Gary Farrell
Gary Farrell (born 1952) is a California winemaker, specializing in the production of Pinot noir and Chardonnay from Sonoma County’s Russian River Valley. His winemaking career began in 1978 as winemaker at Davis Bynum Winery in Healdsburg, but in later years made wine for other wineries as well. In 1982, he released his first wine under his "namesake" Gary Farrell label - a 1982 Russian River Valley Pinot Noir from the now famous Rochioli Vineyard. His brand was well received and he eventually built a state of the art winemaking facility on Westside Road in Healdsburg. But after 25 years of winemaking, he opted for an early retirement and sold his winery in 2004. He now splits time between Scottsdale and Sonoma County - spending much of his time buying and selling rare vintage cars and motorcycles.
Early life and education
[edit]Farrell was born in Pasadena, California[1] on April 20, 1952. He studied Political Science and Criminal Law at Sonoma State University in 1970. This relocation to Sonoma County placed him in one of California's most promising wine regions, and he chose a career in wine production.
Career
[edit]Farrell's early mentors included Joe Rochioli, Robert Stemmler, Davis Bynum[2] and Tom Dehlinger. After several years as an apprentice, he took the head-winemaker position at Davis Bynum Winery in 1978.[2] Soon thereafter, he produced inaugural releases for Rochioli Winery, Limerick Lane and Moshin Vineyards.
During the mid-1990s, Farrell purchased land and developed Starr Ridge and Cresta Ridge vineyards. In 1998, he built his new Pinot noir winemaking facility on a hilltop near Healdsburg[3]
In 2004, Farrell sold the “Gary Farrell” brand and winery to Allied Domecq.[4] Today the winery is owned by Bill Price, the managing partner of Kistler Vineyard and owner of Three Sticks and The Adobe, Lutum and the Durell and Gap’s Crown vineyards; and a group of investors including Pete Scott, the former CFO of Beringer Wine Estates; and Walt Klenz; former president and CEO of Beringer Wine Estates.
In 2007, he partnered with longtime colleague Bill Hambrecht to micro-produce Pinot noir and Chardonnay under the new Alysian label, however 2011 was his last vintage with this brand.[5]
References
[edit]- ^ Elia, Richard L. (2003). "Gary Farrell". Quarterly Review of Wines. 26–27: 84.
- ^ a b Berger, Dan (30 October 2018). "Gary Farrell: A story of pinot perfection". The Press Democrat.
- ^ Haeger, John Winthrop (14 September 2004). North American Pinot Noir. University of California Press. p. 290. ISBN 9780520241145.
- ^ Haeger, John Winthrop (17 November 2008). Pacific Pinot Noir: A Comprehensive Winery Guide for Consumers and Connoisseurs. University of California Press. p. 174. ISBN 9780520942110.
- ^ Melnik, Peg; Fish, Tim (2 May 2011). Explorer's Guide Napa & Sonoma: A Great Destination. The Countryman Press. p. 145. ISBN 9781581578966.