There’s a good chance you’ve seen bottles of the California appellation Marietta Cellars Old Vine Red at local markets for well under 20 bucks. But there’s a more artisanal side to this 47-year-old Geyserville-based winery, showcased at Marietta’s first-ever tasting room in downtown Healdsburg.
The story
Marietta Cellars got its start in 1978, when Chris Bilbro founded the Dry Creek Valley winery and named it for his favorite aunt. Initially buying fruit from local growers, he built a reputation for making solid, affordable wines with integrity — including Marietta’s famous $19 red. Bilbro’s sons, Scot, Jake and Sam, grew up in the family business, so it was no surprise that all three found careers in the wine world. In 2012, Scot and Jake bought Marietta Cellars from their dad, and Sam founded Idlewild Wines. Now, as Marietta’s sole owner and winemaker, Scot Bilbro is adding exciting new dimensions to the business…