Gamble

Founded by third-generation farmer Tom Gamble in 2005, Gamble Family Vineyards farms approximately 175 acres of prime estate vineyards from several of Napa Valley’s most respected AVAs – Oakville, Yountville, Mt. Veeder, and Rutherford. Set in an isolated nook off of Highway 29 in the heart of Napa Valley’s Oakville District, our winery has a quiet presence. Tom Gamble’s mission is to carry on the heritage of quality farming that his ancestors sowed when they came to Napa as farmers and ranchers in 1916.

Gamble Family Vineyards is home to some of the most talented and passionate people working in the Napa Valley today. From our tireless production crew to our vivacious hospitality team, every part of our experience is made possible by the people behind the scenes. Read on to learn a little bit more about our Proprietor Tom Gamble, Winemaker Jim Close, our Private Client Managers, and a few friends who have inspired us along the way.

A family farming for over 100 years does so only through constant reinvestment in the environment and the people that support it. Knowledge and abilities evolve over time. Constant improvement means always trying new things and keeping what works. Excellent examples of this methodology are the Fish Friendly Farming and Napa Green programs, which began over a decade ago. Tom Gamble was privileged to be a part of their original drafting. These voluntary programs satisfy the most stringent requirements in the most environmentally conscious state – California.

At Gamble Family Vineyards we strive to make truly memorable wines, wines made to be enjoyed over several hours, with good food and those you love. While our style is reminiscent of Bordeaux, our Winemaker Jim Close continually produces prestigious, well balanced wines that stay true to our terroir. 

Jim Close

WINEMAKER

Winemaker Jim Close grew up in a family that enjoyed collecting and imbibing French wines at his childhood home in South London. Upon graduating from the University of Edinburgh, Jim traveled and worked around the globe, spending time in Argentina, Chile, New Zealand and Australia. Pursuing his passion for wine, Jim returned from his travels to attend the University of Brighton’s Plumpton College, home of the United Kingdom’s most prestigious wine program and also attained his Level 4 diploma from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust. After a harvest in France at Domaine du Poujol, he headed to the Napa Valley in 2000.

Jim met Tom Gamble in 2003 and crafted the first vintage at Gamble Family Vineyards in 2005. Jim makes wine that he and Tom love to drink: balanced, nuanced, elegant and structured in style. The wines are food-friendly with a sense of place, inspired by the Old World, utilizing New World techniques.