Altruism and Pride Drive Willamette Valley Winegrower

Aaron Lieberman, an impassioned and openly gay winemaker at Iris Vineyards in Oregon's picturesque southern Willamette Valley, has woven threads of altruism and advocacy in his life. Drawing inspiration from his trailblazing uncle, one of the Peace Corps’ earliest volunteers in Morocco, Lieberman embarked on his own international odyssey right after college, dedicating three years to the Peace Corps in Guatemala.

Raised in Stockton, California, Lieberman left home at 18, bound for Oregon State University. Initially envisioning a career as a veterinarian, he found his agricultural classes more interesting, ultimately pivoting to soil science—a field that aligned with his burgeoning passion for global betterment.

The call to serve echoed strongly after graduation, not just from family influence but from inspiring graduate students who took the Peace Corps path before him. Driven by a deep-seated desire to make a tangible difference, Lieberman joined the ranks of those international volunteers. He leveraged his soil science expertise to uplift Guatemalan subsistence farmers, imparting critical knowledge on crop yield improvement and innovative storage techniques for essential staples like corn and beans. His work was a testament to his commitment to using science for the greater good, fostering both ecological and human resilience.

Returning to the rich agricultural canvas of Oregon, Lieberman, fluent in Spanish, seamlessly transitioned into roles that bridged cultures and disciplines. He managed vineyards, collaborating closely with native Spanish-speaking crews and translating agricultural curriculum into Spanish for Chemeketa Community College. His serendipitous entry into the wine industry in 1996 happened in tandem with his father’s burgeoning interest in winemaking—a passion kindled while Aaron was in Guatemala and one that blossomed into a winemaking partnership in 2002.

With years of experience in viticulture and vinification under his belt, Lieberman ascended to the role of winemaker at Iris Vineyards in 2008. Here, amidst the rolling vineyards of their award-winning Chalice Vineyard, he masterfully crafts Pinot Noir in all its forms—from sparkling Blanc de Noirs to still red wines, as well as Pinot Gris and Chardonnay. Iris Vineyards, with an annual production of approximately 20,000 cases, is committed to producing quintessentially "classic" Willamette Valley wines of an easy-drinking and low-alcohol style.

Lieberman's dedication to his community is as deep as his devotion to winemaking. Serving on the Willamette Valley Wineries Association's Diversity, Equity, Belonging, and Inclusion (DEBI) Council, he champions initiatives that support the queer and Latinx communities. His advocacy work is not just about representation but also about enriching the wine industry with diverse perspectives. “ LGBTQ people are underrepresented in the wine industry as a whole ,” he notes, underscoring the importance of diversity in any business. “ People from different backgrounds bring different things to the table, and it's important as a business to understand that .”

For those seeking a taste of Iris Vineyards, a visit to Springfield’s first wine bar is a must. Offering an array of Iris wines by the glass, in flights, or by the bottle, alongside wine-based cocktails and cheese and charcuterie boards, it promises to be a delicious experience.