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Etienne is born from the shared passion and friendship of its founders. More than just another project for us—it’s a true labor of love and dedication.

ADAM LEE

Adam Lee’s journey to becoming a winemaker is as unexpected as it is inspiring.

Raised in Austin, Texas, Adam was the adopted son of two older Southern Baptist parents. His early career aspirations ranged from being a garbage man to a minister, and later, a history professor.

At Trinity University in San Antonio, he studied the comparative history of French and American prison systems, but when that didn’t lead to a job, he took a position at a wine retail store. Eventually, he found himself as one of the wine buyers for Neiman Marcus in Dallas.
 

Despite his success in retail, Adam’s heart was set on California’s Wine Country. In 1993, he moved to Sonoma County with the dream of becoming a winemaker. Co-founding Siduri Wines in 1994, his Pinot Noir venture quickly took off, growing from 107 cases in its first year to a staggering 35,000 cases by 2015. That same year, he sold Siduri Wines to Jackson Family Winery in an attempt to simplify his life—though that attempt, as he admits, proved futile.
In 2017, Adam launched Clarice Wine Company, named after his grandmother. This small production winery has garnered high praise, pushing the boundaries of quality in the Santa Lucia Highlands.
Following a trip to the Southern Rhone in 2019, Adam co-founded Beau Marchais Winery with legendary French winemaker Philippe Cambie. The project flourished until Philippe’s untimely death, and today, Adam continues to consult for several wineries, focusing primarily on Pinot Noir.   Adam’s greatest joys, however, are his three children—Christian, Amber, and Truett—and his wonderful fiancée, Moret Brealynn Chavez. They, along with his love for wine, are the center of his world.   Notable wine moments:
  • The wine that changed everything: 1984 Rochioli Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, the first red wine he ever fell in love with.
  • Favorite wine beyond the Southern Rhone: Pinot Noir, especially from California’s cooler coastal regions.
Adam Lee in vineyard

MORÉT BREALYNN CHAVEZ

Morét Brealynn Chavez is a rising talent in California’s wine industry, making waves with her namesake winery, established in 2021. 

 

Recognized by Food & Wine as one of the “Five New Names to Know” in shaping the future of California wine, Morét blends creativity and determination in every bottle she produces.

Her career began in hospitality at Silver Oak, followed by pivotal roles in marketing at Kosta Browne and a five-year stint at HALL Wines, where she honed her skills in PR, marketing, and administration.

In 2021, inspired by her passion for exploring wine flavors and her partnership with fiancé and wine consultant Adam Lee, Morét launched her own winery.

 

 

Dedicated to crafting wines that authentically express their vineyard origins, Morét revels in how wine brings people together in dynamic and meaningful ways. When she’s not tending to the vineyard or hosting wine dinners, she enjoys golfing with Adam or discovering new taco spots in Sonoma County.

 

 

Notable moments in her wine journey:

  • Lightbulb Wine:  2009 Twomey Russian River Valley Pinot Noir – “I fell in love with its flavors so deeply that, despite making minimum wage, I couldn’t resist buying this nearly $50 bottle to enjoy again.”
  • What else do you drink beyond Southern Rhone? “The answer is yes! I’ve never met a varietal I didn’t like. However, when I started my winery, I knew I had to work with Russian River Valley Pinot Noir, as its complex and long-lasting flavors truly captivate me.”

SASHA VERHAGE

Sasha Verhage thrives at the intersection of complexity, culture, and connection.

Originally from Michigan, a state known for its beer, Sasha was introduced to French culture early on through his father, who worked for Peugeot. 


In 1996, Sasha moved to California for a tech career but soon discovered a deep passion for wine. Since then, he has immersed himself in California’s two iconic industries—technology and winemaking—each fulfilling a different aspect of his creative and professional life.


Sasha finds joy in merging the worlds of California and France, particularly through his love for wine and Rhone varietals. His journey led him to co-found Downstream Wines with Justin Smith (Saxum) and renowned Rhone consultant Philippe Cambie, after first creating a small production of wine under his Eno Wines label.

 
His passion lies in connecting people, celebrating the moment, and honoring the rich traditions of the past.


Notable moments in his wine journey: