With a heritage that spans six generations, The Gilbert Family Wine Company Pty. Ltd. stands as a beacon of artisanal winemaking excellence in Australia’s Mudgee and Orange wine regions. Rooted in tradition and propelled by innovation, the company delivers premium cool-climate wines that reflect a deep respect for terroir, sustainable practices, and family legacy.
History and Legacy
The Gilbert family's winemaking lineage dates back to 1860, originating in the Loire Valley, France, before establishing vineyards in Australia. The modern incarnation, led by Simon Gilbert and his son Will Gilbert, has positioned the company at the forefront of Australian boutique winemaking, blending heritage with modern viticulture techniques.
Core Business and Offerings
The Gilbert Family Wine Company focuses on producing elegant, food-friendly wines that express the unique terroirs of Orange and Mudgee, NSW. Their portfolio includes:
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Sparkling Wines:
- Gilbert Blanc de Blancs
- Rosé Méthode Traditionelle
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White Wines:
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Red Wines:
- Pinot Noir
- Shiraz
- G+G Single Vineyard Red
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Museum & Library Releases:
- Aged vintage Rieslings
- Special cellar release labels
The wines are crafted in small batches using hand-harvested fruit and minimal intervention, aiming to capture purity and complexity in every bottle.
Brands and Labels
The company's wines are marketed under several respected labels:
- Gilbert by Simon Gilbert
- Gilbert
- Gilbert+Gilbert (G+G)
These labels reflect the collaborative craftsmanship of father-son duo Simon and Will Gilbert, with G+G representing their joint vintages.
Vineyard and Production
Sourcing grapes from cool-climate vineyards in Orange (around 900 meters above sea level) and Mudgee, the Gilbert family ensures optimal conditions for producing wines with acidity, structure, and depth. Key viticulture practices include:
- Organic vineyard management (in progress)
- Low-yield cropping for flavor intensity
- Use of wild yeast fermentation and large-format oak
The winery produces approximately 10,000–12,000 cases annually, focusing on quality over volume.
Export and Distribution
The Gilbert Family Wine Company exports a selection of its wines internationally, with a growing presence in Asia, Europe, and North America. It maintains strategic partnerships with premium wine retailers, independent stores, and restaurants.
Cellar Door and Wine Club
Their tasting venue, The Cellar by Gilbert, located in Mudgee, offers curated tasting experiences, food pairings, and direct-to-consumer sales. Key highlights:
- Open weekly with curated seasonal tasting flights
- Exclusive access to museum releases and wine club benefits
- Regularly hosts events, live music, and food pop-ups
Accolades and Recognition
The Gilbert wines have received consistent critical acclaim:
- 95+ scores from James Halliday’s Wine Companion
- Trophy wins at regional wine shows
- Multiple five-star winery ratings
The G+G Riesling and Blanc de Blancs frequently feature in national “Top 100” wine lists and sommelier selections.
Sustainability and Winemaking Philosophy
The winery adheres to low-intervention winemaking principles:
- No fining agents in many wines (vegan-friendly)
- Spontaneous fermentations using wild yeasts
- Minimal sulfur usage
- Large-format oak for nuanced maturation
Environmental stewardship underpins vineyard operations, with the family moving toward full organic certification.
Target Market
The company targets:
- Boutique wine retailers and sommeliers
- Export buyers seeking Australian premium wines
- Wine connoisseurs and collectors via the cellar door
- Restaurant wine programs emphasizing food pairing
Unique Selling Points (USPs)
- Multi-generational winemaking legacy with French-Australian heritage
- Cool-climate vineyards offering unique wine structure and balance
- Award-winning boutique labels curated for selective markets
- Personalized cellar experiences enhancing brand engagement
Leadership and Contact
Led by Simon Gilbert, an award-winning winemaker, and Will Gilbert, the next-generation head winemaker, the company blends seasoned expertise with innovative ambition.
The Gilbert Family Wine Company continues to set benchmarks in boutique Australian wine, celebrated for their purity, balance, and unwavering commitment to quality.