Gallo

2025-2026 Regular Session

South Carolina Senate honors E. & J. Gallo Winery for its large local employment, community contributions, inclusive practices, and environmental stewardship.

Introduced and adopted

Summary of Bill S 1209 (Session 2025-2026) — South Carolina

Note: This bill is a Senate Resolution honoring E. & J. Gallo Winery, rather than a statute proposing new laws or regulatory changes. It recognizes the company’s contributions and achievements.

Main purpose and intent

To honor E. & J. Gallo Winery for its substantial employment presence in South Carolina and for bringing pride to the state.

To acknowledge the company’s role as a prominent employer and community contributor in South Carolina, including its Chester, SC operation established in 2022.

Key provisions and changes

Recognition and accolades:

Pays formal tribute to E. & J. Gallo Winery via a Senate resolution.
Highlights that the company employs hundreds of South Carolinians in its local operations.

Corporate background and operations (as described in the resolution):

E. & J. Gallo Winery is a family-owned business founded in 1933, headquartered in Modesto, California, with a Chester, South Carolina location since 2022.
The company offers a broad portfolio of products (over 100 brands across table wines, sparkling wines, dessert wines, luxury wines, and related beverage products, including distilled spirits).
Gallo’s South Carolina workforce is cited as nearly 300 employees involved in manufacturing High Noon Sun Sips beverages in 18 flavors (spirits include vodka and tequila, with seltzer, real fruit juice, and sparkling water).

Recognition of corporate citizenship and environmental/diversity achievements:

Noted for strong corporate citizenship, charitable contributions, and volunteerism by associates.
Earned a 100% score on the Human Rights Campaign Foundation Corporate Equality Index for nine consecutive years, recognizing LGBTQ+ workplace equality.
ISO 14001 environmental certification and leadership in eco-friendly practices (reduction of synthetic chemicals, fertilizers, pesticides; water recycling/reuse; wetlands creation; protection of riparian habitats).

Local/industry context:

Emphasizes that South Carolina hosts more than 6,000 manufacturing facilities and that Gallo was a notable finalist in the South Carolina Manufacturers Alliance’s 2024 “Manufacturing Madness” contest, advancing to the top four out of 166 products.

Who or what would be affected

Primary beneficiaries and subjects of the resolution:

E. & J. Gallo Winery, including its Chester, South Carolina operation and its nearly 300 local employees.

Broader impact:

The resolution underscores South Carolina’s recognition of major employers in the state, highlighting the winery’s contributions to employment, economic activity, diversity/inclusion practices, and environmental stewardship.

No new mandatory requirements, penalties, or regulatory changes are imposed by this resolution.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: Introduced and adopted on March 26, 2024.

Nature of the instrument:

A Senate Resolution (a formal expression of the Senate’s recognition), not a bill that enacts or modifies law.
Resolutions generally do not create enforceable obligations or policy mandates; they serve to commend or acknowledge individuals, organizations, or events.

Implications for readers

This resolution serves as an official commendation from the South Carolina Senate recognizing E. & J. Gallo Winery for its employment impact, community involvement, and adherence to inclusive and environmentally responsible practices.

It highlights the state’s appreciation for diverse, large-scale manufacturing operations contributing to the local economy and state pride.