Delmas is the realization of the Robertson family’s dream, 30 years strong, to honor a world-class vineyard location and create wines of exemplary character, quality and complexity. Born of unique geology and the climatic eccentricities of the Walla Walla Valley, Delmas is dedicated to producing exceptional wines of enduring value.
The name “Delmas” comes from Mary Delmas Robertson’s side of the family. In a tradition dating back many generations, the French family name “Delmas” is passed from one daughter to the next as a middle name. This legacy lives on through Steve and Mary’s daughter, Brooke Delmas Robertson.
Where It All Started
The family’s love of wine began in 1982 on a trip Steve and Mary took to Napa Valley. When they returned to Seattle, where they lived at the time, Steve went to work for Chateau St. Michelle in Woodinville giving tours at night in an effort to deepen his knowledge of wine.
In 1983, they returned to Napa Valley, purchasing a home between St. Helena and Calistoga on 10 acres without ever stepping foot inside the home and without the benefit of jobs at that time. They were smitten and ready for an adventure. Their eldest child, Brooke, was born there 3 years later in 1986.
While in Napa Valley, Mary worked for Wilson-Daniels, an international wine brokerage firm with exclusive U.S. distribution rights to some of the world's most sought after wines – Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, Biondi-Santi and Salon as well as many highly regarded Napa Valley wineries.
During this time, the couple’s exposure to the wine industry and winemaking skyrocketed. They were able to get to know many of today’s well-respected leaders who were just getting started at that time and who remain pals today.
Meet The Talent
Mary Delmas Robertson | Director of Sales
Given Mary’s extensive background in wine marketing, sales and distribution over close to 30 years, she’s a natural in leading the Delmas sales effort. Additionally, Mary created Esoteric Wine Company for purposes of brokering wine in the Northwest. She has also spent more than 15 years selling real estate. She has deep “local” knowledge of the market and a keen eye for quality vineyard land. She graduated from the University of Washington.
Brooke D. Robertson | Director of Viticulture
Brooke is an integral part of daily operations at SJR Vineyard. She is also the primary Delmas point of contact for wine oversight and development, which resides at Rasa Vineyards. She is currently employed by Banek Winegrower Management and serving as wine intern to Rasa Vineyards. Brooke graduated from Oregon State University in 2008 with a degree in philosophy. She is in the second year of Walla Walla Community College’s Viticulture and Enology degree program. Brooke is in training to become Delmas’ winemaker.
Stephen J. Robertson | General Manager
Steve leads business development, marketing, administration and finance for Delmas as well as SJR Vineyard. He is a seasoned executive with several decades of experience in real estate development and manufacturing. He combines business savvy with entrepreneurial creativity in every venture he directs. Steve completed his Viticulture and Fermentation Science certifications from Walla Walla Community College’s Viticulture and Enology program in 2011. Steve graduated from the University of Washington in 1974.
Extended Family
Billo Naravane | Consulting Winemaker
Delmas relies on the extraordinary talents of Billo Naravane as a valued member of the team. While Billo’s background in the computer industry prepared him well for the scientific aspects of winemaking, it is his artistic talents and passion for wine that intrigued the Robertson’s. In addition to being an accomplished musician, he received his B.S. in Applied Mathematics and Computer Science from MIT and his M.S. in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University.
Billo finished his M.S. in Viticulture and Enology at U.C. Davis in June 2008. He is winemaker and owner, along with his brother Pinto, of Rasa Vineyards. He makes critically acclaimed wines for Rasa Vineyards. Billo is also mentoring Brooke on winemaking and working with our viticulture team.
Chris Banek & Ramon Esparza | Vineyard Management
Banek Winegrower Management brings more than 20 years of Walla Walla Valley vineyard management experience to SJR Vineyard. Principals, Chris Banek and Ramon Esparza, promote cutting-edge viticulture practices, including organic and bio-dynamic farming practices. Chris and Ramon’s capabilities are extended by their highly trained farming crews. They support the Delmas winegrowing philosophy, building on their long-standing knowledge of the soils and climatic conditions within the Walla Walla Valley AVA, and specifically in “The Rocks.”
