Russell Lichtenthal grew up watching cooking shows and reading chef memoirs, which drew him to a career in food and a culinary degree from Johnson & Wales University in Providence, R.I., followed by a degree in hospitality management from Le Cordon Bleu in Australia. In addition to a preference for front of house service, he developed a passion for wine and took numerous wine courses to build his foundation of knowledge.

Russell lived the life of the flâneur for eight years, traveling from country to country, soaking up exciting cultures and unexpected experiences, and working at famed hotels and restaurants, including the Pierre Hotel and Terroir Wine Bar in New York City and the Four Seasons in D.C. He also spent nine months working harvest in Germany, Italy, and Slovenia, and three years working for wine importers in China. Now, as director of hospitality & sales, Russel is responsible for leading guest relations and helping grow the Flâneur winery. When not traveling and forging new sales partnerships, you’ll find him working with the team at the Carlton Grain Elevator—or watching Seinfeld reruns and playing guitar.