E. & J. Gallo Winery (Gallo) has announced that it has agreed to purchase Stagecoach Vineyard, a coveted Napa Valley vineyard famous for its dramatic terrain, rolling hillsides and long standing reputation for exceptional wine grapes. Located in the highly-regarded Pritchard Hill Region and the Atlas Peak appellation, Stagecoach Vineyard encompasses numerous soil depths, soil types and microclimates which are ideal for premier grape growing.
Defying what many experts claimed was an impossible task, Dr. Krupp, along with a few close friends, began developing the 1,300 acre property later that year. It took seven years to clear more than a billion pounds of volcanic rock from the property and today Stagecoach Vineyard is the largest contiguous vineyard in the Napa Valley with more than 600 acres planted to vine. (See The Somm Journal‘s recent story on Stagecoach Vineyard here.)
According to Roger Nabedian, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Gallo’s Premium Wine Division, “Dr. Jan Krupp is a meticulous grape grower and an innovator in the wine community. We are thrilled to continue working with Jan to produce the finest luxury fruit for Napa Valley’s most esteemed winemakers.” He added, “This purchase affirms Gallo’s commitment to compete in the luxury wine segment and provides us the opportunity to continue making and selling luxury wine offerings such as Louis M. Martini, William Hill Estate and Orin Swift.”
Sought after by Napa Valley’s most prestigious winemakers, Stagecoach Vineyard sells grapes to over 90 wineries, ranging from small boutique wineries to large-scale wine companies, and more than 30 wineries bear the Stagecoach name on their label. Stagecoach fruit consistently over delivers, resulting in some of Napa Valley’s finest luxury wines as recognized by wine critics around the world. As part of the agreement, Gallo will honor all grape contracts with existing Stagecoach Vineyard customers.
“While my decision to sell was not simple, I was delighted to find a buyer that is committed to continuing the tradition of excellence and the pursuit of enhancing the world class vineyard I have created,” said founder Jan Krupp. “I am pleased that Gallo will honor all existing grape contracts in effect at Stagecoach and will continue working with our fantastic team. Additionally, we are looking forward to the benefit of working with Gallo’s viticulture research department, which is one of the best in the world.”
Zepponi & Company served as the exclusive financial advisor to Stagecoach Vineyards. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
