Americans swoop to snap up leading Yarra Valley wine producer

Jackson Family Wines, the family-owned American wine company founded by the late Jess Jackson in 1982, has announced the purchase of Giant Steps in Victoria’s Yarra Valley. 

Recognised as a world-class producer of single-vineyard chardonnay and pinot noir, Giant Steps joins Yangarra Estate Vineyard and Hickinbotham Clarendon Vineyard in McLaren Vale, as part of Jackson Family Wines in Australia.

“This is a remarkable new chapter for Giant Steps,” said founder and former owner Phil Sexton. “The Jackson family has demonstrated an invaluable commitment to the Australian wine community over the last two decades, and we feel confident in our shared vision for the winery’s future. 

"The recognition of the diversity of the Yarra Valley, and the development of ‘great dirt as vineyards’ is what brought the Jackson family and Giant Steps initially together and will continue to be our key goal.”

The acquisition includes the purchase of Giant Steps’ Sexton and Applejack vineyards (75 hectares in total), while Giant Steps will continue to source fruit from Tarraford, Wombat Creek, Primavera, and Gruyere Farm vineyards. 

Sexton will continue his role as founder and general manager and Steve Flamsteed will remain chief winemaker. Giant Steps will continue to work closely with its national distributor: red+white. 

Jackson Family Wines owns brands across the globe including Kendall-Jackson and Lokoya in California and wineries in France, Chile, Italy and South Africa.