E. & J. Gallo Winery (Gallo) announced today that it has agreed to purchase the Locations brand from Shooting Gallery Wines, LLC, a joint venture between innovator and winemaker Dave Phinney and importer Aveníu Brands, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the Barcelona, Spain-based Codorníu Raventós Group. Locations is based on the simple concept of crafting wines that pay homage to a place of origin.
Phinney, known for his excellent wines, bold imagery, and thirst for travel, has a passion for exploring the finest wine growing regions around the world. After a 2008 visit to the Maury appellation in the South of France, Phinney began pondering the possibilities of creating a wine that represented the very best aspects of a location.
With an appetite for cross-appellation blending, Phinney envisioned what could be created with true winemaking freedom, and no constraints. Shortly thereafter, Phinney began working with passionate growers, while exploring the culture and people of each location, to create the finest wine possible from different grape varieties throughout a region. Later that year, Locations was born.
Today, Locations includes wines that represent the history and tradition of France, Spain, Italy, Argentina, California, New Zealand, Oregon, Washington, Portugal, Corsica, and Texas.
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According to Roger Nabedian, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Gallo’s Premium Wine Division, “Dave propels innovation to the highest levels by challenging the conventional way of doing things, and removing the barrier of rules in winemaking.” He added, “We are excited to continue working with the talented and creative Dave Phinney, who will stay on as winemaker for Locations. This purchase supports Gallo’s mission to participate and excel in all segments of the wine market.”
“I am proud to continue my partnership with the Gallo family,” said Locations founder Dave Phinney. He added, “I’m excited to continue building upon the momentum of the Locations vision by creating simple, complex and fun wines by removing the constraints of vintage, varietal and appellation to make the best possible wine from a given country or location.”
The acquisition includes the Locations brand and related inventory. The sale will close on Friday, June 29, 2018. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
SOURCE E. & J. Gallo Winery
