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 MarketplaceChapters:00:00 Introduction to the Vent Wine Podcast00:37 Weekend Wine Adventures02:10 Exploring Australian Wines03:06 Champagne Trends and Insights06:33 Interview with Mikey Etzel of Beau Frere11:46 The History of Beau Frere21:20 Vineyard Practices and Innovations27:02 Rootstock Selection and Challenges30:04 Pruning Techniques and Vineyard Management33:02 Biodynamic Farming and Its Evolution37:12 Adapting to Climate Change38:27 Winemaking Techniques and Innovations47:27 Exploring Alternative Vessels49:57 Future of Chardonnay at the VineyardThe 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 [email protected]!