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GARY FARRELL WINERY produced its first Russian River Valley Pinot Noir in 1982, guided by the careful hands of the winery’s namesake and founding winemaker. Over the past 36 years, the winery has produced critically acclaimed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, forging a legacy of collaboration between the winery and the most esteemed growers in the Russian River Valley and throughout California’s greatest wine regions.
The winery’s beautiful tasting salon is perched on a hilltop overlooking the Russian River Valley. The inviting indoor space celebrates the valley with floor to ceiling windows, and there’s an expansive terrace so guests can enjoy the wines alfresco. The Exploration Tour & Tasting includes a guided tour of the winery and cellar, while the Elevation Tasting presents five exquisite vineyard-designate wines. Those with a passion for Pinot Noir should opt for the Inspiration Tasting, a curated flight of vineyard-designate Pinot Noir, including library vintages and special limited production bottlings highlighting the elegance, balance, and natural acidity that is the winery’s hallmark. This wine flight is accompanied by three impeccable pairings prepared by Chef Didier Ageorges to reflect the versatility of the portfolio and the bounty of Sonoma County.
An Interview with with Winemaker Theresa Heredia
"“Together we pour our hearts and souls into the vineyards and winemaking to create the best wines possible.". —THERESA HEREDIA, WINEMAKER
What is it about the Russian River Valley that makes it such a sweet spot for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay? The climate here is excellent for growing delicate varietals like Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The combination of ample sunshine, daily fog, and cool night temperatures creates truly unique wines. Also, the region’s varied soil types allow for tremendous variation in the characteristics expressed within each wine we produce. The flavor profile of wines from this region definitely have intensity, richness, and California typicity that is different from other wine regions of the world.
How important is it to have firm partnerships with the grape growers? It is critical for us to maintain positive relationships, and our growers want to do the same. We see it this way: together, we pour our hearts and souls into the vineyards and winemaking to create the best wines possible. It is an honor for me to work with some of the most important figures in California grape-growing history, and for them to hand over their grapes to me each year, entrusting me to make the best wine possible. It’s an amazing learning experience to work with so many different growers. It’s also fun and exciting to communicate with each of them and to learn their stories and beliefs about grape growing.
Are limited-production, single vineyard wines your passion? Absolutely! When I first started working here in 2012 I was super excited about working with so many iconic Sonoma County vineyards. This is the core of what makes my job fun and exciting. Although it is incredibly stressful to manage winemaking from so many different vineyards during harvest, I find it thrilling and energizing. Cutting corners and taking shortcuts isn’t an option. One of our greatest rewards is to sit down together in the spring and taste through all of the wines, appreciating the differences and characteristics specific to each vineyard.