Rudd Story

The narrative of the Rudd story is driven by the value Leslie places on tradition and family, values reflected by his desire to create a multigenerational winery with a legacy of excellence. As a young man working for his father’s wholesale liquor company in Wichita, Kansas, Leslie learned the alcoholic spirit business from the ground up. His dream of owning a winery took root on a trip to France in the mid 60’s when Leslie visited the legendary Haut-Brion in Bordeaux. A keen observer, Leslie was impressed by the Chateau’s deep appreciation not only of its heritage but also the central role played by multiple generations of family. Profoundly impacted by this experience, Leslie was determined to someday create a vineyard and winery with this same dedication and sense of place to guide both present and future generations of his family. And it is this vision which makes him willing to take a 200 plus year view and pursue actions that best serve the winery’s legacy and the interests of his daughter and future grandchildren.

In 1996 the fulfillment of the dream began when he purchased the 55-acre Oakville estate after concluding the site was capable of producing unique luxury wines of world class quality. The first Rudd Oakville Estate Red vintage was bottled in 2000, and in the more than a decade since then, we have limited production in order to pursue the tradition of excellence and attention to detail. While using the best in classical winemaking, true to Leslie’s philosophy, Rudd implements meticulous farming practices and innovative winemaking techniques to create the finest product our land is capable of producing. Never satisfied to rest on the accolades of previous vintages, Leslie relentlessly pursues all possible avenues that might lead to an improved wine drinking experience.