Marty Doerschlag – Founder
I was born and raised in Dublin, Ohio—back when it was a small town of 500 people (it’s over 60,000 now). I grew up surrounded by farms and nature and was always drawn to the energy and rhythm of farming.
During college, most of my friends worked in restaurants. After graduation, I got a day job while many of them stayed in hospitality. While they worked dinner service, I was often at Hosters Brewery in Columbus, drinking copious amounts of pretty decent beer from the early microbrewery movement. After their shifts, we’d gather at a cook’s apartment where someone would throw together an incredible late-night meal, and half-full bottles of wine from their restaurants would start showing up. That’s when I first connected with wine—not just as a drink, but as something that brought people together. It became a lifelong love of food, wine, and the community around both.
In 1990, I visited Napa for the first time. It was a beautiful place with big, bold wines. But a 1995 trip to Bordeaux launched me into another place. It was fall, harvest time. I was blown away by the beauty, wine, history, and architecture. I spent a then small fortune on a case from each Château Mouton Rothschild and Château Lafite so I could take that place home with me.
For the next 20 years, I helped grow our family’s architecture and engineering firm from 20 people in one office to over 600 people in seven offices across the U.S. and Asia. It was fast-paced, exciting work with great people—but after two decades, I was ready to try something new.
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A couple of books helped point the way. The Black Swan introduced me to the concept of the Flâneur, a person slowing down and wondering without any agenda. Then The Omnivore’s Dilemma, written about health and farming in a place that also inspired me with a visit to Polyface Farm in Virginia. I kept thinking back to the trip to Bordeaux though, and in 2012, I committed to pursuing all the things I loved: farming, history, architecture, wine, and bringing it all together in one place, The Willamette Valley.
That became Flâneur Wines. Today, we farm organically, make delicious wines and welcome guests into our beautifully restored 100-year-old grain elevator. Our tight-knit team shares one goal: to build one of the top wineries in the world—with integrity, hospitality, and excellence in everything we do.
I hope you’ll visit us and experience it for yourself.
Anthony Sereni – Director of Winemaking
Anthony’s journey into winemaking began with a fascination for flavors and combinations discovered while exploring the diverse culinary landscape of Philadelphia. It was there that his passion for food and wine was ignited, with early favorites including Alsatian Riesling and Oregon Pinot Noir.
Seeking a deeper understanding of agriculture, Anthony and his wife embarked on a journey across the globe, working and volunteering on farms in New Zealand, Thailand, Vietnam, and Spain. It was in New Zealand where Anthony fell in love with winemaking, experiencing firsthand the dedication and creativity required to produce exceptional wines.
In Spain, he embraced the challenges of traditional winemaking methods, solving problems and finding inspiration amidst ancient vineyards and rustic equipment. This hands-on experience shaped his approach to winemaking, instilling in him a deep appreciation for the craft.
Returning to Oregon in 2012, Anthony immersed himself in every aspect of winemaking, from cellar work to vineyard management. His passion for Oregon Chardonnay led him to pursue a Master’s degree in Enology at Oregon State University, where he conducted research on the mouthfeel of Chardonnay—a topic close to his heart.
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After completing his thesis in 2016, Anthony joined the prestigious team at Archery Summit, honing his skills and crafting world-class wines working under the mentorship of celebrated Willamette Valley Winemakers, Chris Mazepink and Ian Burch. However, his journey eventually led him to Flâneur, drawn by the allure of the word, the vineyards, and the people.
As Director of Winemaking at Flâneur today, Anthony blends his diverse experiences and unyielding passion to craft wines that mirror the distinct terroir and spirit of the Willamette Valley, all while upholding Flâneur’s conscientiously technical yet spontaneously whimsical approach. His journey stands as a testament to his devotion to winemaking’s artistry and his ongoing pursuit of growth and innovation.
Jaime Cantu – Director of Vineyards
Jaime Cantu’s journey into grape growing didn’t begin as a passion; it started as a job. However, with each passing season, his connection to the land deepened, and he became fully invested in the art and science of viticulture. Over time, Jaime’s commitment to vineyard management evolved into a dedicated career path, one he has pursued without looking back.
With nearly three decades of industry experience, Jaime has had the privilege of working with esteemed wineries, including Domaine Drouhin, Stoller, Lone Star, Spirit Hills, and Knudsen Vineyards. His exposure to a variety of growers and winemakers has allowed him to acquire invaluable techniques and insights, far beyond what any textbook could offer.
The opportunity to work with our winery was one Jaime could not resist. Drawn to our boutique approach and the chance to collaborate closely with the owner and winemaking team, he embraced the role of Director of Vineyards. Jaime is deeply aligned with our commitment to organic farming and is passionate about the challenge of elevating our vineyards to be among the best organic farms in the valley—if not the world.
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Jaime’s favorite aspect of his work at the winery is the team’s collaborative spirit. While the team is dedicated to excellence, they also embody the flâneur philosophy, taking time to enjoy meals together, fostering camaraderie, and appreciating the beauty of their surroundings. He believes that it is this shared vision of crafting world-class wines and delivering exceptional hospitality that sets us apart.
In his free time, Jaime enjoys piloting small aircraft and finds immense satisfaction in flying over the vineyards he tends, taking in the breathtaking views from above.
Favorite Wine Experience: Jaime finds it difficult to pinpoint a single favorite experience at the winery, as his time here has been filled with meaningful moments. However, he particularly treasures the camaraderie during harvest, when the team comes together for family-style lunches even amidst the busiest, most demanding days.
Russell Lichtenthal – National Sales Director
Growing up watching cooking shows and reading chef memoirs, Russell always knew he wanted to pursue a career in food. He gravitated to the kitchen, earning a culinary degree from Johnson & Wales University in Providence and a degree in hospitality management from Le Cordon Bleu in Australia.
However, he quickly realized that life in the front of the house suited him better. Developing a passion for wine, and coupled with his love of guest interactions, Russell took numerous wine courses on his days off, building a strong foundation of knowledge to carry forward in his career.
For eight years, Russell embraced the life of a flâneur, traveling from country to country, immersing himself in vibrant cultures and unexpected experiences. He worked at prestigious hotels and restaurants, including The Pierre Hotel in New York City, Terroir Wine Bar, and the Four Seasons in Washington, D.C. He also completed nine months of harvest in Germany, Italy, and Slovenia, and spent three years working for wine importers in China.
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Landing at Flâneur Wines was the fulfillment of a vision for Russell. He believes wholeheartedly in the winery’s mission and approach to winemaking, as it aligns with his own philosophy: to live simply and strive for excellence. As Global Sales Director, he is responsible for fostering domestic and international relations with importers, distributors, wholesalers and the overall trade industry while expanding the winery’s reach through new sales partnerships. When not traveling, Russell splits his time between hosting trade partners, creating custom labels with likeminded partners and curating culinary collaborations with local restaurants at the Grain Elevator (or watching Seinfeld and playing his guitar).
Favorite Flâneur Wine Experience: During his final interview, Russell spent two days in Oregon exploring the vineyards and the Grain Elevator. For him, it felt like a glimpse into the future of what his life could be at Flâneur.
Kellie Huffman – Director of Membership & Hospitality
Born in Southern Oregon with the spirit of a flâneur, Kellie Huffman has traveled to more than 15 countries, immersing herself in local cultures and traditions. Her thirst for exploration and connection led her to Flâneur Wines and continues to fuel her passion for creating personalized experiences for every guest.
Kellie’s knowledge of wine began in a small Italian restaurant in Australia, where the all-Italian staff shared their deep appreciation for wine as a symbol of family, memories, and traditions. Upon returning to Oregon, she pursued a career in wine at Domaine Drouhin Oregon. Her growing connection to the world of wine inspired her to complete the rigorous WSET Certification, achieving Levels 1-3.
At Flâneur, Kellie is readily recognizable by her infectious laughter, but she’s also known for her dedication to understanding individual palates and pairing each guest with the perfect wine. She takes pride in educating visitors and future staff members about the Willamette Valley, Flâneur’s wines, and the meaning behind the flâneur philosophy. Alongside her tight-knit team, Kellie creates new and engaging experiences for wine club members.
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A lover of challenges, Kellie even studied Modern Greek just to learn the alphabet. Her goal is to provide guests with experiences that create lasting memories—ones that will keep them returning to the Willamette Valley for years to come.
Favorite Flâneur Wine Experience: Kellie recalls her first time tasting Flâneur wines in the cellar—before she even worked there—as a moment that swept her off her feet. Even in their youth, the wines were outstanding.
Amelia Dobbes – Director of Marketing
Growing up as the daughter of a winemaker, Amelia Dobbes was immersed in the Willamette Valley wine culture from a young age. She grew up speaking the language of wine, admiring the region’s creative professionals, and developing her palate through tastings across the valley.
During summers home from college, Amelia worked for her father’s companies, Dobbes Family Estate and Wine by Joe. After graduating with a degree in Marketing and International Business from Oregon State University, she joined the family business full-time, gaining experience across all facets of the operation—from cellar work and tasting room service to national sales support and marketing.
Amelia’s desire for a comprehensive understanding of the wine industry led her to Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits as a Sales Consultant in Nevada, where she managed a portfolio of over 400 on- and off-premise accounts, selling beer, wine, and spirits. Afterward, she interned at the Carlton Winemaker’s Studio, where she worked with several boutique luxury labels and spent much of her time alongside Winemaker Isabelle Meunier as her vintage intern.
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In early 2022, Amelia joined the Flâneur Wines team as Director of Marketing. Every day, she has the privilege of working with exceptional wines, sustainably farmed vineyards with breathtaking views, and a team of dedicated individuals. She is inspired by Flâneur’s commitment to embodying the flâneur lifestyle, often reminding herself to pause, take in the beauty, and draw inspiration from the world around her.
Amelia has discovered her own passion for the craft, which encompasses artistry, hands-on work, culinary parallels, agriculture, sustainability, and business. She finds immense fulfillment in a career that blends such diverse elements and leaves her feeling that the line between work and play is beautifully blurred in the world of wine.
Mindy Casteel – Assistant Hospitality Manager
The Willamette Valley is woven into many facets of Mindy Casteel’s life, having been a part of her journey from the very beginning. Her father planted several vineyards in the region during the late 1970s and early 1980s, becoming a pioneer in the industry and a profound inspiration in her life. It was through him that Mindy fell in love with both wine and the valley, where wine has always been a symbol of community and joy.
After graduating from Arizona State University, Mindy traveled to England to study beer-making. Upon returning to the U.S., she and her father opened Old Bisbee Brewing Company in Arizona. Their passion didn’t stop at beer—they expanded into distilling, focusing on crafting gin.
Mindy has been involved in the Oregon wine industry since 2011 and feels privileged to have worked at Bethel Heights for many of those years, where she formed cherished relationships with her extended wine family.
Outside of work, Mindy is the proud mother of two beautiful daughters, who remind her daily that life is about growth, adventure, and becoming the best version of oneself.
Visitors to the Flâneur tasting room may notice the abundance of crystals, which Mindy uses to manifest positive energy. Her loud, infectious laugh—often described as a cackle—can be heard from a mile away, especially when she and Kellie are together.
For Mindy, Flâneur isn’t just a winery; it’s a family. A place that welcomes guests wholeheartedly with exceptional wines, a cozy atmosphere, and engaging conversation.
Juan Corona – Vineyard Assistant
Juan Corona takes great pride in being part of the Flâneur Wines family, a company that values and treats its employees like one of their own. From the leadership of owner Marty to the friendship of Director of Vineyards Jaime Cantu, who recruited him to the team, Juan is thrilled to be working in an environment where he feels supported and appreciated.
With a deep-rooted passion for vineyard work, Juan is at home in the fields, where he dedicates himself to the meticulous care and cultivation of the vines. His connection to the land and his enthusiasm for the work are evident in everything he does. For Juan, it’s not just a job—it’s a calling.
Since joining Flâneur, Juan has formed strong bonds with the entire team, experiencing firsthand the camaraderie and shared commitment to producing exceptional wines. Being part of this close-knit group has enriched both his personal and professional life. He is grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such a talented and passionate team, and for the chance to contribute to a winery that holds such high standards for quality and sustainability.
Juan wouldn’t want to be anywhere else, and he’s proud to call Flâneur Wines his home.
Ellen Grey – Cellar Associate
As a Portland native, Ellen has always been immersed in the city’s rich food and wine culture, but her true passion for wine blossomed when she began exploring the art of fermentation. Living on a small urban orchard, she seized the opportunity to experiment with various fruit fermentations, which quickly led to the creation of her own craft-garage winery. Among her many creations, a European plum wine, bottled off-dry with a subtle effervescence, stands out as a personal favorite.
While winemaking began as a hobby, Ellen pursued academic interests in physics and psychology at Portland State University, all while bartending at a lively Portland music venue. However, her growing love for winemaking ultimately guided her to Chemeketa Community College in 2020, where she excelled in the Winemaking and Vineyard Management programs, earning Dean’s List honors throughout her studies.
In 2023, Ellen joined Flâneur Wines for her first harvest and immediately felt at home. The fast-paced, dynamic nature of the work, combined with the collective expertise of the Flâneur team, perfectly aligned with her background behind the bar and solidified her place as a dedicated cellar associate.
Nate Berry – Hospitality Associate
Nate grew up in central Ohio, where athletics and the arts shaped his early interests, particularly a fascination with French literature. He attended the City University of New York on academic scholarship and spent a year studying in London, an experience that sparked a lasting enthusiasm for travel and cultural exchange.
After graduating, Nate moved to California’s Monterey Peninsula, where he discovered a passion for wine while exploring the region’s celebrated Chardonnays and Pinot Noirs. Weekends often meant visiting nearby appellations—Napa Valley, Paso Robles, and Santa Barbara County—deepening his curiosity about terroir and winemaking. Friendships within the wine industry soon led him north to Oregon’s Willamette Valley around 2012, where he developed a particular appreciation for Oregon Pinot Noir.
Though drawn toward a career in wine and pursuing certifications through the Court of Master Sommeliers and the Certified Specialist of Wine program, Nate was equally captivated by the mountains, spending years alpine climbing and skiing. In 2022—after encountering more than a few uninspiring bottles while working as a climbing guide—he returned to his first love: wine, working harvest and gaining hands-on experience producing Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Syrah, Chenin Blanc, and Gamay…
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He has since returned to school to pursue a degree in winemaking while continuing to enjoy the hospitality side of the industry and connecting with others who share his passion for food and wine. Nate is a WSET Level 3 candidate and is always planning his next adventure to foreign wine regions.
Hillarie Sales – Hospitality Associate