown calling.

You’ll hear how they fell in love with Oregon wine after hearing a Burgundian winemaker tell them, “This is not about the winemaker. This is about the land.” That philosophy stuck. It’s the soul of LucidWild, where every decision — from native ferments to the intentional layout of their immersive, multi-room tasting experience — honors the land and the stories it tells.

LJ takes us behind the design of Lucid Wild’s stunning new tasting space, from the Sky Room to the speakeasy hidden in plain sight. Her approach? Experiential and emotional design that invites guests to feel like they’re walking into a friend’s home — not a pretentious wine fortress. You’ll hear about their “ideal lab” for business meetings, a game room with billiards and bocce, and how the bathrooms (yes, the bathrooms) became an unlikely Instagram hotspot thanks to the label artwork proudly displayed inside.

Blair gets real about why he left law — not to escape, but to build something with meaning. He shares how LucidWild’s wine lineup reflects different expressions of their estate vineyard. Every bottle is made from 100% estate fruit, and they even use a golf cart to take guests right to the vines where the wine comes from. It’s about connection to the land, to each other, and to the stories shared over a great glass of wine.

We talk about their exciting new sparkling wine collaboration made by Isabelle Meunier and her husband, acclaimed sparkling winemaker Andrew Davis. It’s their first sparkling release and a labor of love that brought both families together around the table (literally) to taste through styles and build something uniquely Oregon.

Throughout the interview, we dig into what makes Oregon wine, and Willamette Valley in particular, so special right now. From world-class Pinot and Chardonnay to a rising sparkling scene, Blair and LJ are bullish on the valley’s future and grateful to be part of a region where intention still matters more than mass production.

We also lighten things up with a round of rapid-fire questions. LJ wants the superpower to duplicate herself (because who doesn’t?), Blair wants to solve homelessness, and they both agree that wine is best enjoyed with good people, good music, and a whole lot of heart.

Lucid Wild isn’t just a winery. It’s a philosophy, a commitment to making beautiful wines that reflect place, people, and purpose. Whether you’re a wine lover, a design nerd, or someone dreaming of your own next chapter, this episode is full of inspiration, real talk, and a little sparkle (literally and figuratively).

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In this episode of the Weinnotes Podcast, we sit down with Drew Voit, the mastermind behind Harper Voit Wines in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. Drew takes us on a journey through his fascinating career in the wine industry, sharing how he transitioned from a background in food science and engineering to becoming a sought-after winemaker in one of the most renowned wine regions in the world.

Born into a family with a deep connection to agriculture, Drew’s story began on a farm in the Central Valley of California. From a young age, he was immersed in the world of agriculture, but it was the allure of winemaking that truly captured his heart. Despite initially pursuing engineering, Drew’s passion for wine was sparked in 1995 when he tasted Oregon Pinot Noir for the first time, forever changing his path. The discovery of Oregon’s terroir and the unique characteristics of its wines led him to the Willamette Valley, where he honed his craft.

Drew’s career took off when he joined Domain Serene in 2004, where he played a crucial role in helping the winery triple its production in just a few years. He shares his experiences working alongside some of the valley’s most respected winemakers and how that experience shaped his approach to winemaking. Drew also talks about the value of company culture and how the right team can elevate the success of a winery. His insights on the power of collaboration, mentorship, and building strong relationships in the industry are invaluable for anyone in or looking to join the world of winemaking.

As the founder of Harper Voit Wines, Drew’s focus is on sourcing grapes from exceptional vineyards and working with growers who are passionate about producing high-quality fruit. He talks about the importance of finding hidden gem vineyards that have the potential to produce extraordinary wines. One of the highlights of this conversation is his experience working with the Antiquum Vineyard, a site that has become one of his favorite sources for Pinot Noir. Drew describes how he was drawn to the vineyard’s unique terroir and the relationship he built with the vineyard owner, Stephen Hagen, over the years.

Throughout the interview, Drew also shares his philosophy on winemaking, which blends technical knowledge with an intuitive, hands-on approach. He talks about his process of finding balance in his wines and how he works closely with his team to ensure every bottle reflects the care and passion that went into its creation. He explains how the values of environmental stewardship and responsible farming are integral to the way he operates both at Harper Voit and in his consulting projects.

One of the most heartwarming moments in the conversation is when Drew opens up about his family’s influence on his career. He talks about his son, who has recently started studying viticulture at Cornell University, and reflects on the legacy he hopes to pass on. Drew’s deep appreciation for his family and the lessons they taught him about hard work, dedication, and love for the land are evident in the way he speaks about his work.

Drew also takes a lighthearted turn when discussing some of his personal interests, including his culinary passions and favorite indulgent foods. He shares some fun stories about holiday meals with his family, where cooking becomes an experiment in creativity. His brother, also a food scientist, is his partner in crime during these culinary adventures, and they often take on ambitious projects.

This episode offers listeners a rare glimpse into the mind of a winemaker who is not only passionate about the craft but also dedicated to pushing boundaries and creating wines that tell a story. Whether you’re a wine enthusiast, an aspiring winemaker, or simply someone who appreciates good conversation, Drew Voit’s journey is sure to inspire. His thoughtful approach to winemaking, his commitment to...

Join us for an enlightening episode of the Weinnotes Podcast featuring Jim Bernau, the founder and visionary behind Willamette Valley Vineyards. With over 35 years of experience, Jim has been a driving force in establishing Oregon’s wine industry as a prominent player on the global stage. In this conversation, he shares his remarkable journey, from the early days of planting vines to cultivating a legacy of quality and community.

Jim takes us back to the inception of Willamette Valley Vineyards, recounting the challenges he faced in the beginning and the passion that fueled his ambition. He reflects on the invaluable mentorship he received from pioneers like Dick and Betty O’Brien, emphasizing the importance of collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the Oregon wine community. Jim’s insights into the camaraderie among winemakers illustrate how their collective efforts have shaped a vibrant and thriving wine culture in the region.

A key theme in our discussion is the concept of legacy. Jim shares his thoughts on what it means to leave a lasting impact on the industry and the next generation of winemakers. He discusses the contributions of those who came before him and how their dedication continues to inspire him in his own work. This focus on legacy extends beyond wine production; Jim is deeply committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship, ensuring that the land is preserved for future generations.

Throughout the episode, Jim also delves into the evolving consumer landscape, particularly in light of the changes brought about by the pandemic. He explores how the wine experience is shifting, with an increasing emphasis on connection and storytelling. For Jim, each bottle of wine tells a story, reflecting the land, the people, and the passion behind it. He believes that understanding these narratives is essential for both winemakers and consumers alike.

With his warm personality and infectious enthusiasm for wine, Jim Bernau offers listeners a unique perspective on the journey of Oregon wine. He invites us to appreciate not only the flavors and aromas in our glasses but also the rich tapestry of experiences that bring those wines to life.

Tune in to this inspiring episode as we explore Jim’s incredible legacy at Willamette Valley Vineyards, his vision for the future of Oregon wine, and the enduring connections that make the wine community so special. Whether you’re a seasoned wine enthusiast or just beginning your journey, this conversation is sure to deepen your appreciation for the artistry and passion that define the world of wine.