Charles Hesson: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Charles Hesson of Arborbrook Vineyards. In this interview, Charles talks about his path into the wine industry and finding Oregon. 

Charles shares about growing up and spending time on his great grandparents’ farm outside of Dallas, Texas. He goes on to talk about the farm’s wild blackberry bushes and how wine really started to click when he connected the aromas of his great grandma’s fermented blackberry juice to wine. 

Charles goes on to talk about his experience in fine dining and how he got immersed in Italian wine. Later, he shares about transitioning out of the restaurant industry and into wine. He goes on to talk about finding Oregon and working at places like Dobbes, Alexana, and now Arborbrook.  

This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Arborbrook Vineyards in Newberg on February 27, 2025.