Gary Farrell Winery
Russian River Valley, California
For over 40 years, Gary Farrell Winery has crafted small-lot artisan wines capturing balance and stylistic elegance from some of the finest vineyard sites in the Russian River Valley. In 1985, Winemaker Gary Farrell released his 55 cases of 1982 Rochioli-Allen Pinot Noir to widespread critical acclaim. Since that release, the team at Gary Farrell Winery has consistently focused on rigorous vineyard selection, outstanding grower relationships, and superior quality fruit. Since 2011, the current owners have been dedicated to enhancing Gary Farrell’s legacy with a single-minded focus on quality.
Winemaker Brent McKoy’s journey at Gary Farrell Winery began in 2005. Starting as Cellar Foreman under Gary Farrell himself, Brent quickly made his mark with his meticulous attention to detail and passion for winemaking. His expertise and dedication saw him rise to the position of Cellar Master, and in 2023, he was appointed Head Winemaker, where he now continues to craft some of the most elegant and expressive wines in the Russian River Valley.
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Wines
Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir
Russian River Valley, California
Named for its previous owners, the 100-acre Hallberg Vineyard is today owned and managed by wine industry veterans including vineyard manager Kirk Lokka. Nestled in the Green Valley sub-appellation, the site enjoys refreshing daytime breezes and cool nighttime temperatures. The strong marine influence means less severe daily temperature shifts so the vines never completely shut down, producing fruit with deep, dark color, great structure, silky tannins, darker fruit flavors and earthy characteristics. This blend is a composition of many of the best blocks on this cool, foggy vineyard site, which include clones 667, 777, 828, Pommard and a mysterious “suitcase” selection.
Russian River Selection Chardonnay
Russian River Valley, California
The Russian River Selection bottlings are quintessential Russian River Valley wines blended from some of the winery’s top vineyard sources. They are beautiful expressions of their varietal type and of the appellation’s unique terroir, each blend capturing the richness, purity and elegance that are Gary Farrell Winery’s trademarks. This layered and complex Chardonnay brings together fruit from several of our favorite Russian River Valley vineyard sites.
Olivet Lane Chardonnay
Russian River Valley, California
Pellegrini’s Olivet Lane Vineyard was planted in 1975 to Wente selection on AXR rootstock. The vineyard sits on 65 acres of sloping bench land in the Santa Rosa Plain, in between the warmer Westside Road region and the cooler Green Valley,where warm summer days are moderated by cool breezes and chilly evening temperatures. The combination of low temperatures, regular fog intrusion and well drained loam, clay soils create an excellent environment for growing Chardonnay that develop cool-climate characteristics and impeccable acid at fairly low sugars.The wines from this vineyard simultaneously express power and finesse, and they do so with tremendous balance.
Russian River Selection Pinot Noir
Russian River Valley, California
The Russian River Selection bottlings are quintessential Russian River Valley wines blended from some of the region’s top vineyards, taking advantage of varied climates and unique site characteristics. Undoubtedly showcasing a beautiful expression of the varietal and of the appellation’s unique terroir, this Pinot Noir blend captures the richness, purity and elegance that are Gary Farrell Winery’s trademarks.
Reviews
Gary Farrell Russian River Selection Pinot Noir 2016 (93 WE)
- “From a blend of iconic sites, like Rochioli, Hallberg and Martaella, this opens with thick, dense and concentrated tones of dried cherry and cola before unleashing a wealth of white pepper and black tea.It finds a balance between the fruit and forest on the mid-palate,finishing in silky brilliance.”
Gary Farrell Winery Hallberg Pinot Noir 2016 (94 DE)
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"Showcases exceptional depth with ripe red fruit character largely leaning into cherry, raspberry, strawberry and a hint of dried lavender in the mix. Black tea, savoury spice and silky tannins lay the groundwork for an elegant harmony of fresh acidity, seamless structure and a juicy finish."
Gary Farrell Winery Russian River Selection Chardonnay 2018 (95 WE)
- Editors' Choice “This wine offers such tremendous value and quality – it should be on everyone’s go-to list for Russian River Valley Chardonnay. Lime, fig and grapefruit rind flavors ride along a lifted character of crushed stone texture and bright acidity. This wine is impressive from the detailed start to the lengthy finish.”
More on Gary Farrell Winery
A Celebration of Pinot Noir with Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery
August 24, 2020 - In celebration of Pinot Noir Day, Pull That Cork published a story dedicated to Gary Farrell Winery Pinot Noir. Three of the estate's expressions of Pinot are highlighted, including the…
Gary Farrell: Producer Profile
August 25, 2020 - Decanter highlights Gary Farrell Winery in their latest feature of their esteemed producer profile series. Writer Stacy Slinkard reports on the winery's legacy relationships with various growers through the Russian…
Wine Enthusiast’s Winemaker of the Year 2020 Nominee: Theresa Heredia
October 13, 2020 - Each year, the comprehensive media staff at Wine Enthusiast magazine nominates the most influential members of the alcohol beverage industry for the annual Wine Star Awards. We are honored to…
People
Brent McKoy
Winemaker Brent McKoy’s journey at Gary Farrell Winery began in 2005. Starting as Cellar Foreman under Gary Farrell himself, Brent quickly made his mark with his meticulous attention to detail and passion for winemaking. His expertise and dedication saw him rise to the position of Cellar Master, and in 2023, he was appointed Head Winemaker, where he now continues to craft some of the most elegant and expressive wines in the Russian River Valley.
Stephanie Wycoff
Overseeing operations, brand sales and marketing, and direct-to-consumer programs at Gary Farrell Winery, Stephanie is an experienced winery executive with past management positions at Seghesio, Archery Summit and Anaba Wines. She has been deeply involved in the California wine business since the start of her career in the tasting rooms of several Sonoma estates. Stephanie has an MBA and bachelor’s degree from Sonoma State University and has been a featured speaker for numerous industry conferences.
Trade Materials
Gary Farrell Russian River Selection Pinot Noir 2018 Tech Sheet
Spec Sheet | PDF
For over 40 years, Gary Farrell Winery has crafted small-lot artisan wines capturing balance and stylistic elegance from some of the finest vineyard sites in the Russian River Valley. In…
Gary Farrell Russian River Selection Chardonnay 2018 Tech Sheet
Spec Sheet | PDF
For over 40 years, Gary Farrell Winery has crafted small-lot artisan wines capturing balance and stylistic elegance from some of the finest vineyard sites in the Russian River Valley. In…
Gary Farrell Hallberg Vineyard Pinot Noir 2016 Tech Sheet
Spec Sheet | PDF
For over 40 years, Gary Farrell Winery has crafted small-lot artisan wines capturing balance and stylistic elegance from some of the finest vineyard sites in the Russian River Valley. In…
Gary Farrell Olivet Lane Chardonnay 2017 Tech Sheet
Spec Sheet | PDF
For over 40 years, Gary Farrell Winery has crafted small-lot artisan wines capturing balance and stylistic elegance from some of the finest vineyard sites in the Russian River Valley. In…
Maps
Videos
Gary Farrell Russian River Neighborhood Vignettes Series: Middle Reach
April 21, 2020 - In the ongoing "Neighborhoods of the Russian River Valley", Gary Farrell Wine Maker Theresa Heredia discusses the Middle Reach. This is the northernmost neighborhood of the Russian River Valley and…
Gary Farrell Russian River Neighborhood Vignettes Series: Sebastopol Hills
April 21, 2020 - In the ongoing "Neighborhoods of the Russian River Valley", Gary Farrell Wine Maker Theresa Heredia discusses the Sebastopol Hills. Located in the southern portion of the Russian River Valley, the…
Gary Farrell Russian River Neighborhood Vignettes Series: Santa Rosa Plains
April 21, 2020 - In the ongoing "Neighborhoods of the Russian River Valley", Gary Farrell Wine Maker Theresa Heredia discusses the Santa Rosa Plain. As the name suggests, this neighborhood is the flattest area…
Gary Farrell Russian River Neighborhood Vignettes Series: Green Valley
August 5, 2020 - In the ongoing "Neighborhoods of the Russian River Valley", Gary Farrell Wine Maker Theresa Heredia discusses the Green Valley.This is the only neighborhood that is an official sub-appellation of the…
Gary Farrell Winery Estate Presentation
February 11, 2021 - An introduction to Gary Farrell Winery and their vineyard partnerships, guided by winemaker Theresia Heredia. https://vimeo.com/511329787
