Gregory castells

OWNER & PRESIDENT
MARTINE’S WINES

Greg's journey in hospitality began at the age of 16, first washing dishes and eventually working the floor, in his family's Provence restaurant. After rigorous training at the Escoffier Restaurant School and Tain l'Hermitage Sommelier School, he worked his way through some of France's finest establishments, as commis sommelier at the two-Michelin-star La Palme d'Or in Cannes, Le Juana in Juan Les Pins but also as Maitre D’Hotel for the Royal family in Monaco.

In 1998, Greg moved to London as assistant sommelier at the three-Michelin-star Restaurant Gordon Ramsay, later becoming Head Sommelier at Gordon Ramsay's new restaurant, Pétrus.  In 2001, Greg came to the United States and served as Wine Director for Georges Perrier’s legendary restaurant Le Bec-Fin in Philadelphia, then as Chef Sommelier at Bastide in Los Angeles under acclaimed chef Ludovic Lefebvre.

In 2006, Thomas Keller and Paul Roberts recruited Greg as Head Sommelier for The French Laundry in Napa Valley. After three years at one of America's most celebrated restaurants, he spent five years as Wine Director for Napa-based wine merchant Soutirage, broadening his expertise beyond the dining room.

In 2012, Martine Saunier personally selected Greg to succeed her at Martine's Wines. Today, as owner and president, he runs this legendary import company with his partner and CEO, Kate Laughlin, traveling throughout France and beyond to discover exceptional wines for the American market.