Michael Etzel Jr.: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Michael Etzel Jr. of Beaux Fréres. In this interview, Michael talks about why he chose wine, what it was like growing up on the estate, and what made him decide to go into the wine industry. He speaks of the places he’s traveled to and the many jobs he worked before ending up back home in 2015. Michael then goes on to describe how the sale of the company affected him, the evolution of the estate, and his winemaking philosophy. Towards the end of the interview, he speaks about the label “Coattails” that he started with his brothers, what it’s like working with family, and balancing expectations with partnerships and consumer desires. To conclude, Michael offers his perspective of what the Oregon Wine Industry looks like today, how Beaux Fréres fits into the Oregon wine story, and offers his take on what the future looks like.This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Beaux Fréres on August 30, 2019.