Director of Winemaking, Theresa Heredia - Gary Farrell Vineyards & Winery
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“My approach to winemaking is very much about taking advantage of specific vineyard and fruit qualities. My job is to treat it as gently as possible so that we end up with a balanced wine.”

– Theresa Heredia, Director Of Winemaking 

 

At The Heart of The Pioneering Spirit

 

lies our exceptionally talented Director of winemaking, Theresa Heredia. With extensive experience in cool-climate Pinot Noir and Chardonnay and small-lot, single-vineyard wines, Theresa brings a hands-on, Burgundian perspective to the winery.

She has made it her life's work to evolve Gary Farrell's house style while maintaining the signature elegance, balance, and bright natural acidity that have come to define it.

Theresa's passion for winemaking is evident in every drop of wine she creates. From her first vintage at Joseph Phelps' Freestone Vineyards in 2002, where her Pinot Noir and Chardonnay earned the winery significant critical acclaim, to her current role at Gary Farrell Winery, she has always been unwavering in her pursuit of crafting wines that offer a pure expression of their vineyard site.

What truly sets Theresa apart is her deep love for the craft. With every grape that she tends, every barrel that she nurtures, and every bottle that she creates, her passion shines through. Theresa’s dedication to her craft and campaigns toward a more diverse industry has earned her critical acclaim throughout her career. She brings a unique touch to every bottle of wine, capturing the beauty of the land.

For those who appreciate the art of winemaking, Theresa Heredia is the winemaker to watch. With her extensive knowledge, unwavering dedication, and natural talent for crafting exceptional wines, she’s truly an artist. And with every glass of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, you will taste beauty, dedication, and passion from Theresa and her team.

PUBLICATIONS
Theresa Heredia, Gary Farrell Winemaker
More On Theresa
Forbes | The Winning Ways Of Theresa Heredia
A primary reason for the excellence at Farrell is the fruit. “We have the opportunity to cherry pick the best vineyards from all over Russian River Valley and Sonoma County,” winemaker Theresa Heredia states. “I like to talk about us as sort of on par with a high-end Premier Cru or Grand Cru negociant from Burgundy.”
Forbes | Theresa Heredia Essence of Place
Coming to Gary Farrell in 2012, I had access to growers I’d always looked up to,” says Heredia, who has a reputation for experimenting with winemaking techniques that match the growing site.
Woman Who Raise the Bar | Theresa Heredia
No wonder Heredia plans to leverage her position at the upper echelons of the industry to help break down barriers for others. 'I really hope
to become more involved in diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives,' she says. 'I would very much like to work with other people in the industry who are also interested in bringing positive change.'”
Diversity and Inclusion - Pride Month Exclusive
At Gary Farrell, we believe in a culture of diversity, equality and inclusiveness. We believe that the Human Rights Campaign is a wonderful organization to support because they fight for all types of equality.  The winery has been working with HRC since 2015, but I have been a supporter since 2010. Over the years, we’ve either donated to or physically participated in many fund-raising events.
Grape Collective | Early Picking & Great Vineyards
Gary Farrell Vineyards and Winery made stunning Chardonnay and Pinot Noir from great vineyards and that is still the case – names like Rochioli, Sanford & Benedict, Bien Nacido, Durell and Fort Ross. And Heredia, 50, like many winemakers, tries to give all the credit to those awesome vineyards
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Tips from a Winemaker
Learn how to open a bottle of wine from Theresa
Hone your wine-opening skills with the recently released
2021 Russian River Selection 
WINEMAKER SELECTIONS
2019
Rochioli Vineyard
Pinot Noir
2018
Lancel Creek Vineyard
Pinot Noir
2018
Olivet Lane Vineyard Cuvee D'Oeuf
Chardonnay
Best CA Chardonnay
2018
La Rinconada Vineyard
Chardonnay
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A collection of some of my favorite wines and vintages. Each tell an individual story and share an important part in my journey as a winemaker. Enjoy!

– Theresa Heredia, Director Of Winemaking 

ACCOLADES

- 2020 Winemaker of the Year Nominee
Wine Enthusiast
- 2020 Top 50 Sonoma Producer
Wine Spectator
- 2020 & 2019 Top 100 Winery
Wine & Spirits
- #1 Wine, Top 100 Wines of 2017
Wine Enthusiast
- 2016 Winery of the Year
PinotFile Rusty Gaffney
- 2015 Winery of the Year
PinotReport Greg Walter
Russian River Valley Vineyards

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