A Generational Transition at Farella Vineyard

The family estate helped put the Coombsville AVA on the map, but the future could be complicated

Tom Farella in the barrel room at Farella Vineyard in Coombsville, California
Tom Farella spent decades developing the Coombsville property his father, Frank, purchased in 1977 into a leading Cabernet estate, producing its own distinctive wines while supplying grapes up valley. (Steve Fisch)

The Farellas have been trailblazers for Cabernet in Coombsville since the 1970s, but since the passing of Frank Farella in April 2025, at age 95, his son Tom has taken up the mantle and is steering the ship, and he has big plans for what lies ahead. Learn all about Farella and its past, present and future with senior editor James Molesworth in this California producer spotlight!

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