Filmaker to waitress to winemaker...

Pam Walden, an urban winemaker and owner of Willful Wine, fell into the wine business backwards. After a promising career at the BBC was derailed by layoffs, this London native found herself waitressing in a small restaurant in France's Dordogne region.

One day, a budding winemaker - an American - walked in. Pam fell in love and followed him back to Oregon, supporting his dream of opening his own winery.

Helping out in the cellar, getting her hands dirty working closely with the grape-growers, and assisting with blending gave Pam the hands-on training she needed - and a passion for making wine. But before long, they split - and she bought out his interest in the vineyard.

But then, tragedy struck, and he passed away. A single mom, Pam sold the vines and moved the winemaking operation to Portland to be close to her sons, Cato and Samson, rather than splitting her efforts between Portland and the Valley.

"I really miss my vines," Walden told Wine Press NW. "That's really my happy place, but I had to give it up and spend that time being the best mom I can be. I've got basketball games to take kids to, and I'd rather be doing that on the weekend."