E. & J. Gallo Winery (Gallo) announced today that it has agreed to purchase the Asti Winery, one of Sonoma County’s oldest and largest wineries. Located in the northern part of the Alexander Valley, the Asti Winery was established in 1881 by Italian immigrant Andrea Sbarboro.
Known then as Italian Swiss Colony, Asti Winery was communally owned by many local families, producing a variety of wines from numerous local vineyards. Today, the Asti Winery spans more than 500 acres with a winery facility capable of crushing 35,000 tons of grapes.
Gallo already owns twelve wineries strategically located in wine regions throughout California and Washington, and this latest purchase supports the company’s desire to have a larger presence in Sonoma County. The acquisition includes the Asti Winery, comprised of 535 total acres within the Alexander Valley, with 275 acres planted to vineyard. Additionally, the purchase includes the Souverain brand, which produces premium Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.
According to Roger Nabedian, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Gallo’s Premium Wine Division, “We are thrilled to add the Asti Winery and vineyards to our North Coast fine wine operations. The property is filled with rich history and is located in a growing wine region that consumers recognize as being among the world’s best.” He added, “We look forward to bringing the Souverain brand into our expanding premium portfolio, in order to keep pace with growing consumer demand worldwide.”
The sale is scheduled to close on July 31, 2015. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
About E. & J. Gallo Winery
Founded by brothers Ernest and Julio Gallo in 1933 in Modesto, California, E. & J. Gallo Winery is the world’s largest family-owned winery and the acclaimed producer of award-winning wines and spirits featured in more than 90 countries around the globe. A pioneer in the art of grape growing, winemaking, sustainable practices, marketing and worldwide distribution, Gallo crafts and imports wines and spirits to suit a diverse range of tastes and occasions, from everyday offerings to boutique, luxury bottlings.
The Gallo portfolio is comprised of more than 80 unique brands, including Barefoot Cellars, Gallo Family Vineyards and The Naked Grape. Premium offerings include Apothic, Carnivor, Columbia Winery, Edna Valley Vineyard, Gallo Signature Series, J Vineyards & Winery, Louis M. Martini, MacMurray Estate Vineyards and William Hill Estate, along with highly regarded imports, such as Alamos, Allegrini, Brancaia, La Marca, Marti?n Co?dax, Pieropan and Whitehaven. Award-winning spirits include New Amsterdam Vodka and Gin, as well as Shellback Rum.
source : winebusiness.com/news
