Wine Spectator: Jackson Family Wines Buys Australia’s Giant Steps Winery

Jackson Family Wines (JFW) is expanding Down Under, inking a deal to acquire Giant Steps winery in Australia’s Yarra Valley in Victoria from founder Phil Sexton. The purchase includes the Sexton and Applejack vineyards, about 75 acres total. The winery and cellar door (Aussie for tasting room) are currently under sublease to JFW, while the winery’s popular restaurant in Healesville, Victoria, is not part of the deal. Sexton, who is also the winery’s general manager, and chief winemaker Steve Flamsteed will remain at Giant Steps, and long-term vineyard contracts will remain in place. The purchase price was not disclosed.

The deal is a strategic move for JFW. It expands the company’s Australian portfolio and vineyard holdings in a way that doesn’t compete with its other properties, adding an exciting brand in an emerging category in Aussie wine of fresh, cool-climate wines. Giant Steps becomes the third Australian property in JFW’s portfolio. The Sonoma-based family company acquired Yangarra Estate Vineyard in 2001 and Hickinbotham in 2012.

Sexton calls the move a new chapter for Giant Steps. “With JFW, we are hoping that we can increase the footprint of our wines available in the U.S. Cool-climate Pinot and Chardonnay from the southern parts of Australia are still new to many wine lovers in the U.S., and we believe that JFW’s passion for these styles will help us take these wines to them,” he said. “We feel that the future for Giant Steps is just beginning.” Wine Spectator has the full story.—MaryAnn Worobiec

Tagged : Jackson Family Wines, Wine Spectator

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