The Partners @ Foxx Viticulture

About Prudy Foxx, Managing Partner
People often say that great wine begins in the vineyard. Early in my career I realized that while the phrase was widely repeated, few could explain why it was true. That question has guided my work since 1984 and continues to shape my philosophy today: Growing Vines to Wine.

My career in viticulture began in 1984 as a vineyard manager, where I became fascinated by the relationship between vineyard practices and the character and quality of the finished wine. At the same time, I was deeply interested in the broader relationship between agriculture and the environment, believing that productive farming and responsible stewardship should complement one another rather than compete. That curiosity inspired a lifelong pursuit of understanding the science of grape growing and eventually led me beyond the boundaries of a single vineyard.

I left single-vineyard management to serve as a Research Aide with the University of California Cooperative Extension before joining the California Agricultural Commissioner’s Office as an Agricultural Biologist. In that role, I earned the State of California Agricultural Biologist license, a credential then required for regulatory agricultural professionals. The experience provided an exceptional scientific foundation in plant physiology, pest biology, soils, ecology, and integrated agricultural systems—knowledge that continues to shape my approach to vineyard management today.

In 1997, I founded Foxx Viticulture, transitioning into private practice as an independent vineyard consultant and obtaining the California Pest Control Adviser license required for professional consulting.

My pursuit of understanding the relationship between vineyard decisions and wine quality has continued throughout my career. In addition to earning the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET) Level 3 Award in Wines, I participated in advanced viticulture seminars at Bordeaux Sciences Agro in Bordeaux, France, and the University of Burgundy in Dijon, France. I also serve as a wine judge in amateur and professional wine competitions throughout California, providing an opportunity to evaluate wines from diverse regions and winemaking styles while continually strengthening my understanding of how vineyard practices are ultimately expressed in the glass.

My work integrates organic, biodynamic, regenerative, conventional, and integrated vineyard management systems with current viticulture research, emerging biological technologies, and modern crop protection tools. Rather than advocating a single farming philosophy, I believe every vineyard deserves an approach tailored to its unique site, its goals, and the wines it seeks to produce. My objective is to provide independent, science-based recommendations that balance vine health, fruit quality, environmental stewardship, economic sustainability, and long-term vineyard resilience.

Today I continue to work with premium vineyards throughout the Santa Cruz Mountains. During more than four decades in viticulture, I have worked with vineyards spanning the Santa Cruz Mountains, developing a unique understanding of the region’s remarkably diverse microclimates, soils, varieties, and growing conditions.

Mark Foxx
Foxx Viticulture is a partnership that brings together complementary expertise in viticulture, agricultural biology, engineering geology, and vineyard real estate. Consulting Partner Mark Foxx is an Engineering Geologist and licensed California Real Estate Broker with Terra Resources. His understanding of geology, landforms, and natural resources complements our viticultural perspective by providing valuable insight into vineyard sites, their long-term potential, and the relationship between landscape and winegrowing. Mark also serves as an excellent resource for clients considering the purchase or sale of vineyard properties.