Farella Vineyard

Farella Vineyard is a family-owned Coombsville estate where volcanic terroir and patient farming come together to produce wines of genuine site expression. Founded in 2004 by Tom Farella, the winery sits on 30 acres of land that Tom's father Frank purchased in the 1950s as a cattle ranch. The vineyard was planted in the 1990s on volcanic soils deposited by ancient eruptions of the Stags Leap geological formation, soils that are rich in minerals and naturally well-drained. The transformation from cattle ranch to vineyard reflects the broader story of Coombsville's evolution from agricultural backwater to recognized wine region.

The 30-acre estate sits at the foot of the Vaca Range, where the cooling influence of San Pablo Bay moderates the warm afternoon temperatures and extends the growing season. The volcanic soils are the estate's defining feature: red and black rock fragments mixed with volcanic ash create conditions of natural stress that produce small, intensely flavored berries. The vineyard is planted to Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Sauvignon Blanc, with each variety occupying the soil type and exposure best suited to its needs.

Tom Farella makes the wines himself, maintaining a hands-on approach that reflects his family's agricultural roots. The Cabernet Sauvignon is structured and mineral-driven, with a savory quality that distinguishes it from the fruitier Cabernets produced on the valley floor. The Merlot is plush and aromatic, benefiting from the cooler Coombsville climate that preserves the variety's natural perfume. The Sauvignon Blanc, crisp and herbal, provides a refreshing counterpoint to the reds and demonstrates the estate's versatility.

Tastings at Farella are intimate and personal, conducted by Tom or his small team on the estate. The experience typically includes a walk through the vineyard, where the volcanic soils are visible in every direction, followed by a seated tasting in the winery. The scale is deliberately small, and the atmosphere feels more like a private visit than a commercial tasting. At $60, the fee reflects the personal nature of the experience and the quality of the wines.

Farella represents the emerging identity of Coombsville: a community of small, family-owned estates producing wines that express a distinctive volcanic terroir. The AVA is still young and relatively unknown compared to Oakville or Rutherford, which means that visitors can taste excellent wines without the crowds, the high prices, and the reservation challenges that define the valley's more established appellations. Farella is the kind of discovery that makes wine exploration rewarding.