E. J. Gallo is continuing its ongoing buying spree of wineries with the announced acquisition of the premium Pinot Noir and Chardonnay producer, Talbott Vineyards, for an undisclosed amount.

 

Founded by Robb Talbott in 1982 and located 21 miles south of Monterey Bay, Talbott was expanded in 1994 with the acquisition of Sleepy Hollow Vineyard, and has been a producer of estate wines and a reliable supplier of high quality Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. The Talbott purchase will expand Gallo’s presence in the Central Coast region, adding to its existing Bridlewood and Edna Valley Wineries, as well as other vineyard holdings totaling 20,000 acres.

 

Gallo has had a business relationship with Talbott for the past decade and has sourced grapes from the Sleepy Hollow Vineyard in the past.

 

Roger Nabedian, senior vice president and general manager of the premium wine division for E J Gallo views Talbott Vineyards as a good fit with the Gallo portfolio. “We have a high regard for this up-and-coming appellation, and when the opportunity presented itself, we took it,” he told Wine Spectator. “We see Santa Lucia Highlands as a good consumer value, and Talbott is a great addition to our portfolio.”

 

In March of this year Gallo bought J Vineyards in Healdsburg, and in July purchased Asti Vineyards in Geyserville. The purchase of Talbott brings Gallo’s portfolio to more than 80 brands.