Exclusive: E. & J. Gallo Purchases Wine Brand Orin Swift Cellars

Jun 9, 2016

(WineSpectator) - Winemaker Dave Phinney has a knack for making delicious, stylish wines with memorable labels and attractive price points but also for understanding wine's business side. Today, E. & J. Gallo announced that it has acquired Phinney's company, Orin Swift Cellars. Neither side would disclose a purchase price. The acquisition includes the brand, inventory and St. Helena tasting room. Phinney will remain at the helm.

"Dave has been really successful in making world-class wine, and we think we can provide resources for him to make even more outstanding wine," Roger Nabedian, senior vice president and general manager of Gallo's Premium Wine division, told Wine Spectator. Despite not owning its own winery facility, Orin Swift's current annual production stands at 100,000 cases.

Phinney has known the Gallo family for years, purchasing grapes and barrels from them. "I always had a high respect for [the Gallos]," Phinney told Wine Spectator. "You don't get to be Gallo by doing the wrong thing."

All signs point to Orin Swift growing after the transaction. "I look at this as a long-term decision," explained Phinney. "I get to continue to foster the brand along with Gallo and make it better, through their vineyards and facilities. I'm really excited. They have amazing vineyards and amazing facilities, and it's something we don't have. And they have an amazing sales force. We have great sales, but they wrote the book about it."


Share: Delicious Digg StumbleUpon Reddit Furl Facebook Google Yahoo Twitter

Comments:

 
Leave a comment





Advertisement