PIERRE & SUSAN EHRET
PROPRIETORS
Pierre Ehret is an avid motorsports racer and has competed in more than 100 races in both Europe and the U.S.
Pierre was born in Düsseldorf, Germany. It is this connection along with his business interests on both sides of the Atlantic that allowed him to develop an appreciation and understanding of fine wines, both domestic and European. In 1996, Pierre established Bavarian Lion Vineyards in Knights Valley.
Pierre and Susan have three children: Alex, Christian, and Isabella. All were born in Santa Rosa, California but were raised bi-culturally with a strong European heritage. The family has lived and traveled throughout Europe with their children and have gained a great love and appreciation for fine wine and traditionally inspired food. That love for family, travel, fine wine, and food continue to inspire the dedication and development of the winery.
Susan Ehret plays a central role in
the family business, overseeing bottling logistics, event planning, and all
aspects of interior design. Her attention to detail and aesthetic sensibility
shape the character of both the estate and its experiences—on-site and beyond. As the creative force behind many of the brand’s visual and experiential
elements, Susan brings cohesion, warmth, and personality to every corner of the
property.
ERIN GREEN
WINEMAKER
Erin Green made her debut as consultant winemaker for Ehret Winery with the 2015 vintage. Erin worked at Sonoma-Cutrer Vineyards, Vinwood Cellars, and, in the early 1990s, was instrumental in the launch of the Napa Wine Company as Director of Winemaking. She blended the wines for many years for the négociant label Stone Creek while assisting on ultra-premium projects such as Bryant Family Vineyard, Colgin Cellars, Martinelli Winery & Vineyards, and Pahlmeyer.
From 2000-2012 she became Winemaker and Director of Winegrowing at Pahlmeyer and made their critically acclaimed wines through the 2010 vintage. Green returned to Sonoma County to become consulting winemaker for Martinelli Winery.
ALEX & BEN VYBORNY
VINEYARD MANAGER, VYBORNY VINEYARD MANAGEMENT
Alex graduated from UC at Davis with a degree in viticulture in 1969. He worked in the Delta area from 1973-1976 for the Pillsbury Company. In 1974 he moved to Geyserville and bought out Pillsbury with two other partners. Together with his son Ben, they now manage 1,300 acres in Sonoma County and Napa Valley.
Alex has managed vineyards for legendary producers such as Far Niente and Joseph Phelps. According to his unique vineyard philosophy, all fruit is caned pruned, intensifying the flavor development within the grapes. His name is so synonymous with quality, that “Vyborny” is the actual Czech word for “excellent.”
Our sustainable vineyard practices involve a minimalist approach. Farming in the vineyard is ecologically respectful and sustainable, as all energy comes from installed solar panels and drip irrigation is used for the entire vineyard.
ETHAN GLAGO
DIRECTOR OF SALES AND MARKETING
Born and raised in Sonoma Valley, Ethan was crawling through vineyards before he could walk. He graduated from Sonoma State University with a degree in Wine Business Strategies and Business Management. He spent time abroad exploring famous wine regions and has worked in Sonoma's wine industry over the past 12 years. Ethan spends his free time coaching youth basketball, enjoying outdoor adventures, and snowboarding with friends.
CHRISTIAN & ALEX EHRET
DIRECTORS OF HOSPITALITY
Christian and Alex Ehret grew up on the family estate, where they developed an early interest in the natural environment. This connection to the land informs their commitment to responsible land use and long-term sustainability. They view the property as an ecosystem that supports both their work and their personal interests.
The brothers spent much of their lives in Bavaria and the Swiss Alps. While they value aspects of their European heritage, they aim to apply those principles in a more contemporary and adaptable way.
Both hold bachelor’s degrees and completed a Master of Science in Real Estate from the Public University of Lucerne in 2021. Since 2013, they have operated a boutique electronic music label that produces vinyl records from various artists. Alex is also an avid photographer, with a focus on natural lighting and composition.