Gallo Winery to buy Locations brand

E. & J. Gallo Winery of Modesto announced Wednesday it has agreed to purchase another label from Napa vintner Dave Phinney, this time his Locations brand.

Gallo, the country’s biggest winery, didn’t announce a purchase price for the 90,000-case label that sources wines from growers across the world. Phinney, who’ll stay on as the winemaker, was co-owner in the venture with Aveníu Brands of Barcelona.

Gallo bought his Orin Swift label in 2016 as part of the winery’s move into the premium wine market. Phinney also created the popular The Prisoner label, now owned by Constellation Brands Inc.

“Dave propels innovation to the highest levels by challenging the conventional way of doing things, and removing the barrier of rules in winemaking,” said Roger Nabedian, senior vice president for Gallo’s premium wine division.

Bill Swindell