Prodigal Wines

Stephen and Mary Russell are the propria etors of this new winery. The name “Prodigal” comes from the career path that Stephen Russell has followed. His frank introduction to the wine world came when, after graduating from University California Davis with a degree in enology in 1960, he went to work at Gallo as their first formally-trained enologist. He quickly discovered that corporate winemaking was not his interest. He can wax humorously about his experiences at Gallo. He talks about Hearty Burgundy, the well known red wine composed of Zinfandel, Merlot, and almost anything else that was available at the time. The challenge was to make Hearty Burgundy taste consistently the same despite the fact that the types and sources of grapes varied widely with each vintage. Stephen’s claim to fame at Gallo is that he created a process for carbonization of Ripple!

After a failed attempt to purchase Freemark Abbey, Stephen left the wine industry and returned to school where he obtained his DVM and PhD degrees. He pursued a successful career in cancer research. More recently he advises researches about acquiring research grants from various sources.

In 2001, he decided to do something with his lovely wife, Mary, who had followed him about faithfully through the years. They bought a house and property in the southeast corner of the Sta. Rita Hills appellation, and Prodigal Wines was born. The “prodigal son” had returned, dedicated to capturing the essence of Pinot Noir.

The Russells have planted 4 acres to Pinot Noir (Dijon clones 667 and 777, and some vines from cuttings from Julia’s Vineyard in Cambria) and Pinot Gris (clone 146). The young vineyard, named Quinta Santa Rosa Vineyard, is managed by Jeffrey Newton and associates (Coastal Vineyard Care). The first vintage, 2005, was crafted with the assistance of local winemaker, Norm Yost (Flying Goat), and will be released in the spring of this year. Beginning with the 2008 vintage, Prodigal wines will be produced at a new shared winery facility on Santa Rosa Road in Lompoc. Pinot Noirs will be produced from the estate vineyard, Fiddlestix Vineyard, and Rio Vista Vineyard.

Prodigal Wines are available directly from the winery. Those on the mailing list will be offered priority to purchase. Tastings in the Russell's home are available by appointment by phoning 805-688-0476.