At Agajanian Vineyards & Wine Company, every bottle tells a story — one steeped in heritage, perseverance, and a deep-rooted love for the land. From the humble beginnings of a courageous Armenian immigrant to a global wine enterprise serving hundreds of wineries, our journey is as rich and layered as the wines we produce. This is the story of how a family built a legacy from the soil up — one vine at a time.
Rooted in Resilience: Ardash Agajanian’s Vision
The story begins in 1914, when family patriarch Ardash Agajanian arrived in California from the village of Moush, Armenia. Escaping the horrors of the Armenian genocide, Ardash sought safety and opportunity in a new land. He found both, along with a kindred spirit in an Italian winemaker at the Armenian-owned Mission Bell Winery — a historic establishment previously known as the Italian-Swiss Agricultural Colony.
Ardash’s tenacity and love for the land took root in 1922 when he planted 40 acres of winegrapes, raisin grapes, tree fruit, and walnuts. This initial investment in the Central California soil was more than agriculture — it was the foundation of a multigenerational legacy in viticulture.
Cultivating a Legacy: Joseph Agajanian’s Expanding Horizons
Ardash’s son, Joseph Agajanian, carried the dream forward. From the 1960s through the 1980s, Joseph expanded the family’s agricultural operations to over 1,840 acres. In addition to winegrapes, he introduced cotton, melons, and walnuts to the mix — a testament to his enterprising spirit and deep agricultural acumen.
Joseph wasn’t just a farmer; he was also an artist. His creative spirit lives on in the Agajanian Vineyards label, which proudly features his hand-painted Sailing Ship — a symbol of the family’s journey and enduring values.
From Fields to Fine Wines: Gary Agajanian’s Innovation
The third generation of Agajanian leadership began with Gary Agajanian, Joseph’s son. Raised on the farm, Gary learned to appreciate the rhythms of nature and the demands of agricultural life. By age 16, he was leasing land to grow grapes, melons, and cotton, setting the stage for his future in wine.
Gary earned a degree in Agricultural Business with an emphasis in Viticulture and Enology from Fresno State University. After gaining global perspective through a successful career in international marketing and sales — traveling to over 37 countries — he returned home with a vision.
In 1991, Gary purchased his first vineyard. By 1996, he planted the Moush Zinfandel Block, a heartfelt nod to his Armenian roots. Two years later, Agajanian Vineyards bottled its first brand of Zinfandel, marking the birth of a boutique winery driven by passion, heritage, and quality.
A Global Partner in Premium Wine
Today, Agajanian Vineyards & Wine Company is more than a winery — it is a trusted partner to over 630 wineries worldwide. As a full-service Bulk Wine Négociant and Wine Grape Merchant, we specialize in premium-to-luxury wine production for small to mid-sized brands.
Our vast network includes over 360 winegrowers across California — from Napa and Sonoma to the Central Coast and Northern Interior — as well as top vineyard sites in Oregon and Washington. Whether you’re sourcing world-class grapes or crafting boutique wines, Agajanian Vineyards delivers excellence with every harvest.
👉 Explore our Premium Bulk Wine Library to discover curated selections ready to elevate your next blend.
Our Promise: A Legacy You Can Taste
Every vine we plant, every barrel we fill, and every bottle we seal carries the legacy of a family that turned hardship into hope, and hope into heritage. At Agajanian Vineyards & Wine Company, we honor the past while nurturing the future — and we invite you to taste the journey in every glass.
👉 Looking for expert support to refine your winemaking strategy? Learn more about our Consulting Services and see how we can help you thrive in today’s wine market.
