Corazón is the culmination of over three years of dedication, vision, and passion, all beginning with a simple idea sparked by Nick Cheatham while working in the vineyards of the Willamette Valley.

Nick’s journey started in 2012 when he was a fresh undergraduate at Oregon State University studying Food Science and Technology. Quickly captivated by the science of alcoholic beverage production, Nick embarked on his first internship in the summer of 2014 with A to Z Wineworks. His first “real job” was working on their bottling line, and later, he took a semester off to immerse himself in his first harvest experience. It was a transformative moment that ignited his love for the craft.

By 2015, Nick returned to A to Z for a coveted summer vineyard internship, where he assisted with crop yield estimates, pest and disease scouting, and worked with a remarkable team at stunning vineyards across western Oregon. This hands-on experience deeply influenced Nick’s career trajectory.

After graduating from OSU in 2018, Nick’s journey took him further—interning with Adelsheim Vineyards, making wine in New Zealand, and serving as associate winemaker and vineyard manager at Bluebird Hill Cellars in Monroe, Oregon. It was during the exceptional 2018 vintage that Nick’s winemaking skills truly flourished.

In 2019, Nick returned to his hometown of Ontario, Oregon, to be closer to family and explored the Idaho wine scene. However, Corvallis and the Willamette Valley wine community kept calling him back. A last-minute harvest gig with friend and fellow OSU alum Dave Cho (founder of CHO Wines) at Duck Pond Cellars set Nick on a new course. Soon after, he became a viticulture technician at Stoller Vineyards, where the idea for Corazón took shape.

As Nick immersed himself in Corvallis, the heart of the Willamette Valley—an area rich with wine culture—he realized the need for a wine bar. A cool college town in one of the world’s premier wine regions, yet no wine bar to call its own? It was a gap that needed filling. With the help of his sister, an OSU business grad, Nick began drafting a business plan, and Corazón was born, its name inspired by both the Latin translation of Corvallis and Nick’s multicultural upbringing.

Corazón was founded with a mission: to honor the region’s winegrowers while also offering a space where people could explore wines from around the world. Nick wanted to remove the pretentiousness often associated with wine tasting, creating an inclusive atmosphere where everyone, regardless of experience, could enjoy new wines. This vision was realized through rotating glass pours, small plates, a carefully curated selection of local and imported wines (with a focus on Mexican and Spanish selections), cocktails, and a community-oriented environment.

In 2025, Nick made the decision to pass on the legacy he built to Chef Luke Carlson. Under Chef Luke's leadership, Corazón continues to honor Nick's original vision while embracing a new chapter in its story. Chef Luke’s passion for exceptional cuisine, local ingredients, and his dedication to the community ensures that Corazón remains a beloved gathering spot where the spirit of exploration and camaraderie continues to thrive.

Corazón stands as a testament to Nick Cheatham’s commitment to the Corvallis community, to wine, and to creating spaces where people come together to share experiences and celebrate life. His influence will continue to be felt in every glass poured, every dish served, and every moment enjoyed at Corazón.

The team at Corazón would like to express deep gratitude to Nick for his vision, his hard work, and the lasting impact he has made. We also thank his parents, Joe and Margarita Cheatham, his grandparents Earl and Maryrose, and his abuelitos Rogelio and Lupe, whose love and guidance helped shape the person and the vision behind Corazón.

Here’s to Nick and his incredible legacy. We look forward to continuing this journey in his honor.