Farella Vineyard is one of Coombsville’s foundational estates, with roots going back to the late 1970s when Frank Farella began planting vines on this cool, volcanic site at the eastern edge of Napa Valley. The property became a winery in 1985, and from the beginning it was shaped by a family-driven commitment to thoughtful farming, small production, and wines that reflect the site rather than any flash or trend. Tom Farella, after studying viticulture and enology at UC Davis and gaining experience in Napa, Burgundy, and Oregon, eventually took over winemaking and helped steer the family estate into one of Coombsville’s most respected names. The vineyard’s long history of producing fruit for top Napa producers also underscores how prized this land has been for decades.

The 2021 Malbec comes from that same deeply expressive Coombsville vineyard, where volcanic soils, rocky slopes, and the region’s naturally cooler growing conditions help preserve freshness and structure. Farella’s estate has long been known for Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, but Malbec fits beautifully into the site’s mix of exposures and soil diversity, offering dark fruit, floral lift, and a firm, mineral edge. The 2021 vintage also carries the added significance of the label and estate evolution introduced with that vintage, which honored Frank Farella and the family’s legacy while continuing the vineyard’s long-term stewardship. In other words, this is not just a varietal wine; it’s a piece of Napa history rooted in a specific place and a multigenerational family story.

Why You’ll Love It

• It comes from a historic Coombsville estate known for deep, volcanic soils and cool-climate structure, which gives the wine energy and precision.
• The Malbec offers a compelling twist on the Farella style: ripe dark fruit, savory complexity, and a mineral-backed finish.
• It carries real family and vineyard provenance, with a story that adds meaning and credibility for customers who care about place and heritage.

How To Serve It

• Serve between 60–64 F, slightly cool, so the fruit stays fresh and the structure remains polished.
• Decant for 30–60 minutes to open up the aromatics and soften the wine’s natural grip.
• Pair with grilled lamb, tri-tip, short ribs, mushroom dishes, or rosemary-roasted vegetables for the best expression.