Gallo acquires 90-hectare premium vineyard in California

E & J Gallo Winery has added to its California wine empire by acquiring Ledgewood Creek winery and vineyard in Solano County.

The 162-hectare ranch, which includes 90 hectares of vines (pictured), is located just east of Napa Valley in the North Coast AVA, Gallo said yesterday (28 April). A fee for the deal was not disclosed.

Gallo said Ledgewood Creek currently produces Chardonnay, Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. ‘This vineyard is a great addition to our portfolio to support the rapid growth we have had in our premium wine business,’ said the senior vice president and general manager of Gallo’s premium wine business, Roger Nabedian.

Data from the California-based Wine Institute shows that sales of the state’s wines priced at $10 and above rose by 9% in volume across the US last year. Overall sales of California wine in the country rose by 3%, showing stronger demand for premium brands.

Gallo’s purchase comes less than a week after Pernod Ricard said it had agreed to buy Kenwood Vineyards in Sonoma Valley, also for an undisclosed fee.

Written by Chris Mercer

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Chris Mercer is a Bristol-based freelance editor and journalist who spent nearly four years as digital editor of Decanter.com, having previously been Decanter’s news editor across online and print.

He has written about, and reported on, the wine and food sectors for more than 10 years for both consumer and trade media.

Chris first became interested in the wine world while living in Languedoc-Roussillon after completing a journalism Masters in the UK. These days, his love of wine commonly tests his budgeting skills.

Beyond wine, Chris also has an MSc in food policy and has a particular interest in sustainability issues. He has also been a food judge at the UK’s Great Taste Awards.