Inside the court decision that could shift Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie winery war
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. Image Credit: Bauer-Griffin
Brad Pitt has secured another significant legal victory in his years-long dispute with former wife Angelina Jolie over the ownership and sale of the French winery Château Miraval, marking another major development in one of Hollywood’s most closely watched legal battles.
A California court has ruled that representatives connected to the Stoli Group, the company that purchased Jolie’s interest in the luxury French estate, must provide testimony regarding the controversial transaction. The ruling represents an important procedural win for Pitt, whose legal team argues that key witnesses possess crucial information about how the multimillion-dollar deal was negotiated and completed.
Although the latest ruling does not determine ownership of Château Miraval, it could shape the evidence presented when the case ultimately proceeds to trial.
California Court Orders Key Witnesses to Testify
According to newly released court documents, the Superior Court of California granted Pitt’s request to compel depositions from executives associated with the Stoli Group and its wine division, Tenute del Mondo.
Among those ordered to testify is executive Alexey Oliynik, who had previously argued he could not be compelled to participate because he resides in Switzerland.
The court has now ordered that the depositions take place in London before September 30.
The decision also covers representatives from Nouvel LLC, the company through which Angelina Jolie sold her stake in Château Miraval during the disputed 2021 transaction.
Pitt’s legal team maintains that these individuals possess firsthand knowledge of the negotiations and sale process, making their testimony essential to resolving the case.
Brad Pitt Says Sale Violated Prior Agreement
The legal dispute dates back to February 2022 when Brad Pitt filed a lawsuit alleging Angelina Jolie sold her interest in Château Miraval without honoring an agreement requiring mutual consent before either party could sell their ownership stake.
Pitt claims he should have been offered the first opportunity to purchase Jolie’s share before it was sold to Stoli’s wine division.
According to individuals close to Pitt, the recent court ruling represents “another step toward transparency” regarding how the sale unfolded.
Sources aligned with Pitt also argue that Jolie selected a business partner Pitt had previously opposed, claiming that testimony from Stoli executives could clarify the details surrounding the transaction.
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Angelina Jolie Rejects Brad Pitt’s Claims
Angelina Jolie’s legal team has dismissed suggestions that the recent court rulings significantly alter the strength of the overall case.
Her attorney stated that the decisions concern procedural matters rather than the legal merits of the dispute itself.
Jolie’s representatives maintain that she expects to successfully defend the lawsuit when the matter reaches trial.
Sources close to Jolie have also rejected allegations that the sale violated any agreement, insisting the decision to sell to Stoli was based on commercial considerations.
According to those sources, Stoli was viewed as an experienced international distribution partner capable of expanding Château Miraval’s global business while benefiting the couple’s children, who are expected to inherit interests connected to the estate.
They further contend that disagreements over business control—not contractual violations—lie at the heart of the dispute.
Appeals Court Adds Another Twist
The latest developments extend beyond witness testimony.
A California Court of Appeal also reversed an earlier finding concerning Stoli owner Yuri Shefler’s involvement in the transaction.
The appellate court questioned claims that Shefler played only a minimal role, noting it would be difficult to believe that a businessman would invest nearly $40 million without significant knowledge or participation in the deal.
A separate hearing is scheduled for July 8 to determine whether Shefler himself must provide testimony.
Why Château Miraval Has Become the Center of the Dispute
Château Miraval is far more than a celebrity property.
Located in southern France, the estate includes vineyards that produce internationally recognized rosé wines and has become one of the world’s most valuable celebrity-owned wine brands.
Pitt has long argued that he invested heavily in developing Miraval into a premium global label and believes Jolie’s sale threatened both the business and its long-term reputation.
Jolie, however, maintains she acted within her legal rights and selected a buyer capable of helping the company continue expanding internationally.
Although Pitt and Jolie finalized their divorce settlement in late 2024, their disagreement over Château Miraval continues independently in court.
With depositions now ordered and additional hearings scheduled, the litigation appears far from over.
Legal experts say testimony from Stoli executives could become a pivotal piece of evidence when the case eventually reaches trial, potentially providing greater clarity on one of Hollywood’s longest-running business disputes.
FAQ
Why is Brad Pitt back in court with Angelina Jolie?
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie remain in a legal dispute over Château Miraval after Pitt alleged Jolie sold her ownership stake without honoring an agreement requiring mutual consent before any sale.
What is Château Miraval?
Château Miraval is a historic French estate and vineyard known for producing premium rosé wines. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie purchased the property together and later developed it into a successful international wine brand.
What did the court rule?
The California court ordered representatives connected to the Stoli Group and related companies to provide testimony about Jolie’s 2021 sale of her ownership interest.
Did Brad Pitt win the lawsuit?
No. Pitt secured an important procedural victory requiring witness testimony, but the overall lawsuit has not yet been decided.
Why are Stoli executives being asked to testify?
Pitt’s legal team argues they possess firsthand knowledge of how Jolie’s ownership stake was sold and negotiated.
What is Angelina Jolie’s response?
Jolie’s legal team says the recent rulings do not affect the merits of the lawsuit and believes she will prevail when the case goes to trial.
Who owns Château Miraval today?
Ownership remains divided between Brad Pitt and the company that purchased Angelina Jolie’s former interest, making the ownership dispute central to the ongoing litigation.
Did Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie finalize their divorce?
Yes. Their divorce settlement was finalized in December 2024, but the Château Miraval business dispute continues separately.
When is the next hearing?
A hearing regarding whether Stoli owner Yuri Shefler must provide testimony is scheduled for July 8, while depositions are expected to be completed by September 30.
Why is this lawsuit significant?
The case involves millions of dollars, ownership of a globally recognized wine brand, and questions surrounding contractual agreements between two of Hollywood’s biggest stars, making it one of the entertainment industry’s highest-profile legal disputes.