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Ernest Gallo: 1909-2007 |
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MODESTO – One of the wine industry’s
figureheads, who with his brother
created a wine empire known worldwide,
has died.
As a businessman, Gallo had a reputation
for being ruthless. The federal
government once challenged his marketing
practices, for instance, when he tried
to restrict his wholesalers’ wine
distribution to his labels. His hardball
tactics in dealing with the United Food
Workers union twice led to nationwide
consumer boycotts against his company.
The news of Gallo’s death comes as the
U.S. wine industry, driven by
California’s success, reaches enormous
heights. Nationwide, wine and grapes – a
$162-billion-a-year industry - affect
the economies of all 50 states and there
are wineries in each state. The industry
accounts for 1.1 million full-time jobs
and has a $3-billion payroll, says a
study by industry consultants MKF
Research LLC of Napa Valley.
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