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"Philosophy blended into wine at Westrey Wine Company"

© Christina Kelly

“A bottle of wine contains more philosophy than all the books in the world.” – Louis Pasteur

At Westrey Wine Company, philosophy is an integral ingredient in the making of each bottle of wine – a classic philosophy. The ancient Greeks and Romans all had things to say about the pleasures and characteristics of wine. “In vino veritas (In wine is truth),” says Plato. Hippocrates said, “Wine is an appropriate article for mankind, both for the healthy body and for the ailing man.” In Homer’s Odyssey, he wrote, “Wine can of their wits the wise beguile, make the sage frolic, and the serious smile.”

Winemakers Amy Wesselman and David Autrey (WESselman and AuTREY = Westrey) both have philosophy degrees from Reed College in Portland. Both were intrigued with the wine industry while studying at school and both wound up working at several wineries to earn extra cash for college.

Winemaking became a way of life for the couple after graduation. And following the winemakers to the winery were all the philosophers from their studies, consuming many nights from Austey and Wesselman, debating the various viewpoints.

“Philosophy came in right at the start of the winery,” said Wesselman, who now works for the International Pinot Noir Celebration. “It folds into how we view wine and winemaking. It is a partnership all the way – all decisions that happen to the grapes are made by the both of us.”

Autrey agrees that the couple shares a love of philosophy and analytical thinking.

“Winemaking is like the balance of life – you blend different ways of thinking with creative ways,” said Autrey. “It’s also an ability to hold contradictory viewpoints. Wine creates a union between an individual set of tastes while creating something that appeals to a wider range.”

Living together, working together and creating wine together could be a strain for some young couples, but the training from philosophical studies prepared them for inevitable disagreements when couples work so closely together.

“Argument is an exercise,” Wesselman explained. “We can argue about what we’re doing without personalizing it. It is fundamental in philosophy and it helps when producing wine. Wine is subjective and there will be times when we don’t agree. We will listen to each other’s arguments.”

Based in McMinneville, Westrey produces about 3,200 cases per year, specializing in Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, and Chardonnay, with reserves from selected vineyards. They also produce small amounts of Zinfandel. All of the grapes are purchased in Oregon, although the couple recently planted about five acres of Pinot Noir grapes on 49 acres purchased in Yamhill County.