Meet the People Who Move the Mountain
In January of 2022 we stepped into the next chapter of Arborbrook Vineyards with the intention of telling the story of this historic Oregon place. This is our collective adventure.
Gilles de Domingo, Winemaker
Gilles de Domingo began his winemaking career at his family’s estate in Bordeaux. After receiving a degree in Viticulture he travelled the world in pursuit of fine wine. Gilles worked in wineries in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa before finding Oregon. He’s been part of the Cooper Mountain family since 2004.
Charles Hesson, Director of Hospitality
Charles grew up spending summers on a farm in Texas owned by his maternal great grandparents, where he was fascinated by the process of preserving fruits in a clay vessel. Years later, while working as a server in a restaurant and learning about wine, the bouquets of different wines triggered memories of the aromas from the clay vessel. And the love affair with wine began and Charles set his eyes on becoming a winemaker. However, failing chemistry prevented Charles from pursuing winemaking as a career, so he studied to become a sommelier instead.
After 25 years in the restaurant business, Charles transitioned to working at wineries, where he learned about winemaking from lab staff and winemakers. Additionally, he made a point to spend time with vineyard managers to understand the importance of agriculture in the final product. His love for wine stems from its rich history, agricultural roots, and the artistry and chemistry involved in the winemaking process.
Robert and Barbara Gross, Proprietors
Founder Robert Gross and his daughter Barbara Gross are owners and operators of Arborbrook Vineyards. Robert is a retired physican and international pioneer of biodynamic winegrowing and winemaking.
With Oregon pinot noir rooted in her DNA Barbara joined the family business two decades ago and never looked back.
Gilles de Domingo, Winemaker
Gilles de Domingo began his winemaking career at his family’s estate in Bordeaux. After receiving a degree in Viticulture he travelled the world in pursuit of fine wine. Gilles worked in wineries in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa before finding Oregon. He’s been part of the Cooper Mountain family since 2004.
Charles Hesson, Director of Hospitality
Charles grew up spending summers on a farm in Texas owned by his maternal great grandparents, where he was fascinated by the process of preserving fruits in a clay vessel. Years later, while working as a server in a restaurant and learning about wine, the bouquets of different wines triggered memories of the aromas from the clay vessel. And the love affair with wine began and Charles set his eyes on becoming a winemaker. However, failing chemistry prevented Charles from pursuing winemaking as a career, so he studied to become a sommelier instead.
After 25 years in the restaurant business, Charles transitioned to working at wineries, where he learned about winemaking from lab staff and winemakers. Additionally, he made a point to spend time with vineyard managers to understand the importance of agriculture in the final product. His love for wine stems from its rich history, agricultural roots, and the artistry and chemistry involved in the winemaking process.
Robert and Barbara Gross, Proprietors
Founder Robert Gross and his daughter Barbara Gross are owners and operators of Arborbrook Vineyards. Robert is a retired physican and international pioneer of biodynamic winegrowing and winemaking.
With Oregon pinot noir rooted in her DNA Barbara joined the family business two decades ago and never looked back.