Growth Takes Vision
At Gallo Family Vineyards winemaking begins early in the growing season. Farming and flavour objectives are discussed with Julio Gallo’s grandson Matt and his growers prior to mid-winter pruning.

This way, every action taken in the vineyard during the growing season helps to produce grapes that fulfill the winemaker’s vision for each wine.

Gina Gallo, Matt’s sister, spends much of her work year evaluating the vineyards, determining which blocks will be used for her Single Vineyard Series and Estate wines.

Handcrafted from Start to Finish
During harvest, grape clusters are selected and handpicked early in the morning, but only at the point when the berries have reached their peak of ripeness.

The grapes are handled with great care through the pressing and fermentation process until the wine is judged to be ready for final blending.

Winemaking Techniques
Some of the techniques Gina and her team employ include:

• Racking and Fining – help clarify the blend’s taste and appearance.
• Fermentation and Aging (like Malolactic and Sur Lie) – adds a silky, buttery character and help balance acidity.
• Oak Barrels – a wide variety from many different coopers and forests are selected to enhance mouth-feel and character during the fermentation and aging process.

Our Oak barrels are chosen based on the source of wood (America, France, Russia, Hungary, China and Yugoslavia), their level of toasting (or charring) as well as their age (whether they’re new or second use.

Craft and Care
Winemaking as an art begins with grapes on the vine and ends in a glass accompanying your favourite meal. At Gallo Family Vineyards this process is lovingly followed from start to fruition under the careful gaze and skillful hands of Gina Gallo and her team of winemakers.