Winemaker: Gustavo Brambila

Gustavo Brambila was born in Jalisco, Mexico. In 1957 he moved to Rutherford, California where his father worked for Beaulieu Vineyards. It was there as a child that Gustavo first met Mike Grgich, who was then the enologist at Beaulieu. After graduating from St. Helena High School he attended the University of Oregon on a baseball scholarship. After transferring to the University of California at Davis he graduated with a degree in Fermentation Sciences. In 1976 he began his wine-making career at Chateau Montelena. In 1977 he joined Grgich Hills Cellar as it opened and made wines there for twenty-three years. As a partner, Gustavo is the winemaker as well as the general manager for GustavoThrace. Gustavo is one of the characters in the feature film “Bottle Shock”, set during the famous “Judgment of Paris” tasting. He is portrayed by the actor Freddy Rodriguez.

Grape Varieties Planted

• Cabernet Sauvignon
• Chardonnay
• Merlot
• Petite Sirah
• Pinot Noir
• Sauvignon Blanc
• Syrah / Shiraz
• Zinfandel