Behind the Scenes at Beaux Frères: Mike D. Etzel on Pinot Noir, Place, and Perspective

🎙️ In this episode of the Vint Podcast, we sit down with Mike D. Etzel, President of Beaux Frères Vineyards in Oregon’s Ribbon Ridge AVA, to explore the legacy of one of America’s most iconic Pinot Noir estates.

Mikey shares the story of his family's founding of Beaux Frères, how the wines and farming have evolved, and what’s ahead—including a major winery expansion and a new estate Chardonnay program. We talk vineyard management, winemaking techniques, amphora experimentation, and why Ribbon Ridge terroir stands apart.

Whether you’re a Pinot Noir lover, collector, or vineyard geek, this is a deep and thoughtful conversation with one of Oregon’s leading winemakers.

👉 Plus: Don’t miss our companion mini-episode, “ Five Questions with a Winemaker: Mike D. Etzel, CEO of Beaux Frères”, for a quick-fire intro to Mikey and the Beaux Frères story.

🔗 Listen to more episodes: Vint Podcast Archive
🍷 Shop Beaux Frères wines: Browse on Vint Marketplace

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Vent Wine Podcast
00:37 Weekend Wine Adventures
02:10 Exploring Australian Wines
03:06 Champagne Trends and Insights
06:33 Interview with Mikey Etzel of Beau Frere
11:46 The History of Beau Frere
21:20 Vineyard Practices and Innovations
27:02 Rootstock Selection and Challenges
30:04 Pruning Techniques and Vineyard Management
33:02 Biodynamic Farming and Its Evolution
37:12 Adapting to Climate Change
38:27 Winemaking Techniques and Innovations
47:27 Exploring Alternative Vessels
49:57 Future of Chardonnay at the Vineyard

The Vint Wine Podcast is hosted and produced by Billy Galanko. For more content follow Billy on Instagram @BillyGalanko_wine_nerd and for partnerships and collaborations please email billy@sommeliermedia.com.

Cheers!