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

24 Mar 2015 --- E. & J. Gallo Winery (Gallo) and J Vineyards & Winery announced 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.