BROOKMAN CELLARS

The route to becoming a winemaker rarely leads straight-ahead. Gary left California State University, Humboldt with a zoology degree in hand to travel solo through New Zealand and Australia. A few weeks into his journey a chance opportunity to work a harvest in the McLaren Valle presented itself. Gary realized he had stumbled upon an experience that resonated. Winemaking combined his background in chemistry and interest in geology with the promise of a challenging career and appealing lifestyle. With newfound enthusiasm, Gary headed north to Napa Valley where he accepted a cellar job at Joseph Phelps Vineyards in 1980. During his 13-year tenure at Phelps, he worked at every level of winemaking from enologist to winemaker. Gary discovered a fondness for wild yeast fermentation while working several harvests at Franciscan before heeding a call over to the Silverado Trail to work with Dave and Emily Miner. Gary has led the winemaking crew at Miner Family Winery since 1997 and Grace Family..