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History of Agajanian Vineyards & Wine Company: A Legacy of
Growing Wine

Family Patriarch Ardash Agajanian (Gary Agajanian’s grandfather) came to America from the village of Moush, Armenia in 1914. He worked with an Italian winemaker at the Armenian owned MISSION BELL WINERY in California. In 1922 Ardash planted 40 acres with winegrapes, raisin grapes, tree fruit and walnuts. Joseph Agajanian (Gary’s father) increased the grape plantings to over 800 acres throughout the 1960′s to 1980′s, and continued to develop and improve the vineyards that would later produce award-winning wines. Joe also developed his talent with an artist’s brush over the years, and it is his Sailing Ship painting that is used in the Agajanian Vineyards Label today.

The Agajanian family & journey in viticulture began with Ardash Agajanian, who emigrated from Moush, Armenia, narrowly escaping the Turkish- Armenian genocide (1914-1917). Settling in California, Ardash collaborated with an Italian winemaker at the Armenian-owned (Ben and Krikor Arakelian) Mission Bell Winery, formerly the Italian-Swiss Agricultural Colony. In 1922, he planted 40 acres with winegrapes, raisin grapes, and tree fruit.

Joseph Agajanian, Ardash& son, expanded the farm production operations to over 1,840 acres from the 1960s to the 1980s while adding some new crops of cotton, melons, and walnuts. Joseph’s artistic talent is immortalized in the "Agajanian Vineyards" label, featuring his Sailing Ship painting.

In 1991 Gary bought his first vineyard, and as he planted his Moush Zinfandel Block in 1996, he stepped closer to his vision of creating his own wines from the finest grapes in California. In 1998, Agajanian Vineyards bottled its first brand of Zinfandel and has since expanded to a boutique winery adding more varietals from all districts throughout California.

Gary Agajanian, Joseph & son, grew up immersed in agricultural work, developing a deep connection with nature and the great outdoors. At 16 years old, he began leasing land for grapes, melons, and cotton; and pursued a degree in Agricultural Business with a focus on Viticulture and Enology at Fresno State University. In the 1980s, Gary ventured into international sales (Import-Export) and marketing, gaining experience across 37 countries.

In 1991, Gary purchased his first vineyard, and by 1996, he planted the Moush Zinfandel Block, realizing his vision of producing premium wines. Leveraging his marketing and sales expertise, Gary expanded into the wine services and production business.

Today, Agajanian Vineyards has evolved to be a full-service Bulk Wine Négociant and Wine grape Merchant, serving over 630 wineries globally. The focus is on Premium-to-Luxury Wines and Grapes for small to medium size brands. With numerous vineyard sites available from over 360 winegrowers in California (especially Napa, Sonoma, North Coast, and Central Coast, and Northern Interior), Oregon, and Washington.