Marcell Kustos

Marcell Kustos is a fine-wine specialist with a practical, end-to-end understanding of wine - from vineyard and cellar to market and private collections. As Managing Director of David Ridge Wines, he focuses on sourcing, positioning and stewarding some of Italy’s most important site-driven wines for the Australian market, with a particular emphasis on Barolo, Barbaresco and Tuscany. 
 
Marcell’s connection to wine began early, growing up around his family’s vineyard in Hungary. Formal training in food engineering and winemaking operations followed, along with postgraduate study in gastronomy and a PhD at the University of Adelaide (with Wine Australia and UC Davis) researching food, wine and emotional pairing. This academic grounding continues to inform his approach to terroir, structure and longevity. 
 
His hospitality career includes senior roles as Head Sommelier and Wine Buyer at Penfolds Magill Estate, where he managed a cellar of fine and rare wines dating back to 1946, and Beverage Director at Restaurant Botanic, building a multi-award-winning beverage program from concept to execution. Alongside restaurant work, Marcell has advised on and managed private wine cellars for collectors, focusing on provenance, acquisition strategy and long-term cellaring. 
 
A practicing winemaker, Marcell founded LVDO Wines in 2018, giving him a hands-on perspective that informs how he evaluates balance, site and intent in the wines he represents. His training as an Italian Wine Ambassador (VIA), combined with a scientific understanding of terroir, underpins his work today alongside David Ridge - working closely with producers and collectors alike, prioritising trust, continuity and thoughtful placement over scale.