SERENDIPITY & STEWARDSHIP
The Beaux Frères story began in 1986 when Michael G. Etzel, then a wine salesman in Colorado Springs, embarked on a road trip to Oregon with his young family after reading an enticing review of an ‘83 Pinot Noir from the Willamette Valley. They took a whimsical detour to check out a foreclosed 88-acre pig farm about 20 minutes from their destination and, upon seeing the idyllic hillside, cute little bungalow, and lush pasture at the top of the dirt road, began to wonder: Could a quiet, wholesome farm life growing grapes for the blossoming local wine scene be possible?
With an investment from Michael’s sister Pat and her husband, wine critic Robert Parker Jr., the dream began to take shape. (The name Beaux Frères refers to the French idiom for “brother in law.”) They moved to the farm the following summer, three little boys in tow, and Michael began his focused pursuit as a vineyard manager by planting only Pinot Noir and slowly transforming the farm into their jewel.
At the crest of the property, planting began in 1988 with five acres of vines tightly spaced at a density of about 2,200 plants to the acre. While planting The Beaux Frères Vineyard, Michael worked four harvests at Ponzi Winery. In 1990, he harvested his first crop and sold the grapes, except enough to make one barrel, to winemakers Ken Wright and Dick Ponzi. In 1991, renovation of the main barn made way for Beaux Frères Winery and the first estate vintages of The Beaux Frères Vineyard Pinot Noir followed soon after.
Nestled in the Willamette Valley’s Ribbon Ridge viticultural area (est. 2005) near Newberg, Oregon, the property remains a perfect fit as a new generation, led by Mike D. Etzel (Michael’s middle son), takes responsibility for stewarding the land and crafting the wines. More than thirty years since their serendipitous encounter with this landscape, three generations of the Etzel family now live on the Ribbon Ridge, diligently caring for this storied property.
THE NEXT GENERATION
The Beaux Frères team consists of fifteen year round, full-time employees. Several of those individuals have been members of the team for many years, in some cases eclipsing nearly a quarter century with the company.
A new generation now carries Beaux Frères forward. Mike “Mikey” D. Etzel has called the winery property home since early childhood, spending several decades immersed in the vineyards and the life of the estate. Today, he oversees Beaux Frères as CEO and Technical Director, having taken on the broader responsibilities of running the winery following his father’s retirement.
As Mikey’s role expanded, Damien Lapuyade joined Beaux Frères to lead the day-to-day work of winemaking, bringing his considerable talent and experience to the cellar. In the vineyard, they work alongside Rogelio Rosales and Omar Perea, whose 31 and 26 years with Beaux Frères make them our two longest-serving employees—and an important part of the continuity that defines this place.
Our team is driven by a commitment to uphold the promise built throughout the last 30+ years. The goal is for each individual to contribute their best and highest skills toward the end result: bringing lovingly crafted wines into the hands of those who will treasure them as we do.
The primary focus is stewardship, working in our various capacities to capture and thrive alongside the rhythms of the growing season. Daily walks in the vineyard are encouraged; harvest lunches bring every member of the team together; whistling while we work is nothing less than a directive. It is an honor to journey alongside this landscape in the Ribbon Ridge.