Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery

We did the tour and tasting. Tim was incredible; friendly, knowledgeable, and funny. He made the already incredible experience just that much more enjoyable. Thank you Tim!!

A friend recommended Gary Farrell winery, and I’m so glad he did! From the moment my friend and I walked into the winery, we were made to feel that this was going to be a special experience. In fact, we visited three other wineries and this was our best tasting experience! We had a reservation for the tour & tasting and Ellen was our very personable host. She did a fantastic job of explaining the winery’s history, why Pinot Noir and Chardonnay grapes grow so well there, and their wine making process. It was clear that Ellen loves her job and was proud to be working at Gary Farrell! Also, the tasting set-up was beautifully done and the food pairings were perfect. Lastly, the property is gorgeous without being ostentatious. I live locally and will definitely be returning!

Starting with Allen, everyone we met was really great. You can't beat the view. And the sophistication of this tasting is very appreciated. Most organized tasting we had all week. Highly recommend this. And it's even better with a driver so you don't have to remember how you got there!

Ellen was the best!!! This winery is seriously the best service my group has ever received! Ellen took the time to explain each wine to us and made sure we understood what we were tasting. Such an unforgettable experience :)!

We were recommended by a friend to visit Gary Farrell and it was by far the best experience of the trip. From walking into the door, to Tim our host, and of course the wines everything was the best we experienced in Healdsburg/Sonoma. Their approach to wine from sourcing to creation allows many unique varieties all of which were amazing. We can’t wait to visit again.

We came to Gary Farrell mainly because they had Tesla chargers on-site but also wanted to enjoy some wine. I’m so glad we visited because this was an unforgettable experience. The view, the wine tasting, food pairings, just all of it was perfect. If I lived nearby, I would definitely put this place in my rotation. And definitely can’t forget the most handsome, charming, and chonky black cat, Bennie. Will be back next time I’m in the area!

My friends and I had our best wine tasting experience ever!! Our sommelier Ellen was the the kindest and most knowledgeable host. Our experience would not have been the same without her. I cannot recommend this experience enough!!

Went to several wineries out here and loved Gary Farrell the most. Wine is so individual so won't comment on it and let you decide but here's why Gary Farrell is the one I'm recommending and reviewing: - amazing location / setting / views - you will enjoy being they're no matter what - we had John as out host and can't say enough good about him, request him if you can. He listened to what you liked it didn't and brought wines out to try. Also explained so much about the region and history All in all such a great time visiting

We celebrated our one-year wedding anniversary at Gary Farrell Winery, and it was an unforgettable experience! Despite an overcast and foggy afternoon, the views were absolutely immaculate. The stunning architecture and cozy ambiance made us feel completely relaxed and ready to taste all the wines. Every wine we tasted was exceptional, and we even bought a tasting kit to share with friends and family for the holidays. The tasting experience was so insightful, especially learning about the different vineyard sources on their map. We discovered we're big fans of Russian River Valley wines! Highly recommend this gem for both wine and ambiance lovers alike.

What a gorgeous setting and our host is so knowledgeable about this winery. It's a great place to spend an hour or two enjoying the Chardonnays and the rustic elegance! Ellen is our sommelier today and she really knows her wines. She is incredibly delightful and we have a lot of common

Location is up a hill that provides an amazing view of the Santa Rosa redwood forest and other small vineyards. The winery has an amazing and elegant modern ambience. Staff are friendly and unpretentious even though the environment may say otherwise. When you reserve for a wine tasting and tour, you begin with a warm welcome and a glass of unbarreled chardonnay. Unsure of the cost of the tasting since we were invited guests of a member. We had Tim as our host and tour guide. You can immediately tell his passion and knowledge of wine making. During the tour, we had the winery cat follow us until we entered the barreling process. The tasting itself is a nice method of trying the wines and then combining with different elements from the charcuterie. Would be pushed beyond amazing if charcuterie offered some chocolates to complete the wine pairing. I heard February chocolates were provided for Valentine's month so why not have it all year round? Overall pleasant. Beautiful drive to and from winery with spectacular views while tasting wine. The patio terrace is still under construction due to delays from heavy rain, but cannot wait for return visit.

We arrived without a reservation. Laura was very accommodating and took care of us. They are a Chardonnay and Pinot Noir house. We decided to buy a bottle of Pinot and we're so pleased that we ended up buying one to go. Beautiful scenery, and very relaxing set up. Laura also gave us some tips on the restaurant we checked out in Healdsburg called Rooftop 106. Excellent recommendation.

Beautiful vineyard, amazing property, terrific host! Alex was fantastic. Really tailored our tasting specifically for us. In addition to our listed tasting, Alex shared with us a beautiful rose that was light and flavorful to then prepare our pallet for a couple of Pinot noirs. Being there late in the day allowed for us to see the beautiful sunset over the mountains while tasting remarkable wines with excellent cheese pairings.

Above and beyond is how I would describe the team at Gary Farrell Vineyards and our recent tasting there. Gary Farrell is one of the winemakers who long ago ensured Sonoma Coastal wines acclaim, putting this area on the map We hadn't been to the winery in a long while (so long ago that Gary Farrell was still running things) but while he has long since retired/moved on to other things, the wine, staff and the operations here as well as the setting and wine, have continued to professionalize. The winery is a top notch hospitality venue, and tastings are spendy, but include a tour, talk and wine paired with cheese. This is an excellent spot to taste, high up on Westside Road on the way to Russian River (near Korbel.)

Our hostess was wonderful. BUT we stopped in hoping to add the tasting into our schedule and the young lady at the desk mad3 us feel like we were such an imposition, telling us they will see if the has someone available. This was on a Tuesdany afternoon in November. We almost walked out! What a b--ch.

Thanks to my other wine-drinking friends (mostly my wife) who swear by the winery's pinot noir brilliance, I already understood the wonders of the wine produced by Gary Farrell Vineyards. Having had glasses of wine from more than one varietal of pinot by Gary throughout the years, my wife and I weren't going to pass up the opportunity to visit the winery during our trip to Napa and Sonoma Counties. Our wine tasting experience exceeded our expectations. Technically, our second tasting of the day after starting at nearby Moshin Vineyards, we were greeted warmly by the front desk upon entering through the front doors. We were served a light chardonnay (2017 Rochioli-Allen Chardonnay) ahead of being seated at a lovely outdoor, canopy-covered patio table overlooking the Russian River valley. I am not a big fan of chardonnay, but this one was magical. We were blown away with our elevation tasting experience, especially when we traveled to Wine Country to celebrate our first wedding anniversary. The wine tasting menus they provided each of us had our last name on them, along with our respective cheese plates to pair with each serving. I felt like that was a wonderfully personal touch we didn't receive at any other winery. It made our experience even more special as we started our pairings. Each of our pairings was splendid. The 2018 Olivet Lane Vineyard Chardonnay paired well with the Central Coast Creamery Ewereka, while the 2018 Martaella Vineyard Chardonnay was excellent with the Marin French Petite Breakfast Brie. The latter impressed me so much that we bought a bottle of one to take back to South Florida in addition to the pinot noirs. The tasting comprised three (3) pinot noirs. Each was excellent between the 2017 Sanford & Benedict Vineyard, 2018 Bacigalupi Vineyard, and the 2018 Toboni Vineyard. Both the Bacigalupi and Toboni were my favorites that they brought out, each complimenting well with the Cypress Grove Midnight Moon and the L'amuse 2-year-aged Gouda, respectively. Our server even brought out a fourth pinot noir with our tasting, a 2017 McDonald Mountain Vineyard that had a tremendous amount of depth. After years of enjoying Gary Farrell, I am thrilled my wife, and I finally made it to their vineyard. The experience was phenomenal. I would return in a heartbeat.

Really enjoyed our tasting, great cheese pairing to compliment the wine. I was a fan of Gary Farrell going into the tasting, it lived up to my expectations. Great wines, nice views from the tasting area and well informed host, Tim. He offered wonderful insights and details of the winery, regional demographics and understandable insight on the wine profiles. I will be returning, TY

Decided to fly up to California for the weekend to enjoy Wine Country! We made an appointment to participate in the Elevation Tasting. This tasting included an educational tour around the property and 5 different wines with cheese pairings. I loved the setup, very cute and great views. We enjoyed ourselves so much we even brought home 2 bottles of Pinot Noir :)

Shoutout to Tre for his introduction to GFW. You are knowledgeable, attentive with a touch of good humor. We just moved to the area, visiting wineries for a nice spot to club. We enjoy the Chardonnay collection, view, location of this winery. A little to far from our home to Club, otherwise this would have been a contender. Cheers Tre, great conversation. We'll return

I have been a wine club member for several years. They have added The Overlook, for members. I have been twice and both times have been less impressed. You get a light pour or wine at the counter and told to go outside. Another pour is $22. Come on, we're members. There is no service out there You are better off scheduling a tasting on the other side, if you can get one..They do seem to be Always booked, yet the place is empty. Not sure what's going on, hope they figure it out soon. Seems to be a lot of staff turn over.

Excellent serene outdoor patio and seating overlooking Russian river valley. Enjoyed a bottle of Chardonnay and bought a Pinot Noir - both are delicious wine. We booked by calling them couple hours ahead and they were nice to accommodate us. Thank you. Service was excellent- will return again!

We met with Zack today and he was very knowledgeable and kind to host us! He totally made our day! What a lovely destination. If you have time to drive to the Russian River and see some new vineyards that you may not have been seeking if you just enjoy fruit from the NapaValley floor this is a great stop! They make several varietals of reds and whites so there is definitely something for everyone!! They even have a resident mancoon cat!! Their wine tasting is a pairing of lovely cheeses and wines and it is very well paired along with breathtaking views of the valley! Take your camera,wallet and bottle of water (Lol) and enjoy!

A beautiful hidden gem! Gorgeous setting, friendly and great service, and some awesome Pinot and Chardonnay wines. We'll definitely be back.

This views at this tasting room are amazing no matter the weather! Sun, rain, fog, sleet the view is gorgeous! The cheese and cracker pairings makes the experience so much better! Our server was funny and charming. We even met the winery cat! Best Pinots in Sonoma county!

Ellen was super nice and friendly. Even there's a language barrier with my family she still provided excellent service. Right when we arrived she greeted us with a fresh glass of a white "splash" which made us feel extremely welcome. Although I was the designated driver and I do any wine tasting I definitely will come back just to visit Ellen again.

A Class Above!! We stopped by withou a REZ and we were welcomed and treated with such care and great service! A spectacular view with with equally amazing service!

What a treat! We were cruising through the area and saw the sign so we turned around to give it a go. We didn't have an appointment as usually required, but they were extremely gracious in accommodating us for a last minute tasting. We were met by Tré, who said he was fairly new to the job there but don't let him fool you, he didn't skip a beat! Very knowledgeable about the wines and was perfectly accommodating to our taste and preferences. Make your appointment to visit soon!

We recently traveled to Sonoma Valley, our first visit ever. We researched over SEVENTY wineries when deciding which would make our list, eventually narrowed that list to twenty wineries over six days. I know what you're thinking - THAT'S A LOT. Yes. Yes it was a lot. Wouldn't recommend. However, I share this because when I tell you that Gary Farrell stood out among the rest, I mean it. We made a reservation, the first of the day, at 10:30a for their patio. It was going to be hot that day so while drinking at 10:30a is not ideal, this was a smart move. We were the only patrons on the patio surrounded by a panorama view. There was a big rowdy group seated inside the tasting room, it was nice to be away from that. Though I will say, their tasting room is really beautiful - bright, open, large windows. Our host was Trey, an absolute delight of a human being. He was friendly and so attentive, really went out of his way to make our tasting experience exceptional. We tasted wines on the menu, went "off-roading" as they call it and tried at least a handful more that really showcased the variety GF wines offer in Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, two grapes that the region is known for. Of note, many wineries use the same glass for the whole tasting. They won't pour the next one until you're finished with the first. And I get it! So much stemware to clean! Be efficient! But when you're tasting 5 Chardonnays at once, it's nice to revisit and compare certain sips with others. Not always ideal - an easy way to drink more than you planned, for example. But it's a really nice way to better understand subtle differences in the terrior, mouth feel, finish, and more. It made for a great educational experience and was something we really appreciated! A simple charcuterie board was included in our tasting, expertly paired cheeses and dried fruits that highlighted the nuances of each wine. It was phenomenal. Ultimately we joined the wine club, and while we did this more times than we should have on our trip, Gary Farrell wines are ones that we're actually looking forward to receiving. They'll be at the top of our list for the trip we're hoping to take next summer when we visit again. Bravo.

I came to Gary Farrell for my birthday celebration and I was not disappointed. The tasting room was an absolute 10 and the wines were serious amazing. Me and my girl friend are both studying somms and we both agreed this was our favorite tasting of the trip. Trey, our private wine tasting guide, had great vibes and really made us feel special. Big shout out to Gabe for making the experience happen and will be back again soon! Five stars!!!

These guys definitely know what they're doing. Trey is a rockstar. I love their wanted to let the location upgrades are looking promising.

We were out driving and doing a bit of wine tasting. We stopped at Gary Farrell and spoke to a representative about their wines. I had previously had a couple of Gary Farrell wines that I really enjoyed. The representative was very helpful and quite knowledgeable about the Winery and the wines. All the staff members were very friendly and they helped to make our time there a fun and educational experience. I ended up purchasing several bottles of Pinot Noir and Zinfandel wines. I would highly recommend Gary Farrell Winery and their wines. They provide outstanding service and a great experience.

One of my favorite wineries. The view was beautiful, the staff were knowledgeable, kind and friendly. I loooved all my cheeses and pairings. The space is large and could host a good amount of people. Although they do get a lot of business which could make it difficult at times.

Wonderful experience. Great view. The employees are knowledgeable, enthusiastic and friendly. The cheese pairing with the wines was excellent.

Had a really nice experience here yesterday...our host Tim was outstanding super friendly and knowledgeable! Loved the pinots that were poured. Highly recommended...

Three friends and I had a tasting today at GF Winery. Tre' hosted us and really made us feel welcome from the moment we arrived at the beautiful property. We loved the individual cheese plates and the pairings with wines. Tre' said he moved to GF from Hartford just 4 weeks ago, yet he already knew a lot about GF. We tried several wines (Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Zinfandel). Tre' is an excellent host who took great care of us. One friend joined the mid-level wine club and we look forward to returning doon!

One of the best Pinot Noir wineries. We came back after many years of visiting back in early 2002. Our 10:30 am reservation was set and we were walked into a private room. Glasses of Sauvignon Blanc were waiting for us. The table was set in the private room with 6 glasses of Pinot Noir, all coming from vines from multiple wineries in Sonoma. Our guide describe the different locations and their grapes. We tasted one glass after another with bites of cheeses. There were bottles of soil from the different parts of the county. The wines were delicious, and we ended up buying 3 varietals, with 2 bottles each. It was a pleasant experience tasting the different Pinot Noirs from Somoma, from the coast to inland.

If you're wondering where to go in the Russian river valley area, you should definitely visit Gary Farrell winery. We went there without a reservation and we were welcomed with open arms. Kudos to Ellen who made us feel so welcome and not only did we learn a ton but the wine was excellent. The views are amazing and the ambience is unforgettable. This is a hidden gem and you definitely must see it if you're in the area! We will definitely be back!

Lisa was a fantastic host! We went on a warm sunny day i'm sat outside overlooking the gorgeous view. If you like brighter acidity Pinot and balanced Chardonnays this is a great spot. They even had a Zinfandel which was worth trying. I know they make other wines but we didn't get to try them that day. The tasting room is absolutely gorgeous, apparently it had been recently remodeled. I've heard great things about the wine maker and based on our experience with Lisa, they clearly have delightful employees as well. I would revisit this Winery in a heartbeat.

Great wines, customer service, hospitality, and environments.

Great little winery in The Russian River Valley off Westside Rd. Perched on a hilltop the driveway winds to the tasting room. Spectacular vistas from the patio and tasting salon. Lisa greets you at checkin with a smile and sets the tone for your experience. These are a few of my favorite Pinot Noirs and Chardonnays. The pairings are always a great treat. A laid back and modern vibe as you just can't help but to relax. All in all a fantastic wine country experience.

Beautiful location- great selection of wines from all over California's best wine growing areas. The staff went above and beyond. We were a family group from CA and South Carolina-- and they took the time to chat and get to know us. Highly recommend!

We used to be wine club members here, but quit due to a number of reasons. However, they have great pinots and great chardonnay. The best part of Gary Farrell is the view that you get while you are tasting. The service is very hit and miss - some days it was exceptional and others... well we quit the wine club :) I would still come back for the view and the wine!

Stunning Views. Surely the view isn't the ONLY reason to visit Gary Farrell, but that was the one aspect that caught my attention immediately. I was fortunate enough to have visited Gary Farrell during a trip earlier this spring. The winery is located up above in the hills overlooking the Russian River Valley. Though the views are spectacular, my friends and I looked forward to the wine tasting, especially of Pinor Noir in particular. For complete information regarding location, direction, hours, and tours, please visit: http://www.garyfarrellwinery.com/ SIP: My friends and I chose the traditional tasting priced at $15. We were able to sample Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, and a variety of Pinot Noir. 2 of my friends decided to purchase bottles of Pinot Noir from our tasting. SPACE: The tasting room is quite cozy, complete with a fire place in the corner. It's spacious for the most part, and allows enough room for various groups/people to congregate at the tasting counter. SERVICE: Outstanding. The female staff member, Lavonne, who assisted us throughout our entire tasting provided exceptional service. She was friendly, helpful, knowledgeable, and very patient. I commend her extensive knowledge and expertise in explaining the regions and manufacturing of the various wines we were tasting. Also, we were quite thankful when she complied with our request for extra glasses so we could (literally) have a side by side comparison/taste of 2 Pinot Noir we were sampling. SCENERY: After finishing our tasting and making our purchases, we made our way to the terrace. The views are breathtaking. Just beautiful. We all sat on the terrace to take in the beautiful views and weather as we contemplated our next destination. NOTE: Unfortunately, there are no picnic areas available at this winery. Bottom Line: Great wine. Wonderful service. Stunning Views. I hope to return someday.

Specialize in: Pinot Noir & Chardonnay Tasting Fee: $10 or $15 for reserves Hours: 10:30am - 4:30pm Pricing per bottle: $25-$65 Located right at the top of the mountain the views are amazing. Unfortunately the same cannot be said for the wines we sampled though. Don't get me wrong they were ok, just really not to my liking and I certainly wouldn't pay what they were asking.. The lady doing our tasting was nice and fairly knowledgeable briefly advising which foods go with each wine. The tasting room was very quiet and had a bit of a corporate feel about it, like all they really wanted was your money. It just didn't feel very welcoming and I was actually quite eager to hurry up and leave. The addition of some tables or benches outside so you could sit and take in the views while you sample would make a huge difference. They have the option to become a member (free of charge) where you can get discounts, special offers, free tours and invitations to special events. Great if you like the wines and don't mind paying the hefty price tag. 2.5/5

We ended up at Gary Farrell on the recommendation of Chris at Copain Winery. We pulled up on what felt like a 1000 degree sunny day, so opted to sit inside to taste, rather than on the amazing outdoor patio. The indoor tasting room was nice and cool, with HUGE windows and the most amazing views over the valley - grapes and greenery as far as the eye can see! The wines were a mix of Chardonnay and Pinot Noirs - mostly from the Alexander Valley. Our favorites of the tasting, which were also purchased were both the Pinot Noir and Chardonnay (Oak Puncheon) from Rochioli-Allen. Very tasty. A fun stop in the Russian River. Ask for Ruth Ann, she was a delight and very knowledgeable!

This is our 3rd (maybe 4th) time visiting Gary Farrell and it did not disappoint. We bought a membership several years ago and anxiously await our shipment of some of the best wine in Sonoma (hell in the US). The tasting room is one of the most exquisite in the Russian River Valley and the Gary Farrell team makes you feel like you are the only folks on the property when they are with you. We got a quick tour of the facility and a chance to meet Teresa, their fabulous Wine Maker. It was wonderful to learn about their process and how serious they take wine making (it shows with every luxurious sip). We were seated in the main (indoor tasting room) with gorgeous views and one of the most fun Wine Ambassadors we have ever met, Ellen! She was a hoot, made us feel like old friends, shared a lot of great info about the wines, and we had a superb tasting, super relaxing, each wine paired with a delicious cheese. This is one of the most refined tastings you can find, coupled with an eagerness to get you to try some of their really world class wine. Ask for Ellen, if you are doing a tasting, you get great wine and a lot of laughs. And special thanks to Allen Preston and team who worked with me to accommodate our group of six. This is truly a not to miss experience.

KILLER Pinot...EPIC view...GREAT vibe...FRIENDLY and knowledgeable wine host (Kevin). Gary Farrell Vineyards is a definite MUST-visit!

Excellent wines with superb service! A beautiful setting to relax and enjoy the wine tastings. Hats off to the funny talented and extraordinary witty Howard who interacted with us and taught us about our wines this weekend!

I walked in and loved it already. The presentation was amazing. The card with the description of the tasting had our name on it and welcomed us. The scenery is fabulous. We did the elevation tasting. Please make reservations. Wonderful.

Have visited 6 wineries / tasting rooms this week. This is the only one that I am reviewing. VIEW-unreal. Simply stunning view WINE-loved all that we tried. Big fan of lower alcohol wines because I like to actually taste the fruit. HOST(ESS)-Lydia was fantastic. Very friendly and enjoyed conversing with her and the others

Superb tour and history of the winery. I really appreciated all of the details about the vineyards they choose and the processes they go through. The storage area was immaculate and you could just feel the passion that goes into creating great wines. The tasting room was top notch and I loved getting to converse with the other people on our tour, finding out what they like and where they were from. Best of all were the views from the tasting area. The weather was overcast and cool, giving it an ethereal feel. I would love to take an evening tour sometime, I'm sure that's even more breathtaking.

An update for another excellent day at Gary. We were in wine country for a friends wedding and when I'm in town (Healdsburg), stopping at Gary is at the top of my list. Be "warned" - when we arrived at the foot of their driveway, they had a sign out front that said the weekends are now by appointment only, so call ahead! We took a chance and drove up the drive and (fortunately) they had room - it may have helped that we're members ;). There's a reason Gary is my favorite place in Healdsburg: the people that work there are amazing and always accommodating (being recognized is always nice - thanks Lianne), the wine is always great and the views are some of the best in the valley. Just remember, call ahead - it's worth the call!

This place is amazing! Our hostess Lianne was so knowledgable and friendly. The Chardonnay and Pinot were tasty. My favorite was the 100% skin fermented Chardonnay and the Rochioli Pinot noir was my boyfriends favorite. The tasting room is lovely and has a great view of the Russian river valley. If you plan on going on the weekend, make sure you make an appointment.

such a pretty view! the staff was extremely attentive and worked very smoothly together. the wine was delicious! the only issue was that the weather was very hot and the wine was not cold enough to really enjoy it. with that being said, they refrigerated our bottle of wine that we bought at a different winery so it would not cook in our car outside. very hospitable overall and a great environment! we loved that they gave us a glass of wine to "walk in with" even before the tasting. that ended up being our favorite of the day.

Amazing views and welcoming, knowledgeable staff who was happy to answer my amateur questions! Lovely wines. Make a reservation!

5 stars for the incredible view, but just 3 stars for the wine. The wine just didn't do much for me and this was our 3rd winery stop so by now everything should have tasted extra good. The tasting room men filled us in that Gary Farrell recently sold this vineyard & winery so I'm guessing things will be changing around here. So I'll go back for that view and with the hopes that their wine will improve.

I was surprised that most of the people around us were members, cos we didn't think the wine to be of any particular note (except vanilla)...and therefore overpriced at $35+ per. The $5 tasting was only worth it if the wine was really worth $36 a bottle, so do the math. Handsome interior, pleasant setting, and enough pourers to keep the tasting pace though.