E. & J. Gallo Winery Announces Intention To Purchase Central Coast Winery and Crush Facility

MODESTO, Calif. (August 10, 2012) — – E. & J. Gallo Winery (Gallo) announced today the intention to purchase Courtside Cellars in San Miguel, California. The twelve-year-old winery will support the company’s continued growth in California’s Central Coast. The purchase includes 34 acres of land and a winery capable of crushing 60,000 tons of grapes.

According to Roger Nabedian, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Gallo’s Premium Wine Division, “We’ve been expanding our presence in the Central Coast over the past few years and consider the region to be a key part of our premium wine strategy moving forward. We are excited to have this highly capable winery to support our Bridlewood and Edna Valley Vineyards businesses.”

Earlier this year, Gallo purchased more than 300 acres of vineyards in Monterey County. Last year, the company purchased Edna Valley Vineyards which produces one of the best-selling Chardonnay brands in the U.S. In 2004, Gallo purchased Bridlewood Estate Winery located in the Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara County.

Bob Schiebelhut, of Courtside Cellars, said, “We will be keeping our San Luis Obispo Facility where we will focus our efforts on building our Tolosa Winery brand into one of the finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay estates, as well as continue to offer custom wine services.”

San Francisco based Demeter Group was the exclusive financial advisor on the deal which is expected to close next week. The purchase price was not disclosed.

About E. & J. Gallo Winery

Founded by brothers Ernest and Julio Gallo in 1933 in Modesto, California, E. & J. Gallo Winery is a family-owned winery with more than 7,000 global employees and is the acclaimed producer of award-winning wines and spirits featured in more than 110 countries around the globe. A pioneer in the art of grape growing, winemaking, sustainable practices, marketing and worldwide distribution, Gallo crafts and imports wines and spirits to suit a diverse range of tastes and occasions, from everyday offerings to boutique, luxury bottlings.

SOURCE: E. & J. Gallo Winery