Gallo appoints Summergate as China distributor

California-based wine giant E. & J. Gallo has appointed Summergate Fine Wine and Spirits to distribute its luxury brand portfolio in Mainland China.

Summergate is going to distribute E & J Gallo’s luxury brands, including Orin Swift, Louis M. Martini, Pahlmeyer and L’usine. The collaboration of two leading wine companies further deepened through the launch of Proverb.

Established in 1933 and headquartered in Modesto, California, E. & J. Gallo Winery is celebrating its 88th anniversary this year. One of the top family-owned wineries in the world, spanning four generations of the Gallo family.

The Gallo portfolio is comprised of more than 100 brands, including Carlo Rossi, Barefoot Cellars, Dark Horse, as well as Gallo Family Vineyards.

Premium offerings include Apothic, Carnivor, Chateau Souverain, Mount Peak Winery, Louis M. Martini, Orin Swift, Talbott Vineyards, and William Hill Estate.

Founded in 1999, Summergate is one of the major players in the Greater China drinks market. Its distribution network covers hotels, restaurants, bars, supermarkets, convenience outlets and online retail across Greater China.

Bill McMorran, vice-president/general manager of E. & J. Gallo Winery Asia-Pacific, commented on the collaboration, “with a quick economic rebound after the pandemic, we are confident about the Chinese consumer. Gallo is passionate about quality and creating brands that meet the needs and preferences of consumers around the world.

“For instance, Orin Swift and L’usine founder and winemaker, Dave Phinney, was named Winemaker of the Year in 2019 by Wine Enthusiast for his contributions of creativity and innovation in winemaking. Together with Summergate’s over 20-year reputation of superior service and their well-educated wine professionals, we will better serve our consumers and win more friends for wine by sharing our long heritage of wine stories, experiences and artistry from California”

Berny Yang, Greater China general manager of Summergate said, “We are glad to partner with E. & J. Gallo Winery. We are honoured to introduce Dave Phinney’s other prestige brand of Pinot Noir, L’usine. The wines received critical acclaim from the Wine Advocate with scores over 95+.

“The comprehensive portfolio of E. & J. Gallo Winery from legendary classic Napa Valley wineries, Pahlmeyer and Louis M. Martini, iconic and artistic premium wine brands, Orin Swift and L’usine, to lifestyle brands like Proverb, is a great compliment to Summergate creating better experiences of wines from around the world to different consumers in different occasions and venues in China.”

The E. & J. Gallo portfolio will debut its showcase with Summergate in the Chengdu wine fair in early next month.