California’s Gallo buys Washington’s Columbia Winery
Jun 5, 2012, 8:36 AM | Updated: 10:35 am
E and J Gallo Winery is buying two local brands, Columbia Winery and Covey Run Wine. (AP Photo)
One of the biggest names in wine is moving into Washington.
E and J Gallo Winery, founded by brothers Ernest and Julio
Gallo, is buying two local brands, Columbia Winery and Covey
Run Wine. Columbia Winery is Washington’s first premium
winery, founded in 1962 as Associated Vintners. Covey Run
has been operating since 1982.
Gallo is the world’s largest privately-owned winery, founded
in Modesto, Calif. in 1933, and is still operating the
company. It won’t say how much it paid to Ascentia Wine
Estates for the two Washington brands.
Washington ranks second in premium wine production
behind California, with more than 740 wineries and 43,000
acres planted in wine grapes.
