Jake, Scot, and Sam are Chris’s three eldest sons, respectively. They are in many ways very different, and to say they were at odds while growing up would be an understatement. What finally brought them together is a little hard to define. It could be their love for their dad and their appreciation for what he built. It could be the old saying that opposites attract. Whatever the reason, as brothers and as friends, they share a very unique bond. They work together, they play together, and most importantly, they have dinner together once a week as a family.

Jake Bilbro

Jake and his son, Cruz

Jake’s job is difficult to define. He started working at Marietta Cellars in 2000 and spent most of his time working in the vineyards doing all of the tractor work. Before long he was spending about five months a year on the road making sure that our wine was available everywhere there was demand. After paying more than enough dues and after having two kids which made him want to stay closer to home, Jake has lessened his time spent on the road. Now he directs Sales & Marketing, but enjoys spending most of his time directing the vineyard operations. Though he has assumed quite a bit more responsibility than when was spraying sulfur dust on the vineyards, his business card still says “Gopher”.

Scot Bilbro

Scot's favorite pastime

Scot is our assistant winemaker at Marietta. He receives the title of assistant because as long as our dad is alive he will always be our winemaker. That being said, Scot is responsible on a daily basis for all of our wine as well as the management of the winery crew. Having graduated at the top of his class from UC Davis in 2007 with a degree in Viticulture and Enology, Scot’s theoretical knowledge far surpasses Dad’s. (Dad still has him beat in the practical experience arena though.)  Their relative areas of expertise are actually a huge strength for us as they complement each other very well.

Sam Bilbro

One of Sam's favorite hobbies: cooking

Sam is the third son to come on-board with the family business. Prior to working here, he wanted to see what else was out there and learn a bit from working in Sales & Marketing at other wineries. He also completed a Bachelor’s degree in Wine Business from Sonoma State University at the same time. Then Jake asked Sam if he thought he’d want to come work with the family as Jake was looking to spend more time in the vineyards, and that’s how Jake came to have his Sales & Marketing slave. Together they act as our whole sales staff, which would normally consist of about 7 regional reps and a national manager.

The “Fifth Son”

Roman "The Fifth Son" Cisneros, on a fishing trip to Alaska

Roman Cisneros started pruning grapes for Chris in 1988 when he was seventeen years old. Chris, being the only boss Roman has ever had, does not look at Roman in any other way than “fatherly.” Today, more than twenty years later, Roman runs the entire cellar and bottling line, is married with three beautiful girls, and is at every birthday, wedding, and family event we have. Chris refers to Roman as his fifth son and there is no question that Roman is part of our family.