(Wines&Vines) - E. & J. Gallo Winery continued its aggressive program of vineyard acquisitions in California with the purchase of its second Santa Barbara County property to be announced within a week. 

Gallo is buying 542 acres of the well-known Sierra Madre Vineyard in Santa Barbara County from owner Circle Vision. Announced today, the purchase by a Gallo affiliate includes the Sierra Madre trademark and 151 acres of vines within the Santa Maria Valley AVA. 

The vineyard was an early mover in Santa Barbara premium grape production. It consists primarily of Pinot Noir and Chardonnay, and currently supplies about 35 wineries