Dustin Freund

Dustin Freund grew up in the Pacific Northwest, where his culinary career led him to travel the world and eventually find his calling in the wine industry. Working as a chef for seven years introduced Dustin to the different wines of the world as well as working in different parts of the world. Starting with completing his Associate’s Degree in Culinary Arts and Restaurant Management from Caesar Ritz University in Vitznau, Switzerland, and his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management and Entrepreneurship from Kendall College, Chicago, IL, Dustin started his transition into the wine world with some self-study wine education courses. Starting with WSET 1, 2, and 3, passing with distinction, then completing a French Wine Scholar certification and finally a certified sommelier from the Court of Master Sommelier.

After completing a harvest with Domaine Viticole Krier-Welbes in Ellange, Luxembourg, his transition into the wine production industry was certain. Dustin then lived and studied in Bordeaux, France, where he completed his Master of Business and Science in Vineyard & Winery Management from Bordeaux Science Agro. During his time in France, he worked at Chateau Palmer in Margaux, France, where he helped with biodynamic preparations and followed vineyard research projects with disease assessment, Massal Selection, and soil samplings. When finally returning to America he completed his Masters’ Thesis focusing on quantity and timing of nutrient additions at Joseph Phelps Vineyards in Saint Helena, CA. Since moving up to the Willamette Valley Dustin worked for Stoller Family Estate in the vineyard and the cellar, and as of the 2023 harvest decided to join the Vinovate team as Cellar Technician.

Dustin is excited to continue his learning experience in Willamette Valley winemaking under the leadership of Vinovate.

Dustin is now settling down in Carlton with his wife, newborn son, and German Shepard (Katy, Constantine, and Alita). When Dustin isn’t in the Vinovate cellars, he is most likely flying down the mountain at Mach speed with either a snowboard or mountain bike underneath his feet.