Our Team
Growing up bussing tables in high-end restaurants, Eric’s love of wine, particularly Pinot Noir developed early.
After graduating from the UC Davis in 1988, he spent several years working at wineries around the world including as winemaker for some of the most respected Pinot Noir producers in California. In 1995 he arrived in Oregon to establish Hamacher Wines and continue his quest to make “The Great Pinot.”
When not in the vineyard or in the cellar, he can be found working at his home estate, Paloma Vineyard, which he shares with his wife and four kids, Scottish Highlanders, goats, bees and various other farm animals. Gardening, cooking, fishing, skiing, reading and traveling fill in his spare time, when available.
ERIC HAMACHER
Founder & Winemaker
KRISTIN FRANKS
Kristin has been in the hospitality industry since she was 15 years old, with an increased interest and passion for wine in the last 10 years (when she got her first winery job at Ponzi Vineyards). Kristin was born and raised here in the Willamette Valley, where she studied Geology at the University of Oregon. Her favorite activities include hiking, camping, gardening, cooking and wine tasting.
Kristin has two Australian Cattle Dogs, Red and Jasper and is recently engaged. Their two sons keep them busy with youth baseball and various adventures.
You can also find Kristin working at the new Winery Lane Collective on the weekends (formally the Hamacher Wines Tasting Room), so please stop in and introduce yourself and allow her to tell you all about what makes Hamacher so special. You'll notice some beautiful new renovations on the property, but your club member perks remain the same!
Wine Club Manager
Mark joined Hamacher Wines in the fall of 2017 after spending 23 years as a brewer for The Blitz Weinhard Brewery. He also worked in the dairy industry for over seven years but has supported the Willamette Valley wine industry since the early 70s. He’s excited and proud to lend his years of experience to help craft Eric’s elegant wines.
Mark is a native Oregonian and when not in the cellar, he enjoys hiking in the Gorge, traveling and watching his nine grandchildren grow.
Cellar Assistant