In a world often driven by short-term gains and surface-level achievements, Brent Evenstad stands out as a man of vision, precision, and deeply rooted values. Whether you’re toasting with a glass of world-class Pinot Noir from Oregon’s Willamette Valley or walking the well-organized aisles of a Menards in Minnesota, you may be encountering the quiet legacy of a man who has made an indelible mark across industries. This is the story of Brent Evenstad—a banker turned vintner, a retail leader with a heart for community, and a philanthropist dedicated to shaping a better future.
Early Beginnings: Financial Foundations and Entrepreneurial Spirit
Long before Brent Evenstad became a celebrated name in the wine world, he made waves in the banking industry. He co-founded Cascade Bancorp, a holding company that oversaw Bank of the Cascades, serving the Pacific Northwest. At a time when regional banks faced immense pressure from national competitors, Evenstad’s leadership was pivotal in fostering local trust and customer-centric service.
Under his guidance, the bank grew from a small operation into a significant regional player. It wasn’t just about numbers—it was about nurturing community, empowering local businesses, and building financial literacy among consumers. Eventually, Cascade Bancorp’s success attracted the attention of Banner Corporation, which acquired the company in a multi-million-dollar deal in 2017.
This venture into banking revealed a key trait of Evenstad’s approach to business: sustainable, purpose-driven growth with a focus on excellence and integrity.
Domaine Serene: Crafting Oregon’s Global Wine Identity
While Evenstad’s career in finance was thriving, his heart led him elsewhere—into the hills of Oregon’s Willamette Valley. In 1989, Brent and his wife Grace Evenstad made a bold move. They purchased land in the Dundee Hills and founded Domaine Serene, with one lofty goal: to create Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that could rival the finest wines of Burgundy, France.
At the time, Oregon wasn’t widely recognized on the global wine map. But the Evenstads believed in the potential of the terroir and committed themselves to the meticulous craft of winemaking. This wasn’t a vanity project—it was a deep-seated commitment to elevating Oregon’s wine industry to international acclaim.
A Legacy of Award-Winning Wines
Through rigorous vineyard management, top-tier facilities, and collaborations with world-class winemakers, Domaine Serene began garnering attention. The winery’s Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays have consistently received 94+ point scores from critics like Wine Spectator and Wine Enthusiast. Notably, in blind tastings against top French wines, Domaine Serene’s offerings often come out on top.
Their flagship wine, “Evenstad Reserve”, named in honor of the family legacy, is a testament to the blend of innovation and tradition that Brent has championed.
Crossing the Atlantic: Domaine Evenstad in Burgundy
In 2015, the Evenstads took their passion full circle with the acquisition of Château de la Crée, a historic estate in Santenay, Burgundy. For Brent, it was a poetic return to the old world, a chance to apply modern winemaking practices to vineyards with centuries of heritage.
By 2021, they officially launched Domaine Evenstad, deepening their presence in Burgundy and establishing a unique transatlantic bridge between Oregon and France. This move not only validated the quality of Domaine Serene’s wines but also symbolized Brent Evenstad’s deep respect for tradition paired with a relentless drive to innovate.
Their Burgundy wines are now being heralded for their authenticity, precision, and respect for terroir—qualities that align perfectly with Brent’s meticulous ethos.
Retail Reinvention: A Strategic Force at Menards
Brent Evenstad’s knack for leadership wasn’t confined to vineyards or boardrooms. In recent years, he took the helm as General Manager at Menards in Rochester, Minnesota, one of the largest home improvement retail chains in the U.S.
Here, he implemented a series of efficiency improvements, customer service training programs, and inventory optimizations that boosted the store’s performance and staff morale. His experience in banking and wine translated surprisingly well to retail, proving that strong leadership principles transcend industries.
Evenstad’s time at Menards further underscored his ability to create systems that empower people—a hallmark of his entire career.
Philanthropy and Community Building
Perhaps the most compelling aspect of Brent Evenstad’s journey is his unwavering dedication to giving back. Together with Grace, he has funded countless community projects, most notably the Evenstad Center for Wine Education at Linfield University. This institution aims to train future leaders in viticulture, oenology, and wine business—offering a holistic, world-class education to students from around the globe.
The couple also launched the “Pour It Forward” initiative at Domaine Serene, where proceeds from special wine events and releases are directed toward health, education, and social equity programs.
These initiatives reflect a belief that success should be shared, and that the communities that support businesses deserve investment and care in return.
A Vision That Endures
Brent Evenstad is not a flashy figure. You won’t find endless interviews or bold headlines boasting of his work. But for those in the know—in the financial corridors of Oregon, among the vineyards of France, or in the training rooms of a Rochester retail store—his influence is profound and enduring.
He embodies a rare mix of visionary leadership, operational excellence, and heartfelt philanthropy. His legacy is not just in the businesses he’s built, but in the communities he’s uplifted and the people he’s inspired.
In an age of rapid disruption and short-term thinking, Brent Evenstad reminds us that long-term vision, paired with integrity and community commitment, still holds immeasurable power.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re sipping on an Evenstad Reserve, attending a seminar at the Linfield wine school, or managing a team in retail, the ethos of Brent Evenstad resonates clearly: Excellence is built over time, guided by purpose, and powered by people.
His journey from banking to Burgundy isn’t just the tale of a successful entrepreneur—it’s the roadmap of a modern renaissance man who understands that true success lies in connection, craft, and contribution.
