In this Tasting Interview, wine critic James Suckling and Scot Bilbro, winemaker at Marietta Cellars, the two talk vineyards, the dynamic genre of table wines, how these wines are an homage to Scot’s father and more. Suckling expresses surprise that a Californian vine could produce fruit of that caliber and much more!

James Suckling’s team compiled a roundup of their favorite rosés under $20 to enjoy this summer, including Attems Pinot Grigio Ramato 2019 and Marietta Cellars California Old Vine Rosé 2020. Both of these wines also have a rating of 92 points from James Suckling.

The featured wines “come from distinct parts of the world, each with its own terroir, grape varieties and winemaking know-how but delivering more engaging quality and personality than those rosés that position themselves as easy and good-looking summer refreshments.” Read the full story HERE

The Press Democrat selected Marietta Cellars Old Vine Red Lot No. 72 as its wine of the week. Holiday parties served as the inspiration for this column. The publication’s tasting team participated in a blind tasting focused on recommending an affordable, crowd-pleasing red wine to stock up on this season. OVR never disappoints, so no surprise that it came out on top!

The writer says that this “red blend is approachable, with a smooth texture and layered aromas and flavors of strawberry, black raspberry, licorice and white pepper. It’s a steal for the price and a terrific party red to buy in bulk for the holiday festivities.”

The piece continues with a much more in depth look at OVR, which is “one of the originators of the red blend category.” Owner and 4th generation winemaker Scot Bilbro adds that there are no rules for this wine, as they start fresh with the blend each year. The writer shares great anecdotes from Bilbro on the style of the wine and greater background on the independent winery.

Speaking about holiday wines, Bilbro agrees that it is a terrific option. “It has great acidity, so it is lively and refreshing while the tannins and body will work well with rich foods..” Continuing, he adds, “OVR is all about local traditions, family and fun… so it’s already in the holiday mood.” Read the full article HERE

The South Florida Reporter recommended Marietta Cellars Old Vine Red Lot 73 in its Father’s Day wine column. The writers encourage readers to pay tribute to a significant father figure in their lives. The piece expands on that by noting it may not be an actual relative, but someone with whom you hold in high esteem or has influenced you in some way.

To that end, the writer notes “we have fond memories of Chris Bilbro, the brilliant winemaker behind Marietta Cellars in Sonoma County. Today, son Scot is leading Marietta; son
Jake bought Limerick Lane winery in 2011. They never lose sight of their father’s inspiration.” A great bottle to toast to on Father’s Day is the Marietta Old Vine Red, which they say they’ve “tasted this delicious zinfandel-blend for decades. Introduced in 1982, the wine has no particular vintage. Fruity, smooth, light on the tannin, it makes for a great match to barbecued foods. And, it can age.” Read the full story HERE

A recent Forbes article highlights how ongoing and proposed tariffs are creating challenges for small wine producers, even those focused on domestic sales – including Marietta Cellars and Old Vine Ranch. Contributor John Kell spoke with Scot Bilbro, second-generation winemaker and owner of Marietta Cellars and Old Vine Ranch to understand how they are handling things. Throughout the story, Kell reveals how some wineries are facing cost pressures from imported packaging materials, the broader industry is feeling the ripple effects through distribution, pricing, and supply chain instability.

Bilbro is quoted several times throughout the story, sharing that his focus is firmly on the U.S. market, where he sees the greatest opportunity for stability and long-term growth. He emphasizes the importance of strong domestic partnerships—especially with VINTUS, who supports the winery with distribution and brand-building.

Additionally, the feature also notes that despite market uncertainty, Bilbro launched Old Vine Ranch in 2024 with the goal of championing Sonoma’s heritage and vineyard expression. It highlights that this label is an entirely new line extension, separate from Marietta Cellars, with four wines. “We’ve been reframing the conversation to focus on the positive, focus on growth, and focus on opportunity,” says Bilbro.

Read the feature HERE