E&J Gallo will inherit more than 600 acres of vines, after acquiring the largest contiguous vineyard in California’s famed Napa Valley.
Stagecoach Vineyard is a 1,300 acre site that supplies grapes to more than 90 different wineries – ranging from small boutique wine makers to some larger companies. E&J Gallo said that the vineyard ‘consistently over-delivers’, resulting in some of Napa Valley’s most critically acclaimed luxury wines.
In all, Stagecoach Vineyards produces 17 different varietals of grape – including cabernet sauvignon, tempranillo and marsanne.
As part of the transaction, E&J Gallo will honour contracts that Stagecoach Vineyards has with its existing grape buyers.
Stagecoach Vineyards founder Jan Krupp said: “While my decision to sell was not simple, I was delighted to find a buyer that is committed to continuing the tradition of excellence and the pursuit of enhancing the world-class vineyard I have created.
“I am pleased that Gallo will honour all existing grape contracts in effect at Stagecoach and will continue working with our fantastic team. Additionally, we are looking forward to the benefit of working with Gallo’s viticulture research department, which is one of the best in the world.”
Krupp bought the land on which Stagecoach Vineyards was built back in 1995. He then took on the task of clearing more than 1 billion pounds of volcanic rock from the property, which took seven years. The vast site – the largest undivided vineyard in the Napa Valley – is located in the prized Pritchard Hill region and Atlas Peak appellation. It boasts a number of soil depths, soil types and microclimates which are ideal for premier grape growing, E&J Gallo said.
Stagecoach Vineyard is the largest contiguous vineyard in California’s Napa Valley.
Roger Nabedian, senior vice-president and general manager of Gallo’s Premium Wine Division, said: “Dr Jan Krupp is a meticulous grape grower and an innovator in the wine community. We are thrilled to continue working with Jan to produce the finest luxury fruit for Napa Valley’s most esteemed winemakers.
“This purchase affirms Gallo’s commitment to compete in the luxury wine segment and provides us the opportunity to continue making and selling luxury wine offerings such as Louis M Martini, William Hill Estate and Orin Swift.”
In August 2015, E&J Gallo agreed to purchase Talbott Vineyards, one of California’s largest producers of 100% estate-grown wines.
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