Todd was born and raised on the Central Coast of California. He graduated from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture Business, with a concentration in Finance & Appraisal and a minor in Economics. During his last year at Cal Poly he added course work in viticulture and enology, which helped him to land an internship at American AgCredits headquarters in Santa Rosa, CA. He was very fortunate to be hired as a staff appraiser in January of 2009 in the middle of the financial crisis and has been even more fortunate to have worked alongside the best vineyard and winery appraisers in the business. Special thanks to Dave Holt, ARA, Hal Forcey ARA, Tony Correia, Mark Gregg ARA, and Mike Pipkin ARA for being such great mentors.
In 2013, Todd accepted a position with Rabobank and moved to Pismo Beach, CA, which broadened his vineyard and winery experience to the Central Coast (Monterey through Santa Barbara County) and Southern California (Riverside and San Diego County). In 2016, he returned to American AgCredit with a continued focus in the wine industry and expanding his knowledge base to the Sierra Foothills and the Willamette Valley, along with large winery complexes in the Central Valley.
In June 2022, Todd retired from American AgCredit to start his own appraisal company that specializes in winery and vineyard appraisals throughout the North Coast and Central Coast of California. Mr. Combs has appraised wineries and vineyards on a fee basis for a wide range of clients, including national and local banks, insurance companies, investment groups, pension funds, attorneys/accountants (estate planning, IRS, gifting, date of death, etc), corporations, and individuals.
Todd is a proud member of the California Chapter of the American Society of Farm Managers and Rural Appraisers and holds the Accredited Rural Appraiser designation. Over the last 13 years he has been a committee member for the Trends in Agricultural Land and Lease Values report serving Region 2 (North Coast), Region 6 (Central Coast), and Region 7 (Southern CA). He also served as the Chapters Marketing Chair from 2013 to 2016 and is currently serving as the Co-Chair of the Trends publication, along with being the President-Elect of the organization. Todd lives in Shell Beach and loves spending time with his family and coaching soccer.
Todd Combs, ARA
The Vinery / Owner
todd@thevinery.pro
CA Certified General Appraiser, #AG044811
OR Certified General Appraiser, #C001507