YAKIMA — Many winemakers said the arrival of the world’s largest privately-owned winery in Washington state will help raise the industry’s stature.
Last month, Modesto, Calif.-based E. &J. Gallo Winery announced the purchase of two Washington brands — Columbia Winery and Covey Run Wine.
Many Yakima Valley winemakers said the Gallo’s wide distribution, marketing muscle and global name recognition will generate much-needed exposure for what is still a relatively young wine region.
The Yakima Herald-Republic reported that while Washington is No. 2 in wine production nationwide, most of the state’s wineries are small. That means many wineries’ distribution and marketing is limited to Seattle and other areas within the Pacific Northwest.
Some wineries only sell from their tasting rooms.
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