Lisa and Rob Russell, fourth-generation vintners of the Grifenhagen and Russell families, are owners of Westport Rivers Vineyard & Winery, an 80-acre vineyard and 12,000-case winery on their family’s permanently preserved 435-acre farm in Westport, Massachusetts. Their operation and farm play an important role in preserving the rural agricultural character of their small seaside town. Rob has focused on farming since 1985, and Lisa has managed onsite events, the wine club and retail sales since 2017. Rob is now the winery’s General Manager.
Marco Montez joined the Westport Rivers Cru in 2019, bringing advanced wine making knowledge and expertise. Marco offers a unique winemaking perspective as he owns a family winery in Portugal in addition to his responsibilities with Westport Rivers.
Westport Rivers specializes in Méthode Champenoise sparkling wines, which have been served in the White House and lauded by Oprah. The winery also farms and vinifies Chardonnay, Riesling, and more esoteric whites such as Pinot Gris, Rkatsiteli, Grüner Veltliner, and Schönburger. Like the wines of Alsace, most of Westport’s wines are fully fermented to dryness, gloriously aromatic, and deliciously crisp. This makes them excellent pairings for both exotic and simple foods.
Join Lisa & Rob Russell and Claudia & Marco Montez to sail along the beautiful and historic Rhine River. Taste and enjoy both the wines from Westport Rivers and the Alsace wine region while learning about the challenges and rewards of farming and pioneering world-class wines in the Southeastern New England AVA. Discover the similarities and differences between the wines of Westport Rivers and Alsace and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow wine lovers on this unique and unforgettable experience.