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MODESTO, Calif. — E. & J. Gallo Winery announced Tuesday that it has purchased Pahlmeyer Winery, which includes Pahlmeyer and Jayson by Pahlmeyer, two respected Napa Valley luxury brands known for producing iconic Bordeaux-style wines. Recognized by critics around the world, Pahlmeyer wines have received notable acclaim since the 1980s, garnering numerous 90-plus point scores and two 100-point scores from the last three vintages of Pahlmeyer’s limited releases.
Captivated by wine and dreaming of creating a “California Mouton,” founder Jayson Pahlmeyer was determined to see his vision through. Leaving behind his career in law, he traveled to Northern California (his native soil) where he partnered with the owner of a 55-acre site in south-east Napa Valley. Jayson and his business partner took several trips to elite vineyards in France studying the finest red Bordeaux varieties. Together they worked with the University of Bordeaux to evaluate soil samples from their land in California and in 1981 planted several French cuttings in Napa. In 1986, Pahlmeyer’s Proprietary Red was born, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Malbec. The 30th vintage of Pahlmeyer’s Proprietary Red was released earlier this year.
“I am thrilled to transition ownership of Pahlmeyer Winery to the Gallo Family,” said founder, Jayson Pahlmeyer. “The two companies share similar principles and, with Gallo’s long-standing commitment to quality, I am confident they will take Pahlmeyer to even greater heights in the future.”
According to Roger Nabedian, senior vice president and general manager of Gallo’s Premium Wine Division, “Jayson Pahlmeyer’s passion for wine is evident in everything he’s done. We are thrilled to continue working with both Jayson and his daughter Cleo as we incorporate the esteemed Pahlmeyer brands into our luxury portfolio.” He added, “Pahlmeyer compliments our portfolio nicely, allowing Gallo to continue competing in luxury wine and fueling strategic growth for the company.”
“We are happy to have found a buyer who shares my family’s vision for Pahlmeyer,” said Cleo Pahlmeyer, president of Pahlmeyer Winery. “We are equally dedicated to making world class wines and I am thrilled to begin working with the Gallo team.”
The purchase includes both the Pahlmeyer and Jayson by Pahlmeyer wine brands, which range in price from $30 to $350. As part of the agreement, Gallo will lease Waters Ranch, a vineyard in Atlas Peak, and will continue to operate the Jayson tasting room that opened in The Village at Vista Collina Resort in August of 2018. The Wayfarer brand and Wayfarer Vineyard are not part of the sale and will continue to be run by Cleo Pahlmeyer.
Zepponi & Company served as the exclusive financial advisor to Pahlmeyer Winery. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
