ABOUT THE PRISONER

When our first wine, The Prisoner, was released two decades ago as a complex blend of some of California’s best and most unusual grape varieties, it swiftly and permanently changed the perception of what a red blend wine could be. 

Since then, we’ve grown to include a range of rule-bending blends with provocative label designs, being recognized by fans and wine critics alike as one of the most bold and innovative wine brands in the market, leading the resurgence of California luxury red blends and earning “cult” wine status.

Today, our Director of Winemaking Chrissy Wittmann and her team work with over 100 growers in northern California, bringing together exceptional fruit to produce a family of intriguing wines unrestricted by tradition.  The Prisoner Wine Company is located on the legendary Highway29 in Napa Valley and welcomes visitors year-round for unexpected, immersive experiences.

The Prisoner Red Blend Label, featuring Goya's Le Petit Prisonnier

THE LABEL

Our brand name and flagship label were inspired by an etching titled Le Petit Prisonnier by 19th century Spanish artist Francisco Goya. Its subtitle translates to “the custody is as barbaric as the crime”. The sketch is part of Goya’s series The Disasters of War, created as a visual protest to the injustice and brutality of the Spanish War of Independence in 1808. From our founding, The Prisoner Wine Company has stood against oppression while embracing creativity. Fighting injustices in our society, especially those tied to our prison and policing systems, is indelibly etched into our identity and a focus of our commitment as an organization. At The Prisoner, we know that the problems in the U.S. prison system are ingrained, nuanced, and seemingly intractable. We also believe that change can happen and that it starts with conversation, collaboration, and creativity.

Learn more about The Prisoner & Prison Reform below.

THE PRISONER & PRISON REFORM

We are acutely aware of the responsibility we have in using The Prisoner’s platform to drive awareness and action. Click on the button below to learn more about The Prisoner and Prison Reform.

THE WINEMAKERS

Chrissy Wittmann, Director of Winemaking for The Prisoner Wine Company

CHRISSY WITTMANN

Director of Winemaking

Chrissy Wittmann came to winemaking in an unconventional way. After earning a B.S. in Ecology and Systematic Biology at California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, the future winemaker found her love for wine while analyzing soil and waste water samples in a lab. After serving time as a laboratory enologist, Chrissy returned to Cal Poly, achieving her master’s degree in Agriculture.

BRETT YOUNG

Executive Chef

Brett Young grew up in Lodi, home to many of California’s oldest Zinfandel vineyards. With a clear passion for the kitchen, he enrolled at the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) in Hyde Park, New York City. From there he worked in diverse kitchens such as The Ritz-Carlton Millennia in Singapore, Mix Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas, and Copia: The American Center for Wine, Food and the Arts in Napa Valley, all of which shaped his thinking about all things food, wine and exceptional hospitality.

Brett Young, Executive Chef for The Prisoner Wine Company.

THE GROWERS

The Prisoner Wine Company is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of winemaking. Our partners in this vision are phenomenal growers throughout California’s premier growing regions who are dedicated to cultivating unique grape varieties. Through them, we source fruit from more than 100 vineyards across the state.