Out of the 12 tasting tours this was our fave by far. Our Som Pierre was so nice and knowledgeable. The facility and view was amazing. The non oaked Chard was amazing and the best was the Pinot Noir. This is a must tasting!!
Top spot for pinot and chardonnay. Reservations required.
This is a mixed review.
STAFF: 2 stars. We had an appointment for 1 pm but arrived about 20 minutes early. We waited at the hostess stand for 5 minutes while staff walked by ignoring us. We then walked around the corner into the tasting room, where 4 or 5 staff looked busy cleaning stemware. Despite a group of 6 people, they largely ignored us until one of us spoke up. When I informed them of our appointment, they said "We'll see you AT 1 pm", emphasizing the AT. No smile. Nothing. We then went onto the patio where another staff member shushed us for being apparently too boisterous. Well, excuuuuse us for speaking. At 1 pm promptly, a certified somm brought us into the private tasting room. Only after 20 minutes of being with our raucous group did the frost thaw from her icey personality and she finally began to warm up to us. Had we not read about the wines and known about Gary Farrell's reputation for winemaking, we would have walked out and this would end the review. Fortunately, for this winery, their products stand head and shoulders above the impenetrable snobbiness of the staff.
WINE & FACILITY: 5 stars. There aren't enough superlatives to describe the excellent wines that we tasted and truly enjoyed as part of our private tasting. Each was excellent and more than one stood out as cellar-worthy. We took the high road here and overlooked our rude treatment and went ahead and purchased several bottles.
I can only hope that future visitors are given a warmer and more respectful welcoming than was afforded to us. If we return, it will be for the wine alone.
I can't believe it has taken me years to find this great place. Driving on Westside road in Russian River Valley helped us finding another great winery in Sonoma. The wines are fantastic, Pinot Noir being the best one and we even became wine members. Great wines, the location is amazing with the best views of Sonoma Valley in Russian River. Staff is super friendly and the place still feels low-key as living in Sonoma. Cheers!
We were there last Friday the 10th, and had a great time. The winery and view are beautiful. The staff was great and we learned a great deal about the areas history. It ended with a wine and cheese pairing that was amazing.
Thanks for everything,
Ron & Mark
Beautiful tasting room and view. Great service and wines.
First, the positives: the wine was phenomenal and some of the best pinots I ve tried. The tasting room and view is beautiful.
Now for the cons: do.not. Pay. For. The. Tour. We were literally taken out back to see dormant machinery and peeked at the barrels, with someone who had no industry or wine experience. It was like she d memorized a 10-minute spiel on winemaking without any idea how others do it. She asked if I d ever done another tour, I said yes, and the response was I guess there s nothing new to show you then ... ??
With outstanding tastings they meet the expectations of my picky taste. They are consistent with their products in terms of quality their needs to be more places like this that set the example for the wine industry not some fly by nite reality show wineries.
I don't like Pinot's, that is until we went to Gary Farrell. It's very rare when we like 100% of the wines we tasted, let alone Pinot's, but we have seen the light! Great wines, fantastic view and our host Ed took his time and made our visit one of the most rewarding in 6 days of wine tasting. Highly recommended!
Meh......very good wine and beautiful location. Service was spotty. We arrived early sent to a mediocre winery. Our server was great at first and then disappeared. Table next to us was visited frequently and received the sweets at the end. We waited for our sweets and finally left. Tasting fees are high and wine is definitely expensive. An experience is more than printing a name on the menu. It set the stage and expectations for something more.
Gary Farrell Winery is a lovely facility on a hilltop. The building is new, and the views stunning. The wines are good, but the tasting fee is a bit pricey.
quality wines, great way to taste the difference in local growers each run through the same winemaking process.
Had a good time visiting GF for its scenic view of the Russian River Valley and amazing wines. Was lucky to try the rose of Pinot Noir outside the wine tasting list - wow. I normally have no affinity to rose, but that was the most memorable wine that day. Both the tasting room and outdoor terrace had beautiful view of the valley. Our host was also very patient in educating us about their wines and accommodating to our short visit. GF may be a little bit out of the way and not the cheapest place for wine tasting, it's worth a visit.
So accommodating and kind to all of us! Their wine was fantainstic and even though we came in late in the day they were more than willing to work with us! Amazing experience and will sure be back soon!
We enjoyed ourselves so much that we curtailed our itinerary for the day so that we could spend more time here. Lydia, the wine educator, was delightful.
Can't think of a better place to taste a great pinot noir.
Absolutely incredible experience. Knowledgeable and friendly staff. Beautiful views. Cheese pairing with your wines. Highly recommend making an appointment here. Tiffany and Dominic are excellent staff members. You'll be glad you visited Gary Farrell.
Beautiful place and views. The Wine & Cheese pairing is pure perfection. Pinots are elegant and a pleasure in the nose and mouth. The best of the best. Steve was a wonderful host. A must in Russian River. I also loved George the cat.
Wonderful winery! We hadn't been in quite some time and they now require reservations on the weekends. We hadn't made a reservation, but they weren't busy and quickly set us up a table for tasting. They also offer cheese and charcuterie plates, which are quite tasty. The wines are all wonderful! They are known for their Pinot Noir, but have a tasty Zin as well. And if you are sitting outside, you have the most beautiful view of the rolling hills and vines.
Recently had diner in a very good restaurant in Miami, we asked for a light, red, fruity wine. Sommelier recommended Russian River 2012... ho my....!!! I will never thank that guy enough: I almost had an orgasm.
:o))..
Seriously, it is an excellent wine, really had a blast, with the food (ravioles), and finished it with a cheese plater..?? (with very good bread) absolutely SUPERB.
WIll get some asap.
PS: I'm a French guy, I worked in many kitchens, and knows a little about wines.. (it's genetic).
Wines that fit our pallets. Chardonnay & Pinots couldnt ask for anything more. Great tasting room, beautiful views, friendly staff.
We had such a wonderful time here. They took the time to allow us to taste overlooking the vines. Exquisite wines. Highly recommend.
Sumptuous Pinot Noir. Great tasting and tour. Knowledgable staff.
Excellent chardonnay and pinot noir. The view can't be beat either.
Great property, staff and wine. Highly recommend adding this place to your list of vineyards to visit while in the Russian river valley
Great wines. Speaking for the covid set-up, I ve been to quite a few wineries in the wake of the pandemic, Gary Farrell blows them all away. If you re a germaphobe (and who isn t nowadays) this is the wine tasting for you. The interactive menu on your phone is very informative and the staff really keeps their distance.
linkedin.com
