Immobilized cells of Catharanthus roseus synthesized (R)-4-pyridyl-1-ethanol from the corresponding racemate in 100% yield by stereoinversion of the (S)-alcohol in the racemate to the (R)-alcohol. Furthermore, in the reduction of 4-acetylpyridine, we could synthesize both (R) and (S)-4-pyridyl-1-ethanol during a short or a long incubation.