PASO ROBLES, Calif. (September 10, 2002) - About six years ago, Rabbit Ridge started buying ranches and planting vineyards in the Paso Robles area of the Central Coast of California, motivated by my belief that this area had the potential to produce some of the finest red wines in California.   Last year we began construction of a new winery on San Marcos road in Paso Robles, as we had outgrown the Healdsburg facility where I founded Rabbit Ridge in 1981.   As of our 2002 crush the majority of our production has moved to the new Paso Robles location.

Our 55,000 sq. ft., state-of-the art winery is being completed in phases.   Our crush pad and tank rooms were finalized just in time for harvest, which began on Tuesday, September 3rd.   This new facility allows us to produce twice the amount of quality wines for future growth of Rabbit Ridge.   Joanne and I have moved to our new home in Paso Robles among one of our newly planted vineyards.   Joanne's sisters have joined Rabbit Ridge, Kathy James as Director of Sales and Public Relations, and Sandy James as Manger of our tasting rooms, compliance and various other operational activities.   To complete our family orientation, my brother-in-law Stephen McKeithen has just joined us as my Assistant Winemaker in Paso Robles.

We are still aging and bottling wine in Healdsburg and our tasting room is still open and thriving.   Over the long term, more and more of our activities will be centered in Paso Robles (although we will continue to source some of our fruit in both Sonoma and in Napa).   Our business offices, warehouse, and shipping facilities will remain in Healdsburg permanently.

I'm pleased to report that the initial 2002 harvest looks just terrific.   The fruit is wonderful with some of the best flavors and colors I have seen.   Keep your fingers crossed.

In closing, I hope you'll plan to visit our new facility in the Spring of 2003 at which time our Tuscany-Mediterranean style winery, tasting room, gift shop, catering kitchen and banquet facility should be finalized.   Upon completion, we will be the largest winery ever on the Paso Robles west side.

Erich Russell