Ken & Gail Albert | Founders & Brand Ambassadors

Ken and Gail Albert moved to Shelburne, Vermont with their two young girls in 1971. Almost immediately after arriving, Ken planted some grape vines in his suburban backyard. To educate himself on grape growing and winemaking, in the days before the internet, Ken searched out every wine and vine related book in the UVM library. 

In 1998, after many years as an IBM engineer working on computer chips not bigger than a quarter inch on each side, and growing grapes in his backyard, Ken made the jump to full-time grape growing and winemaking. In the 25 years that followed, he (in collaboration with his business partner Sam Coppola) developed and grew the Shelburne Vineyard label and brand, eventually opening a public tasting room that has become a destination for wine lovers from around the world.

Gail was there alongside Ken for the entire journey, growing their business with her marketing and event planning skills. Her passion for kindheartedness led the way with regular fundraisers for local non-profits and community organizations.

As of 2023, Ken and Gail, now retired from daily vineyard operations, act as brand ambassadors for Shelburne Vineyard. They are also very active members of, and advocates for, the Shelburne community, serving on many local boards and committees. They have also been involved in the evolution, and ongoing work, of the Vermont Wine Council.