Modesto-based Gallo Winery acquires premium brand. Tasting rooms have ‘breathtaking’ views

John Holland
·2 min read

E. & J. Gallo Winery has acquired another premium brand, Rombauer Vineyards, operating in coastal regions and the Sierra Nevada.

The Modesto-based industry giant is getting about 700 vineyard acres in Napa, Sonoma, Monterey and Amador counties. Winemaking facilities and two tasting rooms also are part of the deal.

Financial terms were not disclosed by the family-owned businesses in Tuesday’s news release. Rombauer’s 114 employees will keep their jobs, said an email from Krista Fontana, senior manager for corporate communications and public relations for Gallo.

E. & J. Gallo Winery of Modesto, Calif., is acquiring these and other wines from Rombauer Vineyards in a deal announced Aug. 29, 2023.
E. & J. Gallo Winery of Modesto, Calif., is acquiring these and other wines from Rombauer Vineyards in a deal announced Aug. 29, 2023.

Rombauer wines start at $20

Rombauer’s website shows products ranging from a $20 zinfandel blend from various locations to a $325 double-size bottle of Napa Cabernet Sauvignon.

“It’s an iconic brand rooted in distinctive and respected wines,” said Joseph C. Gallo, vice president and general manager of the Luxury Wine Group, in the release. “... Their values, along with their long-term focus, align seamlessly with our culture.”

Gallo already employed about 7,000 people around the world. They are in California, South Carolina, the states of Washington and New York, and several other countries. The company also has become a major player in spirits.

Winery dates to 1980

Koerner and Joan Rombauer founded their namesake winery in 1980. It produces an estimated 300,000 cases a year, according to winebusiness.com. The publication put Gallo at about 100 million cases.

Tuesday’s release said the Rombauer transaction includes tasting rooms with “breathtaking vineyard views.” One is in the St. Helena area of Napa County, the other near Plymouth, Amador County.

“On behalf of the Rombauer family,” second-generation owner K.R. Rombauer said, “we are thrilled that we were able to find a dedicated, multi-generational family who shares in our vision and passion of providing exceptional wines with a long-term focus on quality and reinforcing community.”

The Rombauer purchase came two months after Gallo acquired the Hahn Family Wines portfolio on the Central Coast.

2. A chardonnay from the Carneros region near Napa is among the labels that Rombauer Vineyards is selling to E. & J. Gallo Winery of Modesto, Calif. The deal was announced Aug. 29, 2023.
2. A chardonnay from the Carneros region near Napa is among the labels that Rombauer Vineyards is selling to E. & J. Gallo Winery of Modesto, Calif. The deal was announced Aug. 29, 2023.