Tom Gamble: Let Greatness Be Earned, Not Assigned

The Napa Valley vigneron warns that a formal classification system could stifle innovation, discourage reinvestment and undermine the region’s creative spirit.

Vigneron Tom Gamble has witnessed and participated in Napa Valley’s growth.

Tom Gamble understands the appeal of being called a “First Growth.”

As a vintner and steward of family land at Gamble Estates in Napa Valley, he wouldn’t mind the prestige that comes with such a title.

“My personal bias? Of course I’d like to be considered a First Growth,” Gamble said. “But the real question is: do we need a formalized system?”

For Gamble, the answer is no. He believes greatness in Napa should be earned vintage after vintage, not handed down by committee or codified by tradition. He has a deep reverence for Napa Valley’s past and an even greater concern for its future. While the idea of being recognized as a “First Growth” winery is understandably appealing, the third-generation Napa Valley farmer doesn’t believe a formal classification system is what the region needs.

Rather, each growing season offers a new opportunity for farmers and winemakers to state their case. It’s like opening day in Major League Baseball, everyone is 0-0, how will you make the most of the months that follow?

The rugged and beautiful Mt. Veeder landscape.

For Gamble, it’s the old fashioned way; through hard work.

“We should earn First Growth status every year rather than rely on a rigid system,” Gamble said. “There’s never been more opportunity to do that.”