
Our People

Winemaker
Greg Freeman
Native Texan Greg Freeman’s expansive background combines long-standing interests in art and science with 20 years of Monterey County winemaking. After graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Microbiology and Chemistry from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas, Greg moved to Crested Butte, Colorado. It was here that his interest in wine emerged, working as a backcountry snowmobile guide by day and chef by night. Greg returned to his roots working in scientific laboratories in Houston, Santa Fe and New Orleans while also holding bartending and restaurant positions where he was responsible for private events with fine wine collectors. Increasingly fascinated by the combination of science and art in wine, Greg’s official wine career began in 2003 with an opportunity from Hahn to improve the winery’s lab capabilities. Greg quickly progressed to winemaker at Hahn Winery, Hahn SLH, Lucienne, Smith & Hook, Boneshaker, Cycles Gladiator, Rex Goliath, and Huntington. Greg credits his development as a winemaker to working closely with Nicholas Hahn and Paul Clifton, Director of Winemaking at Hahn. Greg left Hahn to become winemaker for Georis/Cowgirl Winery in Carmel Valley and Messina Hof Winery in Bryan, Texas. Greg joined Chalone Vineyard in 2021, bringing two decades of Monterey winemaking expereince as he writes the latest chapter in the winery’s storied history. A lifelong musician who once toured with an African dance band, Greg currently lives in Carmel Valley with his teenage daughter where he can occasionally be spotted playing bagpipes on the Carmel beach.