Acquisition of winery and vineyards

Jackson Family Wines was founded in 1983, focusing on artisanal wines of distinct character and quality. The family-owned group, headquartered in Santa Rosa, California, has an extensive global portfolio of luxury brands and wineries in California, Oregon, Bordeaux, Tuscany, Australia, Chile, and South Africa. Jackson Family Wines is the ninth-largest wine producer in the United States. 

The company expanded its portfolio by acquiring the premium “Giant Steps” winery in the Yarra Valley in Victoria from Phil Sexton. The purchase included the premium Applejack and Sexton vineyards. The acquisition of Giant Steps was a strategic move by Jackson Family Wines to add a new range of premium cool climate wines to their current Australian range, which includes “Yangarra” and “Hickinbotham.” 

Piper Alderman collaborated with California’s Jackson Family Wines deal team under sometimes challenging COVID conditions. We assisted with all legal aspects of the transaction, including structuring, due diligence, foreign investment and other approvals, and transaction execution. Piper Alderman was well-placed to facilitate the deal because of its experience in mergers, acquisitions, and commercial law. In addition, our team was delighted to play a part in expanding the company’s premium wine portfolio.