WillaKenzie Estate in Yamhill was founded in 1991 by Bernard Lacroute, a long-time executive in various high-tech enterprises, and his former wife Ronni, who remains involved in the business. They purchased a 420-acre former cattle ranch and named it WillaKenzie after the soils and rivers in the area. A native of France, Bernard grew up in a small village in Burgundy before studying physics and electrical engineering in preparation for a career in technology. Today the estate makes a sizable portfolio of Pinot Noirs from various vineyards, Gamay Noir, Pinot Meunier, Pinot Blanc, Pinot Gris and Chardonnay. The winemaker is Thibaud Mandet, also a native of France.