Ernest Gallo Dies at 97

im in mourning

Ernest Gallo who, along with brother Julio, created the world's second largest wine company (by volume) died Tuesday, March 6, 2007 at the age of 97 (Julio died in 1993). In 1933, with $5,900 of borrowed money and a wine recipe from the local library, Ernest and Julio became an American success story and revitalized the American wine industry. Mr. Gallo is quoted as saying, "My brother Julio and I worked to improve the quality of wines from California and to put fine wine on American dinner tables at a price people could afford."

Ernest Gallo's aggressive business tactics are responsible for the company's huge success, revolutionary advertising strategies, and even the success of the California wine industry, specifically Sonoma County. These same tactics also created some stains on the Gallo history, including the bitter feud with younger brother Joseph and Ernest's influence on American politics, specifically hindering foreign wine imports, what many considered to be corporate welfare. Regardless, the American wine industry today would certainly look very different without the pioneering efforts of Ernest and Julio Gallo.

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