E. & J. Gallo Winery Proudly Toasts 75 Years of Winemaking Excellence and Family Tradition

MODESTO, Calif., Feb. 20 /PRNewswire/ -- This year, E. & J. Gallo Winery, one of the country's first family-owned wineries, highly recognized throughout the United States and all over the world, celebrates its milestone 75th anniversary. Founded in 1933 at the repeal of Prohibition by two brothers, Ernest and Julio Gallo, today E. & J. Gallo Winery is a dominant force in the domestic and international wine industry that remains true to its traditional family-owned roots, committed in its understanding of consumers' tastes and consistently offers wines that deliver both high value and high quality to consumers across the globe.

In all, there are fifteen Gallo family members, spanning the second, third, and fourth generations working in various areas of the business including grape-growing, winemaking, marketing, and sales. The family aims to continue the mission of founders Ernest and Julio while furthering traditions with every year ahead.

"The 75th anniversary of the winery underscores our family's basic beliefs about taking the long view as farmers and winemakers. Ernest and Julio started something with future generations in mind, and with land and reputation as our most valued resources, the family continues to build for the future," says Gina Gallo, third-generation winemaker, Gallo Family Vineyards. "We are still on the path laid out for us: make good wine at a good price, teach people how to enjoy wine as part of a life well-lived, and always, always strive to improve on both quality and value in our wines."

"Our mission today still resembles my grandfather Ernest's and great-uncle Julio's company goals to challenge ourselves and be passionate about our work," says Stephanie Gallo third-generation Gallo family member and Senior Director of Marketing, Gallo Family Vineyards. "We are proud to hold onto our traditions and continue success in the competitive climate and constantly changing wine industry."

America's Perspective on Family-Owned Businesses

To celebrate this landmark year, the winery recently conducted a nationwide survey to gauge American perspective on wine, and particularly on family-owned businesses. Survey questions focused on what influences purchase decisions around wine consumption and on what business attributes matter most to consumers as they form brand loyalty within the wine industry. Some of the top-line findings include:

    -- 92% of Americans surveyed felt they would be more inclined to choose a
       family-owned business over a non-family owned business given the choice
    -- When asked which attributes mattered the most in family-owned
       companies, consumers placed pride of workmanship (76%), honesty (76%)
       and loyalty (61%) at the top
    -- Nearly three quarters of the wine drinkers surveyed indicated that E. &
       J. Gallo Winery's status as a family-owned business [positively]
       affects their decision to purchase its products

For further information on E. & J. Gallo Winery's history, the current Gallo family members working in the winery, the company's commitment to environmental sustainability, and the wide portfolio of domestic and international brands, please visit www.gallo.com

About E. & J. Gallo Winery:

Established in 1933 in Modesto, California, E. & J. Gallo Winery has become the world's foremost winery in the art of grape growing and winemaking; and in the distribution and marketing of wines worldwide. With seven wineries strategically located in various parts of California and access to grapes from vineyards in all of the premier grape-growing areas of California, Gallo produces wines in every category, to suit every taste. Gallo also imports wines from nine wine growing countries in the world. Gallo's wine portfolio totals over 60 unique brands including Gallo Family Vineyards, Barefoot, Turning Leaf, Redwood Creek, Black Swan, Ecco Domani, Red Bicyclette, Whitehaven, Clarendon Hills, Martin Codax, Don Miguel Gascon, Louis M. Martini, MacMurray Ranch, Mirassou, and Rancho Zabaco.

    Media Contact:
    Jessica Miller
    DeVries Public Relations
    T: 646-253-0209
    jmiller@devries-pr.com