George Rubissow
Rubissow-Sargent Founder - Vintner Emeritus
George Rubissow and his family grow all the grapes that infuse Rubissow wines with so much character. Born in Paris, France to Russian and Ukranian parents, George grew up in New York city, where as a young man he studied piano, composed music, and built radios and hi-fi systems. He graduated from MIT with degrees in Physics and Electrical Engineering and from U.C. Berkeley with a PhD in Biophysics. Since then, his career has encompassed consulting engineering and biotelemetry, international business, music and art promotion, and a passion for grape growing. In the 1960’s, he met Tony Sargent and struck up the friendship that was to lead to the purchase of the Rubissow’s Mt.Veeder estate, the planting of Bordeaux varietals, and the making of Rubissow-Sargent’s elegant red wines by Tony. George also struck up a friendship with, and gained invaluable advice from, the legendary winemaker Andre Tchelistcheff. The two enjoyed conversing together in Russian. In the years since, George has continually refined the Rubissow family’s approach to growing red grapes. He keeps close tabs on innovations in viticulture and enology, and brings his science background to bear on decisions concerning the many subtle factors that affect grape quality. Now, in his new role as Vintner Emeritus, he enjoys working with his children Ariel and Peter as they carry on the family tradition of single vineyard winemaking he began 25 years ago.