Gianna Kelly

Winemaker, Galerie

Raised in Sonoma, Gianna grew up in wine country, and was introduced to the magic of wine at an early age, sitting on her father’s knee in their family restaurant while he made wine list selections.

Graduating from Santa Clara University with her degree in Chemistry, Gianna started off her career as a research scientist at IBM’s Almaden Research Center. Quickly finding that polymers did not have the allure of the vineyards, she directed her Chemistry skills to wine industry as a Chemist at Enologix in Sonoma.

Gianna started her winemaking experience as Enologist for Stag's Leap Wine Cellars where she developed her love of Bordeaux varieties. After four harvests as Assistant Winemaker at St. Francis Winery, she is thrilled to join the Cardinale team and head up the winemaking for Galerie.

Country born: United States

Years in the wine industry: 5 years

Winemaking Philosophy:
It is the perfect way for me to combine my love of science and hospitality. I had a passion for Chemistry in college and initially went to work as a research scientist. However, growing up in a restaurant family, gathering people together to share food, wine and conversation, I found the lab too solitary. Wine allows me to combine math and science, working with the seasons and our senses, and ultimately creating something that people can share and connect over.

I love that I get to spend my time in the vineyards, cellar and the lab. My job has a lot of variety, and bringing all those parts together to make great wine is very satisfying. One of my favorite things is then getting to share the final product with other wine lovers. It is truly an honor when consumers come taste our wine and want to hear about all the things that came together to create what is in their glass. 2018 is my 9th harvest, and it just gets more exciting and rewarding each year.