Brent McKoy is the hands-on winemaker and steward behind Gary Farrell Winery in Sonoma AVA, where he crafts elegant, terroir-driven Pinot Noir and Chardonnay that reflect the unique vineyards of Sonoma County. Known for picking earlier to preserve brightness and balance, Brent stays deeply involved in every step—from planning to forklift driving.
Originally from coastal North Carolina, Brent studied English lit, played in a jazz band, worked as an arborist, and fell in love with wine around a campfire in Santa Fe. His first harvest was at Robert Mondavi in 2001, and by 2005 he was working side-by-side with Gary Farrell himself. Nearly two decades later, Brent took the reins as winemaker, staying true to the legacy with wines that are thoughtful, expressive, and never overdone.
When he’s not in the cellar, he’s probably camping, hanging with his family, or tapping out rhythms on the dashboard of his truck.
Media Inquiries: Michellle Keene michelle@calhounwine.com | https://www.garyfarrellwinery.com/
What’s the ONE THING most unique, authentic, & memorable about your brand?
The most authentic and memorable thing about Gary Farrell Winery is our unwavering dedication to exploration—of place, of craft, and of self—rooted in the rugged beauty of the Russian River Valley. From the beginning, our story has been one of bold, curious pursuit. Gary Farrell, our founder, wasn’t born into wine; he discovered it. As a self-taught outsider in the 1980s, he built a reputation not on pedigree, but on passion, precision, and deep relationships with some of Sonoma County’s most respected growers.
That legacy lives on in our commitment to this region, through decades-long partnerships with some of the Russian River Valley’s most iconic vineyards. Founded on a handshake deal, Gary Farrell Winery has always been built on trust, integrity, and deep relationships, especially with our grower partners. These lasting collaborations give us access to exceptional vineyard sites, allowing us to select based on character, and to showcase the nuance of site and season. Rather than chasing trends, we follow our compass. This collaborative, site-driven approach is rare and results in wines of transparency, elegance, and a true sense of place.
Our philosophy is woven into every detail, from a winemaking style that favors finesse over flash to the way we welcome guests at our hilltop estate overlooking the valley. In 2023, we introduced a refreshed look to reflect that ethos: our new labels feature the sweeping mountain views from our winery and a compass to symbolize the journey we’re on. We also removed the foil capsule, a small but meaningful step toward greater sustainability.
Describe how and what you’d do with your winemaking career or winery business if you were not constrained.
I’m from a coastal community, and while living in wine country is wonderful, I often miss the rhythm and lifestyle of the beach. If there were no constraints, no limits on space, staffing, or resources, I’d create a winemaking paradise on a pristine island, abundant in fresh water, local produce, and natural beauty. The hillsides would thrive in a microclimate unlike any other, perfectly suited for growing Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Nestled into those hills would be a state-of-the-art winemaking facility, carved into the earth like a secret cave. We’d craft elegant wines underground, then spend our evenings enjoying them on the beach after days spent kayaking, fishing, and soaking in the magic of coastal life. It would be a place where wine and nature exist in perfect harmony—and where people from around the world come to experience the beauty of this impossible dream turned reality.
What is the One Wine most emblematic of your brand and/or winemaking style? Tell us its story.
The one wine that most embodies our brand is Pinot Noir from the legendary Rochioli Vineyard. Our story is deeply rooted in this vineyard and our enduring relationship with the Rochioli family. In fact, the very first wine we ever crafted was farmed by Joe Rochioli, and we’ve been proud to share in the rise and recognition of the Russian River Valley for more than 40 years. Year after year, the fruit from their ranch delivers exceptional quality and showcases the quintessential traits of Russian River Valley Pinot Noir: luscious, fruit-driven expression balanced by earthy complexity and subtle intrigue that deepens beautifully with age. Just up the road from our winery, Rochioli Vineyard offers a level of elegance and finesse that’s difficult to put into words. It’s an honor to work with this fruit, and I look forward to continuing that legacy for years to come. Take a look at my wine review here.