October 9, 2025 (Healdsburg, CA) — Gary Farrell Winery today announced the addition of Doug Benzenberg as its Director of National Sales, a newly created position signaling the winery’s continued commitment to growth and evolution.
The new role marks another milestone in a year of momentum that also saw Brent McKoy named Head Winemaker starting with the 2024 vintage, further solidifying a leadership team that blends deep experience with fresh perspective.
“Doug’s appointment represents the next step in our evolution as a brand,” said Stephanie Wycoff, General Manager of Gary Farrell Winery. “We’ve built a small but mighty team with a clear directive – honor our legacy while opening the door to new audiences and new energy. Doug’s leadership, experience, and collaborative spirit will help us connect that story in markets across the country.”
A 25-year wine industry veteran, Benzenberg began his career in New York with Franciscan Estates, where he gained foundational experience with one of the world’s leading premium wine and spirits companies. He later moved to Colorado with Icon Estates and continued to build his career with respected brands, including Hope Family Wines, Hundred Acre, and Old Bridge Cellars.
Throughout his career, Doug has earned a reputation for driving revenue growth, strengthening distributor partnerships, and leading high-performing sales teams across diverse markets. His deep understanding of both on- and off-premise sales dynamics, combined with his passion for wine, makes him an exceptional fit to lead national sales efforts at Gary Farrell Winery.
Benzenberg will work with the winery’s sales and marketing agency Vintus, and initially focus on expanding the brand’s national presence and reintroducing the wines to key markets. “Gary Farrell is one of the great names of the Russian River Valley,” said Benzenberg. “It’s a brand with tremendous respect in the trade and incredible potential ahead. The wines are better than ever, and the team’s clarity of vision is inspiring. It’s the perfect time to remind people what makes Gary Farrell so special.”
Creating a head of sales role builds on a period of renewal for the winery. Wycoff rejoined the company in late 2022 as General Manager and has led a thoughtful evolution of the brand – one that continues its four-decade legacy of precision and restraint while inviting a new sense of openness and energy. Together with McKoy’s expressive winemaking and a small, dedicated team, Gary Farrell is reaffirming its place as a modern classic of the Russian River Valley: confident in its roots, guided by craftsmanship, and unafraid to follow its own path.
About Gary Farrell Winery
Gary Farrell Winery, a pioneer of the Russian River Valley, has championed the unique wine region for over 40 years with its acclaimed Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The winery draws from some of Sonoma County’s most renowned vineyards, including Rochioli, Bacigalupi, Gap’s Crown, and Durell to produce small-lot, terroir-driven wines with expressive varietal character. Gary Farrell wines capture the essence of each vineyard’s distinctive qualities with a hallmark profile of fresh fruit and savory notes balanced by vibrant acidity. With panoramic views from its scenic, hilltop estate, Gary Farrell Winery offers an immersive tasting experience, inviting guests to bask in the beauty of the Russian River Valley and enjoy a unique slice of paradise in every glass of Gary Farrell wine.
