Gallo bolsters premium holdings

E&J Gallo has further strengthened its premium portfolio with the acquisition of two vineyard sites in Napa Valley.

The deal, which was completed for an undisclosed sum, sees the company add Cypress Ranch and part of the Palisades Vineyard in Pope Valley, near Calistoga, to its extensive holdings.

The two properties bring a combined 642 acres, of which around 258 acres are planted as vineyard, with an emphasis on Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel and Malbec. The sites lie adjacent to Sun Lake Vineyard, which is already managed by Gallo.

The purchase comes just weeks after Gallo acquired Sonoma-based sparkling wine producer J Vineyards & Winery. Last year it also added two properties with a total of about 500 acres in Solano County.

Roger Nabedian, senior vice-president & general manager of Gallo’s premium wine division, confirmed this latest deal saying: “The purchase of Cypress Ranch and Palisades Vineyard continues Gallo’s commitment to having vineyards in the premier winegrowing appellations in California.

“These two vineyards are a great addition to our portfolio and are key to our growth of luxury wines.”