Gallo to buy Talbott Vineyards in Monterey

California wine giant E&J Gallo is to buy Talbott Vineyards in California’s Santa Lucia Highlands next month as the brand shifts its focus towards premium wines.

The sale, for an undisclosed sum, is expected to be finalised on 4 September and will include the 227-hectare Sleepy Hollow vineyard.

Located in California’s Central Coast, Talbott is one the state’s largest producers of estate grown wine. The winery, which specialises in Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, was founded in 1982 by Rob Talbott.

“After over 33 years dedicating my life to the establishment and growth of Talbott Vineyards, I am pleased to transition ownership to E&J Gallo,” he said.

“As this region’s unique characteristics become more widely known, we see a great future for Talbott Vineyards as part of our fine wine portfolio,” said Roger Nabedian, senior vice president of Gallo’s premium wine division.

“Talbott is very credible in luxury Chardonnay, which is an opportunity for us. We are focused on adding brands to our luxury portfolio,” he added.

In March Gallo snapped up sparkling wine specialist J Vineyards & Winery in a deal that included the Healdsburg winery and 121 hectares of vineyards in Sonoma and the Russian River Valley.

Two months later Gallo bought two vineyard sites in the Napa Valley – Cypress Ranch and part of the Palisades Vineyard near Calistoga, further strengthening its premium portfolio.