Michael Etzel: Oral History Interview

This interview is with Michael Etzel of Beaux Fréres Winery. In this interview, Michael discusses how he got the “wine bug,” first selling wine, then transitioning to owning a winery and making wine. Michael then goes on to discuss how his farming lifestyle has informed his job in the wine industry, as well as how they acquired the Beaux Fréres property while on vacation in Oregon. Although he had no initial experience making wine or growing grapes, Michael’s passion to succeed led him to having great success with his wines. Further into the interview, Michael talks about his wine making philosophy and how it has evolved into what it is today. Towards the end of the interview, Michael speaks about sustainable farming, his perspective, future plans for Beaux Fréres, his own personal goals, as well as the future of the Oregon Wine Industry.This interview was conducted by Rich Schmidt at Beaux Fréres Winery on April 12, 2019.