Lyall Fahden

Founder and Co-Owner of Hans Fahden Vineyard

Lyall is among the third generation of Fahdens to work the winery, which he’s been doing since he moved back to Northern California in 1979. When he and his brother decided to go back to their roots and plant cabernet grapes in the 1980s, Lyall was there in the field. He enjoys the process of guiding the wine from “dirt to shelf.” Lyall’s hands have been in the earth here, planting vineyards, building a wall with volcanic rock dug from the soil, and placing irrigation. Every construction project on the grounds bears his handiwork, from the garden tea house to the lily ponds to both wine caves, which he carved out himself. He considers himself a student of life, always passionate about education and learning more of what the world has to offer. You can always find Lyall working the grounds, chatting with visitors, or driving his Cat D8 whenever he gets the chance. Along with his brother, Antone, he’s been proud to carry on the tradition of the Fahdens since 1912.