--- title: About date: 2024-11-04T00:16:18Z modified: 2025-07-26T00:10:36Z permalink: "https://stg-gambleestates-staging.kinsta.cloud/about/" type: page status: publish excerpt: "" wpid: 21 timestamp: 2025-07-26T00:10:36Z tags: [] --- ![A man in a hat overlooks a vineyard at dawn, with a foggy landscape and mountains in the background.](data:image/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAP///wAAACH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAICRAEAOw==) # The Gamble Estates Story ## Farmers ### Pioneers in Viticulture Tom and Colette Gamble’s family histories are deeply rooted in Napa Valley’s agricultural heritage. Since 1916, the Gambles have tended the land, transitioning from cattle ranching to grape growing, with Tom purchasing his first vineyard in 1981. Colette’s family has deep roots in Napa Valley, contributing to the region’s farming heritage since the 19th century. For decades, esteemed wineries have produced celebrated wines from Gamble fruit. Today, Tom shares his vision as a vigneron through the wines of Gamble Estates. - ![Tom Gamble & Philippe Melka in vineyard at sunset, with white barns behind them.](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201000%20667'%3E%3C/svg%3E) - ![Historic wooden sign showing Oakville appellation and Gamble vineyards.](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201000%20667'%3E%3C/svg%3E) - ![A person uses a tool to harvest olives from a tree, standing on a blue tarp covering the ground.](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201000%20667'%3E%3C/svg%3E) - ![Two men stand in a vineyard, one wearing a hat and sunglasses. Lush grapevines and hills are in the background under a hazy sky.](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201000%20667'%3E%3C/svg%3E) - ![A rusted metal pole with barbed wire and numbers "58" and "27," topped by a clump of dirt, with a blurred green background.](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201000%20667'%3E%3C/svg%3E) - ![A green birdhouse labeled "Family" is perched on a pole above leafy vineyard rows under a cloudy sky.](data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http://www.w3.org/2000/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%201000%20667'%3E%3C/svg%3E) ## Conservationists ### Stewardship Environmental preservation is part of the Gamble family legacy. Tom’s mother, Mary Ann McGuire, was involved in establishing the 1968 Napa Valley Agricultural Preserve, safeguarding Napa Valley vineyards and wineries. Tom Gamble furthers this vision through climate resiliency initiatives like the Napa River Restoration. His commitment to sustainable viticulture ensures vibrant ecosystems intended to preserve Napa Valley’s winemaking heritage. [Vineyards](/vineyards) ![A group of people stands in front of large metal tanks at a vineyard, with grape containers in the foreground. Some wear red shirts and others have casual attire. Hills and vines are visible in the background.](https://stg-gambleestates-staging.kinsta.cloud/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/2024-GFV-Blessing-of-Grapes-1405-by-Frank-Gutierrez-copy.webp) Each year, Tom Gamble’s mother, Mary Ann McGuire, an ordained minister, blesses the first grapes of the harvest. ## Our Leaders ### The Gamble Estates Winery Team ![Tom Gamble photo](https://stg-gambleestates-staging.kinsta.cloud/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/tom-1024x1024.webp) ## Tom Gamble ### Founder and Vigneron ![Tom Gamble](https://stg-gambleestates-staging.kinsta.cloud/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/tom-1024x1024.webp) ## Tom Gamble ### Founder and Vigneron Tom Gamble, a third-generation Napa Valley farmer, traces his family’s agricultural roots back to 1916. In 1981, while at UC Davis, Tom purchased a vineyard, becoming the first in his family to grow wine grapes commercially. He began bottling the first wine under his family’s name in 2005, and now cultivates 175 acres in Napa’s renowned AVAs, including Oakville, Mount Veeder, Rutherford, and Yountville. Combining his family’s deep connection to the land with regenerative farming practices, Tom was an early adopter of high-density vine planting. His contribution to environmental stewardship includes leadership in the Napa Green Program and the Napa River Restoration Project. Today, in collaboration with Atelier Melka, Tom elevates Gamble Estates’ wines, focusing on precision, balance, and the distinct character of his Napa Valley vineyards. ![Philippe Melka photo](https://stg-gambleestates-staging.kinsta.cloud/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/philippe-1024x1024.webp) ## Philippe Melka ### Winemaking ![Philippe Melka](https://stg-gambleestates-staging.kinsta.cloud/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/philippe-1024x1024.webp) ## Philippe Melka ### Winemaking Philippe Melka has been a defining figure in Napa Valley winemaking for over two decades, recognized as one of the region’s most trusted and influential consultants. Philippe’s journey began in Bordeaux, where he trained under legendary mentors such as Jean Delmas and Jean Philippe Masclef of Haut-Brion, Christian Moueix and Jean Claude Berrouet of Pétrus, and global winemaking expert Michel Rolland. In California, he further refined his skills with Paul Draper of Ridge and Daniel Baron of Silver Oak, deepening his understanding of Napa Valley’s distinctive terroirs. As the founder of Atelier Melka, Philippe has guided the creation of numerous critically acclaimed wines that reflect his mastery of grape varieties, vineyard expression, and the art of winemaking. His partnership with Gamble Estates began in the early 2000s, when he became one of Tom Gamble’s earliest grape buyers. Today, he brings his expertise to wines that reflect Gamble’s heritage of thoughtful farming and respect for the land. ![Mayaan Koschitsky photo](https://stg-gambleestates-staging.kinsta.cloud/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/mayaan-1024x1024.webp) ## Mayaan Koschitsky ### Winemaking ![Mayaan Koschitsky](https://stg-gambleestates-staging.kinsta.cloud/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/mayaan-1024x1024.webp) ## Mayaan Koschitsky ### Winemaking Maayan Koschitzky is the Director of Winemaking at Atelier Melka, where he leads the production of some of Napa Valley’s most respected wines. Known for his technical expertise and meticulous, hands-on approach, Maayan’s work reflects a deep commitment to quality at every stage of the winemaking process. Maayan’s journey began in Israel at the Golan Heights Winery, where he developed a strong foundation in winemaking and viticulture. Seeking to expand his knowledge, he trained at Bordeaux’s renowned Château Haut-Brion and Château Léoville Poyferré, learning heritage-inspired techniques that continue to inspire his craft. After moving to Napa Valley, Maayan joined the team at Screaming Eagle, where he refined his approach to creating wines of exceptional precision and balance. Today, his expertise and collaborative spirit are integral to Gamble Estates, where he focuses on translating the distinctive character of each vineyard into wines that reflect both place and purpose. ![Jaime Medina photo](https://stg-gambleestates-staging.kinsta.cloud/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/jaime-1024x1024.webp) ## Jaime Medina ### Winemaking ![Jaime Medina](https://stg-gambleestates-staging.kinsta.cloud/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/jaime-1024x1024.webp) ## Jaime Medina ### Winemaking Jaime Medina joined Gamble Estates in 2015 and today serves as Estate Winemaker, working closely with Tom Gamble and the Atelier Melka team to craft wines from the estate’s vineyards in Oakville, Rutherford, Mount Veeder, and Yountville. He oversees every stage of the winemaking process, from harvest planning and fermentation through blending, aging, and bottling, with a focus on ensuring each wine reflects the character of its vineyard and the individuality of its vintage. Deeply involved in both the vineyard and cellar, Jaime works alongside the estate’s viticulture team throughout the growing season, believing that thoughtful farming is the foundation of exceptional wine. A St. Helena native, Jaime’s connection to Napa Valley wine began early. His parents immigrated from Jalisco, Mexico, to Napa Valley in 1991 and built careers in the wine industry, instilling in him a deep appreciation for the people and places that define the region. He spent his summers working in local wineries before earning a degree in Wine and Viticulture from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, in 2013. Prior to Gamble Estates, Jaime gained experience at Hunnicutt Winery and Maldonado Family Wines, working with both Bordeaux and Rhône varieties. Today, he continues to refine his craft under the mentorship of Maayan Koschitzky and Philippe Melka, embracing an approach rooted in precision, restraint, and respect for the land. ![Bryan Koeberer photo](https://stg-gambleestates-staging.kinsta.cloud/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/bryan-1024x1024.webp) ## Bryan Koeberer ### CFO and COO ![Bryan Koeberer](https://stg-gambleestates-staging.kinsta.cloud/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/bryan-1024x1024.webp) ## Bryan Koeberer ### CFO and COO Before finding his way back to wine, Bryan Koeberer spent his early career in investment management, where he sharpened the analytical edge that he now brings to Gamble Estates. A stint at Campari America during graduate school turned out to be the turning point: it reconnected him with childhood memories of his grandfather making wine and set him on his professional path in the industry he grew up around in Sonoma. As CFO/COO, Bryan leads with a generational mindset, building Gamble Estates for future generations. His focus is on organizational development, building a close-knit team and a culture that treats excellence as a daily practice. Bryan holds an MBA and a Master of Science in Financial Analysis from the University of San Francisco, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Southern California. He is also a Financial Risk Manager (FRM), certified by the Global Association of Risk Professionals. ![Raymond Reyes photo](https://stg-gambleestates-staging.kinsta.cloud/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/raymond-1024x1024.webp) ## Raymond Reyes ### Viticulture ![Raymond Reyes](https://stg-gambleestates-staging.kinsta.cloud/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/raymond-1024x1024.webp) ## Raymond Reyes ### Viticulture Raymond Reyes brings more than 20 years of viticultural leadership to Gamble Estates, with experience spanning some of California’s most respected wine organizations. Prior to joining Gamble Estates, he served as Director of Vineyard Operations at Joseph Phelps Vineyards, Director of Winegrowing for LVMH Wine & Estates, overseeing Domaine Chandon and Newton Vineyard, and Director of Winegrowing for Constellation Brands’ Icon Estates, where he managed vineyard operations across Napa, Sonoma, Monterey, and San Luis Obispo counties. Throughout his career, Raymond has combined agricultural expertise with strategic business leadership, overseeing large-scale vineyard programs and negotiating grape contracts that consistently delivered exceptional value and performance. At Gamble Estates, Raymond works at the intersection of farming, quality, and long-term stewardship. His approach is rooted in the belief that great wines begin in the vineyard, where thoughtful decisions today shape both the character of the wine and the future of the land. Raymond holds a Bachelor of Science in Natural Resource Management from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. He brings a disciplined focus to every aspect of vineyard management, balancing quality, yield, and return on investment with a deep respect for the agricultural foundations of Napa Valley. ![Kendall White photo](https://stg-gambleestates-staging.kinsta.cloud/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/kendall_edited-1-e1753488569282.jpg) ## Kendall White ### Director of Hospitality ![Kendall White](https://stg-gambleestates-staging.kinsta.cloud/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/kendall_edited-1-e1753488569282.jpg) ## Kendall White ### Director of Hospitality ![Ania Gatto photo](https://stg-gambleestates-staging.kinsta.cloud/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Ania-Gatto-e1753488356349-1024x1024.jpeg) ## Ania Gatto ### Strategic Partnerships Manager ![Ania Gatto](https://stg-gambleestates-staging.kinsta.cloud/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Ania-Gatto-e1753488356349-1024x1024.jpeg) ## Ania Gatto ### Strategic Partnerships Manager “Sustainability isn’t just good for the planet—it’s good for the grapes, the team, and the community. It’s about creating balance in everything we do.” — Tom Gamble, Founder and Vigneron