Winemaker Ryan Alfaro grew up on his parents' vineyard in the Santa Cruz Mountains. Being immersed in the family business his entire life, it was no surprise he developed a passion for wine. 

Ryan enrolled at UCLA to study Environmental Studies and Geography. In the midst of his undergrad education, he was able to study abroad in Dijon, France through UC Davis'  Viticulture and Enology program. Upon finishing his undergrad studies at UCLA, Ryan decided to further his education at University of Auckland, New Zealand, completing a Post-Grad in Wine Science.

He was privileged to work under renowned winemaker Adam Tolmach for a vintage before returning home to become head-winemaker at Alfaro Family Vineyards.

While honing his skills at Alfaro Family Vineyards, Ryan decided to create his own label, Farm Cottage Wines. The 2019 vintage marked the inaugural year of Farm Cottage Wines.