Herman Story

Russell attended Cal Poly in San Luis Obispo, a quaint paradise of a town that he somehow has managed to never be forced to leave. He majored in Agricultural business and Crop Science and happened to sit next to someone his freshman year who had worked harvest at Lockwood Vineyard. Intrigued by the stories of hundred hour weeks, sunburn and bee stings, Russell decided to give it a shot and landed an intern position at Lockwood that same season. 
Since that season 20+ years ago Russell has been busy. He spent 3 seasons working under Jeff Fink at Tantara on the grounds of the inestimable Bien Nacido Vineyard, followed by 4 years as director of winemaking for the Central Coast Wine Warehouse. He then spent 3 years as winemaker for Addamo Vineyards where he produced his first and only Riesling. Before Herman Story came to fruition, he spent 10 years with Barrel 27 as co-founder/hustler/punchdown expert/etc… And finally, 17 years and counting as Winemaker/Proprietor/Chief Grill Operator at Herman Story Wines.