Ernest Gallo: Co-Founder of E. and J. Gallo Winery Dies at 97

Ernest Gallo was an American winemaker and co-founder of E. and J. Gallo Winery. Born on March 18, 1909, in Jackson, California, he started the company in 1933 with his brother Julio, using his sales skills to build the brand.

While Julio made the wine, Ernest ran sales, marketing and distribution, turning Gallo into the world's largest family-owned winery. Its brands included Gallo Hearty Burgundy, Thunderbird and Carlo Rossi. He was listed on the Forbes 400 with an estimated fortune of $1.2 billion.

He married Amelia Franzia in 1931, and she died in 1993. Their son David died in 1997, and son Joseph became the winery's CEO. Gallo died in Modesto, California, on March 6, 2007, at age 97.

Achievements: Co-founder of E. and J. Gallo Winery, one of the world's largest wine producers.

Birth: March 18, 1909 - Jackson, California.

Profession: Winemaker and businessman.

Interesting Facts: His brother Julio died in 1993.