Spirit of Gallo, the second largest spirits supplier in the U.S. by volume, is celebrating 50 years of industry leadership, growth, and innovation this year. 

Marked by the first bottling of E&J Brandy in March 1975, the anniversary celebrates the company’s evolution from a single-brand business to a portfolio that includes more than 30 brands across tequila, rum, vodka, gin and more. Gallo’s entrance into the spirits category was a natural next step for the founders, Ernest and Julio Gallo. 

With more than 30 years of experience working with fine wine grapes, they decided to expand their business into another alcohol beverage made from grapes that they had begun to enjoy themselves – California Brandy. After five years of testing and tasting in their Fresno Distillery, Ernest and Julio debuted E&J Brandy in 1975. 

As the brand grew in popularity, even becoming the #1 selling American Brandy in the world (IRI Total US MULO (B/W/S) CONV + Sum of Liquor 52W Performance Ending 03/03/24), and consumer demand for spirits increased, the company saw an opportunity to expand their spirits portfolio, introducing New Amsterdam’s Stratusphere Gin in 2008, Camarena Tequila in 2010 and more in recent years. 

Most recently, Spirit of Gallo has delivered exceptional performance through in-house development, including the #1 spirits brand by volume in the U.S. (Internal Flex Data YTD through 9/30/24), High Noon Hard Seltzer, and strategic investments. The company’s commitment to quality, coupled with a forward-thinking approach to product development, has fueled its 217% growth in the last five years. 

“Our founders had a notion that if California could produce world class wine, it should also be able to produce exceptional brandy,” Britt West, Chief Commercial Officer, Gallo Wine and Spirits, said in a news release. “We’re proud of our history in distilled spirits and we honor that today with our E&J Brandy 50th anniversary. We look forward to where the next 50 years and beyond will take us, always staying mindful of our commitment to consumers and the entrepreneurial spirit of our founders.”

As the original spirit in the company’s portfolio, E&J Brandy’s 50th anniversary will be celebrated throughout the year with various brand acts.

Read more: Top 100 American Whiskeys of 2024 Ranked

ABOUT SPIRIT OF GALLO

Spirit of Gallo is the second largest spirits supplier in the United States by volume and represents some of the most iconic brands in the industry including: High Noon Hard Seltzer, New Amsterdam Vodka, E&J Brandy, RumChata, Camarena Tequila, RumHaven, Stratusphere Gin, The Dalmore Scotch Whisky, Tequila Komos, Don Fulano Tequila, Horse Soldier Bourbon, Amaro Montenegro and Condesa Gin. For more information, visit https://www.spiritofgallo.com/.