Chris Bilbro founded Marietta Cellars in 1978 after leaving an ulcer-inducing career in hospital administration. Making honest wine at an honest price (Old Vine Red, anybody?), he bought grapes and befriended many in Sonoma and surrounding counties. The first vineyard he purchased was the legendary Geyserville Vineyard (cover photo) in 1990, not because he won the bidding war that offer would certainly bring, but because owner Viola Angeli, whose family had lived there since 1886, turned to Chris before the auction started and struck a deal for the vineyard then and there. That tells you pretty much all you need to know about the Bilbros, the wine they make, and the respect the wine community affords them. Chris Bilbro is retired, but like all old winemakers it seems, still lives on the Geyserville property and maintains an active role.

Scot Bilbro has assumed the reigns of owner and winemaker from his father and is clearly taking the family business well into the future. Scot Bilbro will be our special guest at a Marietta Winery Dinner at Dilly on Tuesday, Oct. 3rd! We’ll start with a welcome at 6:00 pm and sit down about 6:30, and promise not to keep you out too late on a school night! Wines and pairings are being worked on as we announce, but get this on your calendar and reserve your seats NOW, we can’t really expect to be outside (maybe?) so seating is truly limited. All inclusive pricing will be about $60 per person but will be finalized after the menu and wines are determined! We are taking reservations NOW, so call us at 513-561-5233 to get on the list.