Erich Russell is the Founder and Winemaker of Rabbit Ridge. While teaching Track and Field at San Diego High, Erich began making homemade wine.   During the summer of 1979, Erich was offered a cellar job for Chateau St. Jean after the winemaker tasted his wine in an amateur winemaking contest.   Erich quit his teaching job and began working for the winery.   In 1981, Erich opened Rabbit Ridge Winery and Vineyards, named after Erich's track nickname in school, the Rabbit.

When Erich married Joanne James Russell in 1999, Joanne started working for the winery.   In 2004 Joanne published her own cookbook "A Cook's Tour of Rabbit Ridge Winery" (see photo below).   Joanne's biggest job however, is taking care of "The Rabbit".