E. & J. Gallo Announces Acquisition Of J Vineyards & Winery

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Mar 24, 2015, 04:28 ET

MODESTO, Calif., March 24, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- E. & J. Gallo Winery (Gallo) and J Vineyards & Winery announced today that Gallo has agreed to purchase the critically-acclaimed sparkling wine producer. Founded in 1986 by Judy Jordan, J Vineyards & Winery is located in Sonoma County's Russian River Valley and produces a wide range of prized sparkling wines, Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris.

According to Roger Nabedian, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Gallo's Premium Wine Division, "We are very excited to add the J Vineyards & Winery brands to our premium portfolio of wines. The brand's contemporary elegance has a unique position in the marketplace." He added, "J Vineyards & Winery is well known for their award-winning sparkling wines and we look forward to carrying on the winery's reputation of making elegant, luxurious wines."

The acquisition, which includes the Healdsburg winery and more than 300 acres spread over nine vineyards within the Sonoma Coast and Russian River Valley AVAs, expands Gallo's presence and properties in California's prestigious North Coast wine country. Gallo already owns nine wineries strategically located in wine regions throughout California and Washington.

"Over the last 30 years, I have created and built J Vineyards & Winery from a small sparkling wine house to an iconic luxury brand producing not only sparkling wines but also award-winning Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris," said founder Judy Jordan. She added, "I am proud to announce today that I have found the perfect fit to take this beautiful company to even greater heights. E. & J. Gallo is also privately owned and shares similar core values as both companies are dedicated to a balance of quality, community, and financial sustainability. I look forward to my new chapter of building a mentorship platform as I honor and salute the outstanding new stewards of J Vineyards & Winery."

Demeter Group, a San Francisco-based investment bank for beverage alcohol companies, acted as J Vineyards & Winery's exclusive financial advisor on the transaction. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The sale is scheduled to close this Friday, March 27.

About E. & J. Gallo Winery
Established in 1933 in Modesto, California, by Ernest and Julio Gallo, E. & J. Gallo Winery has become the world's largest winery and the foremost winery in the art of grape growing, winemaking, distribution and marketing of wines. With nine wineries strategically located in wine regions in both California and Washington and access to grapes from vineyards in all of the premier grape-growing areas of both states, Gallo produces wines in every category, to suit every taste. Gallo imports wine and spirits from nine different countries around the world. Some of the brands in Gallo's wine portfolio include Gallo Family Vineyards, Barefoot Cellars, Apothic, Louis M. Martini, MacMurray Estate Vineyards, Bridlewood, Mirassou Winery, Frei Brothers Reserve, William Hill Estate, Edna Valley Vineyard, Columbia Winery, Martín Códax, Brancaia, LaMarca and Ecco Domani. The Winery is also expanding its portfolio with distilled spirits and has added New Amsterdam Gin, New Amsterdam Vodka, Familia Camarena Tequila and Shellback Rum.

About J Vineyards & Winery
J Vineyards & Winery is located at 11447 Old Redwood Highway south of Healdsburg. The winery focuses on Brut and Brut Rosé sparkling wines, as well as Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris estate varietal wines, produced from grapes farmed primarily within Sonoma County's Russian River Valley appellation. Founded by Judy Jordan in 1986, J Vineyards & Winery is Certified Sustainable through the California Sustainable Winegrowers Alliance.

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SOURCE E. & J. Gallo Winery