Wine group E&J Gallo has added to its California wine stable with the purchase of Denner Vineyards Estate.
The acquisition, for an undisclosed sum, includes the Paso Robles-based brand, its gravity-fed winery and 130 acres of vineyards. Financial terms were not disclosed.
Based in the Willow Creek District on California’s Central Coast, Denner is known for Rhône- and Bordeaux-varietal wines. The brand’s wines range from US$50 to $80 a bottle.
Winemaker Anthony Yount will keep his position at the winery following the deal, while Denner Vineyards owner Ron Denner will also remain involved with the company.
A Gallo spokesperson told Just Drinks: “Denner is a recognised leader of quality and distinctive wines in Paso Robles. When we learned Ron may be interested in selling, we coordinated a meeting to see if we could work with Ron to help elevate his vision.”
Denner, who started the business in 1999, said: “Gallo is a family company with a commitment to quality. I have no doubt they will be good stewards of the land and preserve our legacy of creating sought-after wines and offering best-in-class winery experiences.”
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By GlobalDataDenner first planted vines on the Willow Creek vineyard in 1999 and later acquired the Adelaida Vineyard, in the Adelaida District, which was planted in 2013. The winery now produces around 10,000 cases of wine annually.
He added: “I have been incredibly blessed with the opportunity to bring this winery to life in one of California’s best winegrowing regions.”
Joseph C Gallo, vice president and general manager of Gallo’s luxury wine business, said: “For 20 years, Ron Denner has stayed true to the land and his vision to produce great wines from the acclaimed Paso Robles region, cultivating an authentic, diverse portfolio.
“We look forward to drawing inspiration from and working with Ron and winemaker Anthony Yount.”
E&J Gallo has also been expanding its spirits presence, creating a dedicated spirits division, Spirit of Gallo, earlier this year. In August it added ultra-lux Tequila Komos to the spirits portfolio, gaining the US distribution rights for the brand. And in July, the unit took a stake in small-batch American whiskey maker Horse Soldier Bourbon.
Last year E&J Gallo scooped up around 30 lower-end wine and spirits brands from Constellation Brands in a deal valued at around US$1.03bn.
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