E & J Gallo Winery (Gallo), the world’s largest family-owned winery, already claims ownership of 12 wineries throughout the wine country regions of California. Yesterday, they announced that they were expanding in the northern Alexander Valley region of Sonoma County with the purchase the historic Asti Winery.
Asti Winery dates back to 1881, founded by Italian immigrant Andrea Sbarboro. The current owner, Treasury Wine Estates, is actually based in Australia, and is reportedly struggling in the American wine market. Gallo, on the other hand, is robustly moving into the area, recently buying J Vineyards and Winery in Healdsburg as well.
The Asti Winery property, aside from being one of the oldest, is also one of Sonoma County’s largest wineries, exceeding more than 500 acres and capable of crushing 35,000 tons of grapes. Gallo’s purchase also includes the Souverain brand, made at Asti. The deal is expected to close at the end of the month, terms were not released.
