Ross Hall is a man of mystique, stamina and diverse merits. Born in the country of southeastern Pennsylvania, he attended one of the East Coast’s finest military academies and Ivy League universities before embarking on a 20-year career in the U.S. Navy followed by another 20-year venture in nuclear submarine research and development. His third career, in viticulture, brought him to Swanson Vineyards in August 1996.
Associated with the North Coast’s Pierce Disease Task Force since 1996 and a member of the Task Force’s Disease Management Committee since 1997, he has considerably reduced, or in some cases eliminated, the use of chemicals for insect, disease and weed control in our vineyards. His pest-control-management techniques have also resulted in a steadily declining incidence of disease in our vineyards.
Ross is a serious and scientific viticulturist who has introduced a far more intensive approach to canopy, crop and vineyard floor management. He and winemaker Chris Phelps work extremely well together, spending many hours in the vineyards developing strategies and techniques to ensure the best possible crop every year.