Farella Vineyard

About Us:

Tom Farella's original inspiration to enter the wine trade began as a youngster at the dinner table and was later fortified by a family trip to France and some gentle prodding by father Frank. He graduated from UC Davis in 1983 with a degree in Viticulture and Enology while holding down weekend and harvest work with Neyers Vineyards and Flora Springs Winery. His first real job was as winemaker at Preston in SonomaCounty which he left after six years to work in Burgundy for Domaine Jacques Prieur in Meursault The work/travel bug persisted so he then worked in Oregon for a harvest at Ponzi Winery, then in the vineyard for Beaux Freres. It was after this rich experience in 1990 that Tom Farella came back to Farella full time.

Frank Farella founded Farella-Park Vineyards in 1985 in a small, 400 square foot winery next to his house in Napa. His long-sought goal to grow fine wine grapes from a modest depression-era background was a story that unfolded slowly and steadily. Beginning with his Italian grandparents at home, many home-made wines from the Napa and AlexanderValleys, and ultimately, a test vintage in 1982 from young Farella Vineyard grapes, the commercial venture began in 1985 as a barrel of Chardonnay, a stainless fermented Sauvignon Blanc and a Merlot/Cabernet field blend.