A strain of Yeast G5 was isolated from vineyard soil samples, which can catalyze asymmetric reduction of ethyl-2-oxo-4-phenylbutanoate (OPBE) to ethyl (R)-2-hydroxy-4-phenylbutyrate [(R)-HPBE]. It was identified as Rhodotorula mucilaginosa by its morphological and 18S rDNA sequence analysis. Various parameters affecting on asymmetric biocatalytic reduction of Rhodotorula mucilaginosa CCZU-G5 were investigated, and the optimal conditions were achieved, i.e. 35 ℃, pH 7.0, cell concentration 0.2 g/mL, 3.0% glucose (w/v), 3 mmol/L Ca2 . After reacting 12 h under the optimum conditions, the product yield would be up to 82% with 99.9% e.e. value.