​Marilyn Zerba

​One of our favorite winery owners Marilyn Zerba of Zerba Cellars, passed away unexpectedly this March. We’ll miss her smile, her candor, her love for dogs and seeing her at the winery’s Milton Freewater tasting room. 
 
Born in Redmond, Oregon in 1946, Marilyn was known as an adorable child, even earning the nickname “Betty Boop” during her teenage years. She met her second husband, Cecil, on a blind date and they married in 1981. 

Wine was a third career for Marilyn, who first worked as a nurse and later opened a nursery with Cecil, Zerba Gardens. The couple first planted wine grapes in 2000 and soon after started Zerba Cellars, which produced its first wines from the 2002 vintage. ​

The winery has received many accolades over the years, including being named Pacific Northwest Winery of the Year by Wine Press Northwest Magazine in 2011. 
 
Marilyn is survived by her husband Cecil, sons Shawn (Tamara), Jeff (Linda) and Travis (Heather), sister Enid, nephew Justin and her four adoring grandchildren Michael, Carolyn, Ethan and Zach. 
 
A celebration of Marilyn Zerba's life will be held on Thursday, July 25th from 5pm to 7pm at Zerba’s Milton-Freewater tasting room, located at 85530 Highway 11.