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.
Shannon Couette
DIRECT-TO-CONSUMER COORDINATOR
After joining the team part-time in 2016, Shannon made a career change and assumed the role of the direct-to-consumer coordinator in 2022, leading all things tasting room & wine club. Outside of the winery, you can find her enjoying the best things in life: wine, food, music, family, friends, and of course her doodle mix, Birdie.
Via Paxton
EVENT 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!)
Eric Schlect
LOGISTICS COORDINATOR
A lifelong Yakimaniac, Eric takes pride in his deep roots in the Valley. He does a bit of everything, but most days you can find him fulfilling orders or chatting with customers in the tasting room.
Karlee Smith
CELLAR HAND
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.
Want to GET TO KNOW US BETTER?
Get a bigger taste of what we’re all about by joining our community through our wine club!
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