WHAT WE STAND FOR
As fifth-generation stewards of the land, we must ensure its viability for the generations to come. Washington State has just launched the Sustainable WA certification, which we are practicing, along with farming organically in vineyards where the microclimates make it possible. Our goal is to have minimal intervention in the vines, tending them for the sake of healthy plants and soil, and to minimize the amount of interaction post-harvest.
THEY SAY YOU SHOULDN’T DRINK ALONE
Community is at the heart of everything we do. It’s our jam. We like to think of ourselves as Yakima Valley’s neighborhood wine garden – a hub for celebrations, connections, or scheming your next dinner party. We take our jobs of bringing the party very seriously. We hope when our wine travels far and wide, the same applies. Find a bottle, make a new buddy, be blissful.
LOW-IMPACT FARMING – FIRST & FOREMOST
Our love for this land runs deep! The valley’s terroir is one of complex-soils, fed by glacial runoff. Lucky for us, this sets the perfect stage for minimal intervention, just the way we like it. We pride ourselves on being stewards of this special place. How do we express that? Through low-impact, hands-on farming and sustainable practices. Check out Gilbert Vineyard’s Sustainable WA certification!
A NEW VINTAGE OF FAMILY VALUES
Not too long ago we swear we were closing down the neoniest dive bar. Now, we’re first in line at drop off. We don’t think life and wine should be mutually exclusive. We’re building the space to have fun with our friends and our families. When the kids are roaming free, they’re thriving! And so are we. We’re building the winery we want to hang out at. It’s wholesome family time . . . just turned up a notch.
KEEPING THINGS FRESH
An adventurous mindset has always defined the Gilbert spirit. Although this adventure started from summiting Gilbert Peak (woah), we now use this sense of adventure to innovate! We’re constantly looking at what we’re doing and improving. This commitment means you get the best balance of new-age practices with our timeless quality.
WHO’S RUNNING THIS JOINT, ANYWAY?
At Gilbert, we’re young families, nurturing the land and making artful, honest wines. We’re proud to be building a dynamic community here in this gorgeous valley — and reimagining what wine culture can be.
If you haven’t met us, allow us to introduce ourselves!
Gloria Gilbert
GENERAL MANAGER / PARTNER
Gloria’s a multitasking extraordinaire and our grace-meets-grit boss. She can throw an amazing dinner party, make everyone feel welcomed and make you feel like you contributed—all while you relaxed with an ever-full glass. It’s her magic, and we wouldn’t want anyone else running this ranch. She keeps us thriving and we adore her for it.
Charlie Gilbert
SALES / PARTNER
Charlie is unlike any wine salesman you’ve ever met. He sees the world in creative and imaginative ways. He pushes us to be innovative in our approaches and not to take ourselves too seriously. Charlie’s big heart and warm smile radiate through Gilbert. He’s our resident skateboarder, rad dad, and best all-around guy.
Dusty Jenkins
HEAD WINEMAKER
Fun fact: Dusty grew up on a peach farm. Growing up in the same region as our grapes gives Dusty a super power. We can taste the pride and the understanding of place. He won’t boast about it, but his we-can-have-fun-with-wine approach keeps us inspired every day. He challenges what winemaking can be, yet makes it approachable! What a peach.
Laura Schlect
MARKETING / PARTNER
Let’s face it, Laura makes us all look good. Have you made it into one of her highlight videos yet?! This true creative directs how the world gets to see life here at the ranch through her eyes. Her wit and charm may make you turn the color of our rosé all while she stays as cool as piquette. This strong momma radiates class and makes you feel a part of the family – and the party.
Via Paxton
EVENTS + WINE CLUB COORDINATOR
Via joined the Gilbert team in 2016 and has been spearheading our event program ever since. When she’s not booking weddings or planning for Music in the Vines, you can find her instructing classes at barre3 Yakima, chasing her two little boys around, or enjoying a glass of Gilbert Rosé (her favorite!)
Karlee Smith
ASSISTANT WINEMAKER
The newest addition to the production team, Karlee has been drawn back to her hometown in the PNW to be close to family with her husband and two pups. After graduating from the Central Washington University Global Wine Studies Program in 2016, she spent 6 years growing her passion for wine in the Paso Robles, CA wine industry.
LAUREN TAYLOR
TASTING ROOM MANAGER
New to the Tasting Room, but not to Yakima Wine, Lauren comes to us with years of experience after moving to the Valley in 2021. She hung up the rain and constant corporate travel for clear skies and silty loam, hoping to put her wine accreditations to task. Her warmth and laid-back spirit are a breath of fresh air to even the most unpretentious of wine drinkers (she sees you gator wine!). When she’s not making the tasting room a cozy haven for our community, she is attending Seattle Kraken games with her husband or sipping a glass of Pinot while wrapped up with a book, and her cat Waffles.
OUR IMPACT
Rooted here. Responsible for what’s next. At Gilbert Cellars, we’re young families farming the same valley our roots run through. We make honest wines — and care for the land that makes them possible.
IN THE VINEYARD
We believe great wine starts with healthy soil and living ecosystems.
• Certified Sustainable Washington (since 2023)
• Organic practices where climate allows
• Regenerative Organic (24 K Vineyard)
• Pollinator habitat with Xerces Society
We prioritize growers who farm this way, too — and we’re working toward 100% sustainable sourcing.
IN THE CELLAR
Our approach is simple: intervene less, listen more.
• Minimal inputs
• Thoughtful fining
(bentonite, plant-based proteins)
• Wastewater management
• Wines that reflect vintage and place
We don’t chase sameness — each year tells the truth of the season.
THE BIGGER PICTURE
We’re not perfect — and we’re not trying to be.
We’re trying to do better every year:
• Farming more thoughtfully
• Reducing what we take
• Aligning ourselves with nonprofits that support a shared vision for our local and global community
BEYOND THE BOTTLE
Sustainability doesn’t stop at the vineyard — it carries through everything we touch.
RECYCLING
We actively recycle glass, cardboard, and aluminum in partnership with Yakima Eco Solutions (YES), keeping materials in circulation and out of landfills.
PACKAGING
We use lighter-weight glass to reduce fuel use in transit, and choose recyclable shipping materials that minimize waste from our cellar to your door.
Our approach is simple:
• Recyclable materials whenever possible
• Efficient shipping (less space, less fuel)
• Packaging designed to be reused, not discarded
LABELS
Our labels are produced without PFAS (“forever chemicals”), using materials that meet California safety standards and reduce environmental impact.
CLOSURES
• DIAM corks, produced with a focus on reduced emissions and sustainable innovation
• BT Watzke America Tin capsules made with recycled materials and zero-waste production practices
A SIMPLE PROMISE
Care for the land.
Make honest wine.
Leave it better than we found it.
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