James Frey

James Frey, a remarkable winemaker, and abstract expressionist painter, defies traditional career paths with his unconventional journey into the world of wine. Armed with an undergraduate degree in Exercise Physiology from the University of California, Berkeley, and later acquiring an M.B.A. and a Masters in Exercise Physiology from the University of Arizona, James’s path to winemaking might seem unlikely.

However, his passion for winemaking led him to learn the craft, guided by mentors such as Oregon’s Josh Bergström and Burgundy’s Jacques Lardiere. The fruits of his labor became evident as his wines consistently made appearances in major publications’ Top 100 Wines of the Year lists from 2013 to 2019.

In 2015, one of James’s wines achieved global recognition by being ranked as the #3 wine in the world by Wine Enthusiast. President Obama even served one of his wines at a state dinner in 2016, an honor reserved for the finest offerings. His wines have graced the pages of renowned publications such as Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, Wine Advocate, Forbes, and more.

James’s journey culminated in the establishment of Trisaetum, a winery nestled in Oregon, where he and his family cultivate a diverse ecosystem through sustainable and eco-friendly farming practices. With their dedication to preserving natural habitats and sustainable viticulture, they’ve created a haven for producing some very special wines.

Frey Family Wines, including Trisaetum, 18401 Cellars, and Pashey, reflect James’s commitment to maintaining a hands-on approach and producing top-quality wines, with production levels intentionally kept small, at approximately 6,000 cases each vintage. The Frey family’s dedication to their craft and their vineyards shines through in every bottle, embodying the essence of their unique winemaking journey.