Rusack Vineyards on Catalina Island

‘Ground Breaking Vine Planting at Catalina Island Vineyard’

On March 16th, Geoff and Alison Rusack’s 25-year dream came a touch closer to reality with the ceremonial “first planting” of a Catalina Island Vineyard. Under a beautiful afternoon sun, some 60 vines were planted on three vineyard blocks that had previously been horse pastures at El Rancho Escondido. Most of the attendees of the ground breaking ceremony had played integral roles in the long process of the vineyard’s development, and each planted a vine and placed a metal tag on it that bore their name.

Prior to the planting, Geoff Rusack made a brief welcome and gave special thanks to Stewart Rasmussen of SAR Construction, who had overseen and constructed the vineyard blocks and had prepared the grounds for this first planting event. Alison Wrigley Rusack followed by saying how exciting it was to be part of a new chapter in the long and colorful history of El Rancho Escondido. The opening reception concluded with a moving blessing by Father Paul of Avalon’s St. Catherin of Alexandria church.

A brief ribbon cutting, by Alison, Geoff and their three sons, Hunter, Austin, and Parker took place. Geoff then introduced each of the guests and discussed his or her role in the vineyard’s development, as they were handed a vine to plant. Three varietals – Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and a special Zinfandel, propagated from some of the very few remaining vines on Santa Cruz Island – were planted on three of the four blocks that are now being completed by Stewart’s team. After each block was planted, Father Paul sprinkled the vines with holy water (noticeably adding a touch more water than usual to his own newly–planted vine).

Both the Wrigley and Rusack families have had, and continue to have, a deep love and respect for the environment. One of Alison’s and Geoff’s hopes is to demonstrate in a small way, how successful, organically correct, sustainable agricultural operation on private land can be pursued, when surrounded by a land preserve.

Geoff reminded everyone in attendance that this planting event – while very special and symbolic – is but another step in a long process that is still very much uncertain. If all goes well, the first small crop should be harvested in the fall of 2009.

From Catalina Islander, Volume 95, Issue 13 Friday March 30, 2007