/PRNewswire/ - E. & J. Gallo Winery (Gallo) announced today the purchase of Washington's Columbia Winery and Covey Run Wine brands from Ascentia Wine Estates. Gallo has purchased the two wine brands and taken over the operation of the Woodinville and Sunnyside facilities. The purchase marks Gallo's first expansion into the state. No price was given. According to Roger Nabedian, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Gallo's Premium Wine Division, "We have been watching the Washington wine industry grow for a number of years and consider these wine brands to be a key part of our premium wine strategy moving forward. This purchase will help us expand our footprint and offer our customers wines from the Columbia Valley and Yakima Valley Appellations."