ANDY LYTLE

Co-Founder

After over 32 years in the wine business, Andy has found that the best wines are usually labors of love. The name of his vineyard in the Eola/Amity sub-AVA, Anahata (Sanskrit for the heart chakra), reflects his passion not just for wine, but for the very special culture of winemaking that has emerged in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. In 2013, Andy decided that the time and the terroir were right to begin making his favorite type of wine -- bubbles -- in his favorite growing region. Assembling this “super-group” of sparkling experts to launch a world-class product from the Willamette Valley has been a dream project for Andy, who lives with his family in Washington and proudly serves on the board of the Children’s Cancer Association, having previously helmed the board for seven years. 

ANTONY BECK

Co-Founder

Antony Beck owns Graham Beck Wines, the world-renowned South African brand his father founded in 1983. Graham Beck’s range of méthode cap classique—South Africa’s version of Champagne—has earned a global reputation for quality and innovation. While the Beck name is best known for its sparkling wines, in the early 2000s Antony went in search of the perfect place to produce still Pinot Noir. He found his way to Oregon’s Willamette Valley, opening Angela Estate in the Yamhill-Carlton AVA in 2006. Named for Antony’s wife, Angela Estate produces the critically acclaimed single-vineyard Pinot Noirs Angela Vineyard and Abbott Claim. Now, Antony is happy to lend his expertise to another world-class bubbles project in Lytle-Barnett, Barnett being his mother’s maiden name. Antony also owns and directs Gainesway Farm, a premier thoroughbred stud farm in Lexington, Kentucky, where he and Angela have raised their five children.

ANDREW DAVIS

Director of Winemaking

Andrew brings his passion for and knowledge of Willamette Valley winemaking culture to the process of crafting unparalleled, timeless bubbles for Lytle-Barnett. After a decade with Argyle Winery pioneering and perfecting the process, Andrew is one of the few winemakers in the region who has had the opportunity to master the complex skill set required to make truly exceptional méthode champenoise sparkling wines. Originally from the great, grape-free state of Montana, Andrew fell in love with Oregon and its wines while pursuing a Botany degree from Oregon State University. It didn't take long to move from drinking wine to making wine after completing a degree in Cool Climate Viticulture and Oenology from Lincoln University in New Zealand. Now with decades of experience behind him, Andrew and his Radiant Sparkling Wine Company are helping to usher in the next wave of bubbles to Oregon.

SCOTT DWYER

Winemaker

Scott joined the Lytle-Barnett winemaking team as an already accomplished winemaker with the desire to evolve and refine his ability to produce high quality sparkling wines. Scott's story is one of serendipity, scientific curiosity, and a boundless creative spirit that has helped craft some of the most exquisite sparkling wines in the region.

He was introduced to the world of wine by chance as a weekend harvest volunteer, but found that it fit well with his background and education. He shifted trajectories and began his winemaking career in the Monticello AVA of central Virginia. In addition to learning production, he expanded his interest in wine science, research, and education and was quickly an active member of the local and national wine industry.

For Scott, winemaking is about striking a balance between science and art. He draws on his scientific knowledge to create wines that are both elegant and technically precise, while also using his creativity and intuition to ensure his wines highlight people, time, and place, and they are carefully crafted with a blend of tradition and innovation.

Lytle-Barnett wines showcase his ability to balance these two elements skillfully. Each bottle is a tribute to life, nature, and the unique beauty of both Oregon terroir and the traditional method winemaking process. We believe Scott's journey highlights the importance of pursuing your passions and using your creativity to make something extraordinary.