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Tom Gamble: Let Greatness Be Earned, Not Assigned

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.

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James Nokes
Jun 24, 2025
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The One Minute Wine Guy
The One Minute Wine Guy
Tom Gamble: Let Greatness Be Earned, Not Assigned
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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.”

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