Gary Eberle removed as general partner at winery
Gary Eberle was removed Monday as general partner of the winery he started in what has been called a hostile takeover, KSBY TV News reports.
The winery was started by Eberle in 1979 and is owned by him and investors, including his brother. His sister-in-law recently received power of attorney over Eberle’s brother, who is ill, and Monday initiated the take over, the report says. The winery is now being run by the trust.
He told KSBY he is “shocked and hurt” by the action. He also said the winery just had its best year ever and all partners were making good money.
Eberle is often called the “godfather” of the Paso Robles wine country for popularizing the area and inspiring dozens of younger winemakers. He is credited for being the first person in the US to make a 100% Syrah and was called the “The Johnny Appleseed of Syrah,” by The Wine Spectator magazine. Among other accomplishments, Eberle helped found the Paso Robles AVA in 1980 and the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance. Eberle was voted #65 as one of the top 100 most influential people in the wine industry in the USA. The winery was recently voted ‘Winery of the Year’ by the International Sommelier competition.
See original report here: Shakeup in management at Eberle Winery
Related stories:
- Eberle named winery of the year by local wine competition
- Calcareous and Eberle big winners at Winemakers’ Cookoff
- Eberle Winery makes donation to children’s museum
- Gary Eberle shares his story at Penn State York
wow!
Wow indeed. I'd like to know what's actually going on. Heard from 3 different sources.
Wow indeed. I'd like to know what's actually going on. Heard from 3 different sources.
Sounds like a family squabble. Those kind of things always get ugly.
Family squabbles can mean financial suicide, especially if they involve pushing out the person who is the public face of the business and who contributes tremendous value to the brand. Obviously I don't know the story, but I feel sorry for Gary. He doesn't deserve this kind of treatment after all he's done for the local wine industry in particular and the community in general.
Oh my.
At least he gets to continue to use his name, unlike poor Joe Gallo (he’s the one that didn’t get rich selling Thunderbird to winos).
Foolish move on her part. Gary Eberle IS Eberle Winery!! How sad!
Mike McMahon well said!
People are ruthless!
Wow… That's sad
Gary Eberle is the heart and soul of that winery. This could turn a lot of faithful followers away. Kind of hurts everyone, doesn't it. Including the hostile sister-in-law
wow!
Wow indeed. I'd like to know what's actually going on. Heard from 3 different sources.
Wow indeed. I'd like to know what's actually going on. Heard from 3 different sources.
Sounds like a family squabble. Those kind of things always get ugly.
Family squabbles can mean financial suicide, especially if they involve pushing out the person who is the public face of the business and who contributes tremendous value to the brand. Obviously I don't know the story, but I feel sorry for Gary. He doesn't deserve this kind of treatment after all he's done for the local wine industry in particular and the community in general.
Oh my.
At least he gets to continue to use his name, unlike poor Joe Gallo (he’s the one that didn’t get rich selling Thunderbird to winos).
Foolish move on her part. Gary Eberle IS Eberle Winery!! How sad!
Mike McMahon well said!
People are ruthless!
Wow… That's sad
Gary Eberle is the heart and soul of that winery. This could turn a lot of faithful followers away. Kind of hurts everyone, doesn't it. Including the hostile sister-in-law