News Briefs California
Gallo Acquires J Vineyards & Winery
Modesto, Calif.—E. & J. Gallo Winery and J Vineyards & Winery announced today that Gallo has agreed to purchase the sparkling wine producer located in the Russian River Valley. Judy Jordan, daughter of Jordan Vineyard & Winery founders Tom and Sally Jordan, founded the Healdsburg, Calif.-based sparkling wine producer in 1986. In addition to sparkling wines, the Russian River Valley-based winery produces still Pinot Noir and Pinot Gris.
Roger Nabedian, senior vice president and general nanager of Gallo's Premium Wine Division said in a statement: "We are very excited to add the J Vineyards & Winery brands to our premium portfolio of wines. … 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 North Coast wine country. Gallo already owns nine wineries 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 Judy Jordan who founded the winery in 1986. "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."
Demeter Group, a San Francisco-based investment bank for beverage alcohol companies, acted as J Vineyards & Winery's financial advisor on the transaction. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. The sale is scheduled to close this Friday, March 27.
