Sean is the driving force behind Gilbert Cellars and his passion for wine and the Yakima valley has encouraged his family and friends to hang on for the ride! His passion for wine began in college while selling wine with Morgan Peterson in New York City. After graduating from Pomona College and playing for the Brussels Kangaroos in Belgium, Sean returned to Yakima to begin to start Gilbert Cellars. Sean feels fortunate to have worked during crush at Januik-Novelty Hill Winery in Woodinville and serves as General Manager for Gilbert Cellars.

Prior to joining Gilbert Cellars as head winemaker in 2007, Justin graduated from the University of Washington with a B.S. in Molecular Biology. His love for the outdoors led him away from the laboratory and, after meeting Columbia Crest winemaker Doug Gore, Justin fell in love with wine and the entire winemaking process. After an internship at Chateau St. Michelle, he became the enologist for Silver Lake and then winemaker for Glen Fiona. Now at Gilbert Cellars he is dedicated to showcasing our vineyards' unique flavors through each step of the growing and winemaking process.

Curtiss bought the Doc Stewart Vineyard in 2002 from the Stewart family and became the first Gilbert to make wine that year under the Handsome Jim label. Since then he has coordinated our expansion at the 24K vineyard on the Wahluke Slope and the Chukar Vineyard in the Horseheaven Hills. His expert farming practices have consistently produced grapes of the highest quality. Curt's passion for wine and good times embody the spirit of Gilbert Cellars. When not tending to the vineyards, Curt runs Gilbert Orchards along with his brother Cragg Gilbert.

Originally from Yakima, Robbie is thrilled to be back in his hometown where he can reconnect with the community and build a strong personal foundation around family. After graduating from Western Washington University with a degree in Economics, Robbie worked at a sports marketing firm in Seattle, where he learned about event promotions. Although new to the wine industry, his passion and enthusiasm for great wine drives our marketing efforts. As the newest member of the Gilbert family, his vision is to develop our brand recognition and to grow our sales nationwide.

Nate was the winemaker for Gilbert Cellars for the 2004-2006 vintages. He grew up in Yakima and attended Pomona College where he obtained a degree in geology. His wanderlust spirit and love for the mountains and art has led him to Santa Cruz, Breckenridge, Mexico and Ecuador. He learned winemaking through a UC Davis distance learning course, mentoring from consultants and hands-on training at Desert Hills Winery. He is currently pursuing architecture at the University of Washington and comes home often to lend his palate to the upcoming vintages.

Laura joined the Gilbert Cellars team in March of 2009. As a part of the extended Gilbert Clan, Laura brought with her inside knowledge of the family’s history as well as a love for wine and the Yakima Valley. Relatively new to the wine industry she has picked up an appreciation for good wine and can often be found sipping on a nice glass of Gilbert Cellars Malbec, or the recently SOLD OUT 2007 Estate Chardonnay.

Conor has been working alongside his brother and cousins to help create the perfect wine tasting experience at our downtown location. His infectious smile and amazing work ethic are indispensable and make everyone feel like family.

Kate’s impeccable style and attention to detail have made Gilbert Cellars a premier destination spot in Yakima. With her design talent the tasting room receieved the YVCCB “Best Tasting Room Experience in the Yakima Valley” award and had Sunset Magazine raving “Sip in Style at Gilbert Cellars in the….chic reclaimed-wood furniture [which] gives it’s tasting room a wine bar atmosphere.” We are unbelievably lucky to have her as head designer of the tasting room and graphics and we very much look forward to having her new baby boy become a part of the next generation of the Gilbert Cellars family!