Our Winemaker
Larry Langbehn - Consulting Winemaker
Larry Langbehn
The team at Ledgewood Creek Winery & Vineyard includes consulting winemaker Larry Langbehn, who has been affiliated with Ledgewood Creek Winery since it started in 2001. He is responsible for all aspects of wine production, including processing methodology, styling, daily work schedules, and the layout and equipping of the cellar. As a consultant, Larry has a number of clients, from the Suisun Valley to Napa Valley to eastern Sonoma County.
Larry is a graduate of UC Davis, with a degree in chemistry and advanced coursework in winemaking. In fact, he spent several years as a practicing chemist before settling in to a career in the wine industry. He has a strong appreciation for a methodical approach to problem solving in general, and to wine making in particular.
Ledgewood Creek is a fairly new winery requiring Larry to focus attention on the style for each wine. The nature and quality of the grapes coming to the winery is the key in this process. As the grapes come from the vineyard, he determines processing and aging methods that guide the wines to their final flavor profile.
Langbehn has been making premium wines for nearly 30 years. He has worked with virtually all major varietals in California. His greatest experience is with Bordeaux varietals and Chardonnay. Recently, he has been honing his skills with Ledgewood Creek’s Rhone varietals and feels they are of superior quality. In addition to being a consultant in California, Larry has managed his own family winery, worked with winemakers in Eastern Europe and China, and even did a stint as a vinegar maker (deliberately).
Larry has two major interests outside the wine industry. The first is classical music. His favorite musicians are Hélène Grimaud (pianist) and Anne-Sophie Mütter (violinist). When not listening to music, he likes to frequent commercial pyrotechnic displays. He lives for Presidents’ Day Weekend in February for the annual Western Pyrotechnic Convention in Arizona. Says Langbehn, “It’s the ultimate form of performance art!”
Growing up in Sacramento, Larry now resides in Santa Rosa with his wife, his son, and Audrey, the wonder dog, who is allowed to be on the bed!
Enrique Villalobos - Ranch Foreman
Enrique Villalobos
Ranch Foreman, Enrique Villalobos is a 39-year veteran of the wine industry. He joined Ledgewood Creek as ranch foreman over six years ago. Enrique came to the U.S. from Mexico as a 16-year-old with his two brothers. His exposure to grape growing began in St. Helena at the former Emmolo Nursery (now Emmolo Wine Company), known in viticultural circles for providing rootstock to many wineries. He then spent 30 years at wineries on Mt. Veeder overlooking the Napa Valley. Enrique began his career at Ledgewood Creek in 1999. He and his wife, Teresa, have two adult sons, both of whom are police officers in Northern California.
At an early age Enrique learned the myriad tasks associated with growing and nurturing high quality grapes. He attributes much of his background knowledge to his father as well as the numerous industry-related seminars and coursework offered by Napa Valley College. Coupled with hard work and determination, Enrique has spent a lifetime improving his knowledge and learning the latest skills in growing techniques.
As ranch foreman, Enrique’s duties encompass managing all ranch operations, supervising the vineyard staff, maintaining equipment, and the general appearance of the vineyards and winery. Depending on the time of year and the particular growing season, Enrique leads a work force of 20-60 employees—the busiest period in the early fall when harvest occurs. Residing in a home on the Ledgewood Creek estate, Enrique can often be seen surveying the 400 acres that are a part of Ledgewood Creek’s Suisun Valley property. He is typically accompanied by King, the vineyard dog, who rides along and walks with Enrique.
Enrique’s warm and engaging manner makes a significant contribution to the “family atmosphere” created by owner Dean Frisbie, which abounds at Ledgewood Creek Winery. Enrique is truly a “perfectionist,” and takes tremendous pride in ensuring that the grapes he grows are of the highest quality—always seeking the absolute best. His work includes frequent interaction with the winery’s viticulturist, winemaker, and managers. Often working behind the scenes, Enrique plays a significant role in the award-winning recognition that Ledgewood Creek wines receive. At the 2006 California State Fair, Ledgewood Creek’s 2004 Chardonnay received three Gold Medals! Seeing that the Napa Valley has already established worldwide recognition, Enrique enjoys the challenge of working in and being a part of the developing Suisun Valley wine industry.