E. & J. Gallo Winery Announces Purchase of Columbia Winery and Covey Run Wine Brands
6.4.2012
MODESTO, Calif. (June 4, 2012) – E. & J. Gallo Winery (Gallo) announced today the purchase of Washington’s Columbia Winery and Covey Run Wine brands from Ascentia Wine Estates. Gallo has purchased the two wine brands and taken over the operation of the Woodinville and Sunnyside facilities. The purchase marks Gallo’s first expansion into the state. No price was given.
According to Roger Nabedian, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Gallo’s Premium Wine Division, “We have been watching the Washington wine industry grow for a number of years and consider these wine brands to be a key part of our premium wine strategy moving forward. This purchase will help us expand our footprint and offer our customers wines from the Columbia Valley and Yakima Valley Appellations.”
Washington is America’s second largest wine-producing state, after California, with 650 wineries and more than 36,000 acres of vineyards. It produces a wide variety of premium wines from more than 30 leading varietal types and is comprised of 11 distinct winegrowing regions.
Demeter Group, a San Francisco-based investment bank for consumer retail companies, acted as Ascentia’s exclusive financial advisor.
About E. & J. Gallo Winery
Founded in 1933 by brothers Ernest and Julio Gallo, E. & J. Gallo Winery is a family-owned company and global wine and spirits industry leader. The hallmark of E. & J. Gallo Winery is their lasting commitment to sustainability and quality, and consistently providing wine and spirits for every occasion. Gallo’s range of offerings includes Apothic, Barefoot Wine, Black Box, J Vineyards and Winery, La Marca Prosecco, Orin Swift, New Amsterdam Vodka, RumChata, High Noon, along with partnerships with esteemed family-owned brands such as Allegrini, Argiano, The Dalmore, Diplomatico, Don Fulano, and Grupo Montenegro.