Chris Russi
Building on his early career experience as a vineyard manager, Chris Russi takes a vineyard-first approach to his role as the winemaker for Thomas George Estates. “The idea of winemaking shouldn’t be about the winemaker,” says Chris. “It should be about the vineyard, the quality of each block, and the character of the vintage.” Reflecting this philosophy, Chris applies a gentle, small-lot approach to winemaking at Thomas George Estates, fermenting as many as 50 individual lots of wine in a given vintage, with techniques tailored to subtly accentuate the best natural attributes of each. Combining both traditional and modern methods, as well as a belief in the importance of experimentation, Chris works closely with Jeremy Baker and Vineyard Manager Ulises Valdez to create wines that achieve the full potential of Thomas George’s estate program. Though each wine is made to be unique and complex, Chris has helped to define a bright, balanced house style that emphasizes lower alcohols, excellent acidity and the modest use of new oak.
Born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area, Chris first began making wines with his grandfather, who had come from Italy with a knowledge of winemaking and an old Italian basket press. From him, Chris learned not only the process and importance of making wine by hand; he also earned an appreciation for the results of the labor, often raiding the barrels of finished wine with his friends when his parents’ backs were turned. After graduating from Santa Clara University with a degree in combined sciences, Chris spent a year working as an environmental biologist in Carmel Valley. Between weeks in the field, Chris explored his passion for wine with trips to the tasting rooms of Monterey County, where he gained an appreciation for cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Eager to focus on wine, he took a position at Orsi/Kimelis Vineyards in the Dry Creek Valley, where he ultimately became ranch and vineyard manager. After accepting a position in the lab and cellar of Geyser Peak Winery, Chris met winemaking legend Daryl Groom (of Penfolds Grange fame). Daryl mentored Chris in the practical side of winemaking and encouraged him to pursue winemaking as a career. He also helped Chris to expand his knowledge, recommending him for a job at Peter Lehmann in Australia’s Barossa Valley. When Chris returned from Australia, he was determined to make wine on his own, and enrolled in the UC Davis viticulture and enology program.
After earning his degree in 2000, Chris became the winemaker for Christopher Creek Winery in the Russian River Valley, where he remained until coming to Thomas George Estates in 2008. Since joining Thomas George Estates, Chris has established himself as one of the Russian River Valley’s rising stars. A true working winemaker, Chris loves the labor of winemaking, and does everything in the winery with the help of Cellarmaster Francisco Cardenas. He is also actively involved in all farming decisions, and works alongside Ulises in a constant effort to enhance Thomas George’s acclaimed estate program. In keeping with his love of growing grapes, Chris is the proud owner of a small, 100-year-old Zinfandel vineyard, which he farms himself. This exceptional fruit is used to craft a vineyard-designate Zinfandel for Thomas George Estates.
