Oral history interview with Steven M. Houston, 2002 June 17

This oral history interview with Steven M. Houston was conducted by Clark Hansen at Houston Vineyards near Eugene, Oregon, on June 17, 2002. The interview was conducted as part of the Oregon Wine Archives Oral History Project, which collected interviews with notable figures in the wine-growing industry, including vintners, vineyard growers, community members, and workers active in the development of Oregon's wine industry. Houston's wife, Doris L. Roberts, was also present and occasionally contributed to the interview.

In this interview, Houston discusses his family background and early life on the family vineyard in Lodi, California, including the vineyard's contact with Gallo Wine and how the vineyard was irrigated. He describes how he came to start Houston Vineyards near Eugene, Oregon, in 1980, discusses the types of grapes best-suited to Oregon's climate, and talks about producing and selling his first Chardonnay in 1983. He also describes the process of getting his winery licensed as a liquor wholesaler. He speaks at length about lobbying the Oregon Legislature to update winery licensing laws, and discusses the opposition of the Oregon Winegrowers Association to his lobbying efforts. He talks about wine labeling regulations, about Houston Winery Chardonnay, and about taxes levied on winemakers. He discusses grapevine propagation, talks about the international wine market, and about the challenges of running a winery.