Winery History
Starting with only a handful of purchased grapes in 1978, Marietta Cellars has been a standout winery in Sonoma and Mendocino since the very beginning. Founded by Chris Bilbro, a Sonoma County native with winemaking roots dating back three generations, Marietta rose to prominence with its revolutionary Old Vine Red, a California red blend that essentially created the category. The winery has slowly expanded its estate holdings over the past thirty years, evolving into a beacon for high quality, balanced Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Rhône variety blends. Notable among Marietta's heritage plantings are California’s oldest Syrah blocks, planted in the late 1800s.
Scot Bilbro, Chris’s son, has brought Marietta into its next, incredibly exciting phase. After graduating from UC Davis with a degree in Viticulture and Oenology in 2007, Scot joined the winery full-time, assuming the role of winemaker in 2012. Steeped in the history of the California wine country and the traditions established by his father, Scot combines his creativity and technical background in guiding the winery’s vision of viticulture and winemaking. Today, the fusion of traditional values and style with modern precision have culminated in the most highly regarded wines of Marietta’s four decade history. Continuing to place value at the heart of their operation, the Bilbro family’s dedication to old vine reds and uniquely Californian wines recalls a spirit rapidly fading.
Viticulture/Winemaking Style
Marietta has grown to become a sustainably farmed, estate-based production. Spanning 125ha across Alexander Valley, McDowell Valley, and the Yorkville Highlands, the Marietta holdings produce some of the state’s most impressive Old Vine wines. Many of these vines are planted to varieties like Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Carignan and other grapes that were historically used to slake the thirst of Italian immigrant families – just like the Bilbro family. Native yeast fermentations take place in concrete tanks after being passed through an old vertical press. The wines then age after in a combination of French and American oak barrels, a very small percentage of which are ever new. While these wines may be their most famous, they also produce an entire portfolio of high quality, balanced Cabernet and Rhone-style blends.
Grape Varieties
Zinfandel, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Riesling, Petite Sirah, Carignan
Fun Fact
Marietta is named for Chris's aunt (and Scot's great-aunt), Marietta. In the words of Scot and his brother, Jake, "The foundation of Marietta Cellars has always been family. It started half a century ago at Great Aunt Marietta’s table where Dad learned about simple, good cooking, hard work and honesty. We feel blessed to be carrying on those traditions, working alongside each other, making decisions together, and going through every day as brothers. But we’re just as proud of making wines that matter to you and your family. Wines with a place at your table."
