E. & J. Gallo Winery has announced that it has completed the acquisition of more than 30 wine brands from Constellation Brands, Inc. The closing of the agreement between Gallo and Constellation was approved by the Federal Trade Commission on December 23, 2020.
The acquisition includes well known wine brands such as Arbor Mist, Black Box, Clos du Bois, Estancia, Franciscan, Hogue, Manischewitz, Mark West, Ravenswood, Taylor, Vendange, and Wild Horse that will join the Gallo portfolio. With this acquisition, Gallo will expand its operational footprint with the addition of five wineries located in California, Washington, and New York, along with Constellation’s Polyphenolics business. Gallo will also acquire the Nobilo New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc brand in a separate transaction with Constellation.
“The closing of this transaction represents our company’s long-term commitment to the wine industry,” said Chief Executive Officer, Ernest J. Gallo. He added, “We are pleased to welcome the new employees joining the Gallo family.”
The acquisition was first announced by Gallo and Constellation on April 3, 2019. Pursuant to the FTC consent order, Gallo will also divest two of its legacy dessert brands, Fairbanks and Sheffield, to Precept Brands LLC. Terms of the transaction between Gallo and Precept were not disclosed.
In October, The California Brandy House opened its doors in the heart of downtown Napa, becoming the first stand-alone tasting room dedicated solely to luxury California Brandies. E. & J. Gallo Winery’s leading Brandy portfolios, Germain-Robin and Argonaut, are showcased at the space.
In other purchase news, Diageo announced in August that it is spending up to $610 million to buy Aviation American Gin, co-owned by Deadpool star Ryan Reynolds, and a variety of other spirits brands. The British spirits giants already own Tanqueray and Gordon’s. Diageo will also be purchasing Davos Brands LLC, whose portfolio also includes Astral Tequila, Sombra Mezcal, and TYKU Sake.
