Celebrating the Life and Legacy of Jack Farrell

This summer, we said goodbye to Jack Farrell, a remarkable man who shaped the future of Haskell’s and left an enduring mark on the wine industry. At 82, Jack often reminded us not to grieve his passing, but to celebrate his life. 

“I was a poor kid from Chicago that made it,” he once said. “I built a pretty incredible life and family here in Minnesota. I don’t have a bucket list anymore—I’ve done it all.” 

So let us raise a glass to Jack and celebrate his incredible life and legacy!

From One Shop to Minnesota’s Wine Destination

Haskell’s began in 1930 with Fritzi Haskell’s vision of bringing quality wines to the Midwest. In 1970, Jack Farrell stepped in as the new owner, building on Fritzi’s foundation while injecting his own passion, curiosity, and vision into the business. 

Jack didn’t just take over a wine shop—he transformed it. Under his leadership, Haskell’s grew from one humble store in Minneapolis to ten locations across the Twin Cities, becoming a cornerstone in Minnesota’s wine community.

Jack was known for his enthusiasm and approachable style. Whether you were a wine novice or a seasoned connoisseur, Jack made you feel welcome at Haskell’s. He believed wine should be fun, accessible, and, most of all, shared in good company. Through Jack’s media presence, most notably his entertaining media segments on WCCO, Jack introduced countless Minnesotans to the joy of a well-selected bottle.

A Passion for Quality, Tradition, and Adventure

Jack’s passion for wine was matched by his commitment to excellence. His bucket list was full. He traveled the world. He forged close relationships with wine importers, vintners, dignitaries, celebrities, and politicians from all over the world. He then brought back the exceptional wines he found back to Minnesota for us all to enjoy. 

In fact, Jack made the journey to Burgundy, France with his family almost every year in order to attend the prestigious Hospices de Beaune wine auction. Each time, he’d come back to the U.S. with unique barrels and extraordinary wines to share with our Twin City customers.

Jack’s love for wine wasn’t just about business—it was about forging relationships, creating memories and sharing experiences. Jack always found ways to connect through wine and create memorable moments.

A Family Man at Heart

Not only was Jack an exceptional businessman, he was also a devoted family man. He was a loving husband to his wife, Cathy, an extraordinary father to his four sons, John 3, Brian, Ted & Beau, and a proud grandfather to his nine grandchildren. He cherished every moment spent with his family, creating lasting memories that will be treasured for years to come.

Carrying Jack’s Legacy On

Jack Farrell’s life was one of passion, perseverance, and generosity. His influence is still felt in every aspect of Haskell’s today—through the friendships he forged, the wines he introduced, and the knowledge he shared with all of us. Jack’s mission wasn’t just to sell wine; it was to foster a sense of community and make wine an accessible pleasure for all. 

As we move forward, Haskell’s remains committed to carrying Jack’s vision forward—continuing to be a place where people feel welcome, informed, and part of something special. His legacy lives on in every bottle we sell and every toast shared among friends and family.

We are deeply grateful for the journey he took with all of us. We will never forget his impact on the wine community–and on each of us personally. As we continue to honor Jack's memory, we remain committed to his vision of making wine a joyful part of everyday life. From the Farrell family and all of us at Haskell’s, thank you for being part of this incredible legacy. Here’s to Jack—may his passion and joy inspire us all.