A highly desirable Napa Valley vineyard has been acquired by E. & J. Gallo, the world’s largest family-owned winery.
Stagecoach Vineyard – famous for its dramatic terrain, rolling hillsides and exceptional grapes – is located in Napa’s Vaca Mountains, in the highly-regarded Pritchard Hill Region and Atlas Peak AVA. This Napa Valley vineyard is ideal for growing premium, cult quality grapes due to its numerous soil depths, soil types and microclimates.
This is a very high profile acquisition for Gallo. I actually wrote an offer on this property about 10 years ago for $75 million when there were only 400 acres planted. Stagecoach Vineyard is the source for many outstanding wines that typically sell for $100 or more.
The property that would become Stagecoach Vineyard was first purchased by Dr. Jan Krupp in 1995. Due to the density of volcanic rock, many experts believed developing the 1,300 acre property was an impossible task. But Krupp defied the experts and, over a seven year period, removed more than a billion pounds of rocks and boulders. Today, Stagecoach Vineyard is the largest contiguous vineyard in Napa Valley with more than 600 acres planted – mostly to Cabernet Sauvignon and other Bordeaux varieties.
Roger Nabedian, Senior Vice President and General Manager of Gallo’s Premium Wine Division, described Krupp as a “meticulous grape grower and an innovator in the wine community.” In an interview, he said “We are thrilled to continue working with Jan to produce the finest luxury fruit for Napa Valley’s most esteemed winemakers. 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.”
The purchase of this iconic Napa Valley vineyard property shows that Gallo sees a strong future in the luxury wine market. The highly sought-after Stagecoach Vineyard sells grapes to more than 90 wineries – from small boutique wineries to large-scale wine companies. More than 30 wineries bear the Stagecoach name on their label. As part of the agreement, Gallo will honor all grape contracts with existing Stagecoach Vineyard customers. No other terms of the deal were disclosed.
According to Krupp: “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.”
If you’re searching for a Napa Valley vineyard property, I have access to some extraordinary wineries, vineyards, estates and homes that are not on the open market and would be delighted to help you find your dream wine country property. You can reach me at 707-738-4820 or [email protected].
