At this point, every wine lover I know is ready to leave their current shelter and have a glass of wine elsewhere, preferably at a winery with vineyard views and a soothing atmosphere. Already, friends are talking about which wineries to visit when the “all clear” is given and are asking for recommendations. Having received and tasted three exceptional wines (as samples) from Gamble Family Vineyards in Oakville, California and communicated with Tom Gamble, third-generation Napa farmer who founded the Vineyards in 2005, I’ve been suggesting this intriguing winery to be added to the top of their list. It’s definitely on mine.
Gamble Family Vineyards consists of approximately 175 acres of premium estate vineyards from Oakville, Yountville, Mt. Veeder and Rutherford, notable AVAs in Napa Valley. The winery itself is located in a quiet, pastoral setting off Highway 29 in Napa Valley’s Oakville District and tastings are by invitation-only.
In our correspondence, Tom Gamble remarked that “most people have not even heard of Gamble. We are small. We’re still a discovery for most when they make a trip to Napa and are looking for an intimate, relaxed high-end wine experience. It’s only recently that we started making wines to sell to restaurants and wine retailers. We are not everywhere.” Enticed to learn more?
Tom Gamble – Photo Credit: www.stylechicago.com
About Gamble Family Vineyards
Grape Experiences: Could you tell us about the winery’s history?
Tom Gamble: My grandfather arrived in Napa in 1916. Having graduated from University of California (UC) Davis in 1911, he was drawn to Napa to graze the lands surrounding his brother’s, my great uncle, mine in the far North East corner of Napa. (Robert Louis Stevenson’s Silverado Squatters informs this early juxtaposition of vine and mine). Many different farm crops followed, but with prohibition on the horizon, wine grapes were never a focus of his. It wasn’t until the time of his death in the early 1970s that his lands (still in the family) in Oakville were planted under lease to Beringer. I, too, attended UC Davis and immediately started farming grapes in 1980 while still in school, becoming the first in the family to commercially farm grapes. I started the wine brand in 2005 much as my grandfather started converting many of his crops to non- or at least less-perishable items to provide more economic sustainability to his family. Though different farming, I follow in his footsteps.
Grape Experiences: In what ways are your wines unique from others in the Valley?
Tom Gamble: We own and farm the land that produces the grapes for our wines, while we are always experimenting with small lots from areas where we might like to own a vineyard someday – we are estate. There are not many wineries our size able to say so. Especially with such a diversity of terroir spread over 4 sub-appellations and ranging in elevation from 110’ to 1900’ above sea level. While we have a few wines we now submit for scores, most we do not and those are only found for sale at the winery. We march to our own interpretation of terroir in our winemaking and the following for our wines has grown organically as others appreciate the nuance and longevity of our wines. But that’s the fun and excitement of terroir, each winemaker’s interpretation of grapes from the same vineyard. I sell most of my grapes so I get to taste how others interpret my grapes.
Vineyards of Sauvignon Blanc at Gamble Family Vineyards
Grape Experiences: What environmental practices have been implemented?
Tom Gamble: We farm with regeneration of the soils foremost in mind. I try to balance immediate need with the needs of generations down the road. But none of it would be possible without the nation’s first Ag Preserve which my mother helped found.
The greening of Napa began in 1968 with the passage of the Agricultural Preserve. That community effort gave us the zoning to preserve Napa from the ongoing pressure of urbanization exerted by the 8 million population of the adjoining San Francisco Bay Area. I am proud of those who came before me, including my mother, who had the foresight and made the effort to preserve Napa for future generations. This has led this little county of 500,000 or so acres to have 180,000 open space acres in public ownership, and 47,000 or so acres in vineyard and another at least 100,000 acres or so in other agriculture, mostly grazing. With minimum parcel sizes of 40 acres in the valley and 160 acres in the hills along with cutting edge environmental practices, our watersheds are intact. It is why not only are the wines wonderful, but Napa is naturally beautiful.
More recently, I am very proud of three generations of my family donating 10 acres along the Napa River for the Napa River Restoration Project. In concert with other likeminded farmers along twenty miles of the river Napa River can claim to be the most environmentally intact in the Bay Area. The resulting explosion of wildlife is amazing. With some time on our hands these days, my wife counted 67 bird species in the area, including nesting osprey last Sunday. I like to join her near sunset in her golf cart with a glass of wine.
Photo Credit: www.gamblefamilyvineyards.com
Grape Experiences: What is your wife’s role in the business?
Tom Gamble: My wife’s family has been part of Napa agriculture and wine since the 1870s. She loves the land, understands the seven-generation thinking that’s required for success, the sacrifices that come with building a wine label, and risks to one’s income deriving from coaxing a living from nature. She also has a keen eye for beauty. She helped design the winery, and cares for everything outside that is not a vine, including our extensive kitchen garden that is shared with many employees. She has almost limitless patience with me which I still manage to occasionally (ok, more than occasionally) test. In sum without such a partner, I don’t know what my life would look like.
The Wines of Gamble Family Vineyards
Grape Experiences: What has been your favorite vintage to drink?
Tom Gamble: Our wines age. My absolute favorite to drink right now is the 2009 Family Home Cabernet Sauvignon and Paramount, a Bordeaux style red blend. So those wines are entering their 11th year and are limited in remaining availability. I think following in 2009’s footsteps are both the 2013 and 2014 Family Home and Paramount. Both vintages are very drinkable now, and the structure will allow them many more years of ageing.
Tom Gamble: The stressful vintages give the most satisfaction. 2011 was the most challenging weather-wise to work with. The Paramount was the standout of the vintage and I had great satisfaction in making a wine that always reminded me of Chateau Beychevelle. 2017 offered the wildfires. There was stress through the roof and although most grapes got into the cellar, the remainder were lost. It was a struggle to preserve life and property, to keep wines in the winery safe and the power on. We did it and are very happy with the quality, we can’t wait to share those wines.
Grape Experiences: Which wines would you open to share with others?
Tom Gamble: For reds it’s definitely Paramount. A blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, and a little Petite Verdot, it has both elegance and power, thus appealing to a wide cross section of wine lovers. I can’t tell if I share more Gamble Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc or Rose with friends. those two wines are always on the table and taken to dinner invitations.
Grape Experiences: What do you like to drink when you’re not drinking your own wines?
Tom Gamble: Really, I am a world explorer of wine. Red and white burgundy when I can find a value, white Loires, Alsace, Beaujolais, Northern Rhone, Barolo and Bordeaux if I can afford it. I’m also starting to explore the best examples of Chilean Carmenere.
Grape Experiences: Do you have any favorite foods for pairing with the wines?
Tom Gamble: I love my wife’s version of salad niçoise with Gamble Family Vineyard sauvignon blanc. Paramount is the staple red at Thanksgiving, while our Napa Cabernet Sauvignon and Family Home share the spotlight whenever a beef dish is served. With my wife’s beef bourguignon? Delish!
Tom Gamble: My and my wife’s first priority is keeping everyone employed. Because our loyal wine club membership responded so well earlier this month, we have some cash. We are all taking a big hit right now, but I have a great team with long tenures needing to support their own families. Knowing their jobs are secure when many of their friends are losing theirs, allows their creativity to flow in trying all the things you mentioned and then some. Check back when we are on the other side of this dark valley and we can discuss what worked. My forebearers survived war, depression, prohibition, drought, flood and Spanish flu. Within that context, we will find a way to get through this.
Gamble Family Vineyards is located at 7554 St. Helena Highway, Napa, CA 94558. Paramount, a luscious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Petit Verdot, is available in restaurants within key markets of California, Texas, Florida and Illinois. When we’re able to travel and wineries are open for visitors once more, let’s enjoy the hospitality and relaxed environment of Gamble Family Vineyards as we raise a glass of something quite special. I can’t wait to discover more magnificent wines from this notable winery.
Cheers! ~ Cindy
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Please note: For my reviews of the Gamble Family Vineyards wines I received please see my article 3 Wines from Gamble Family Vineyards and Favorite Foods for Pairing.
