Jackson family takes Giant Steps Down Under

Australia’s Jackson Family Wines, the family-owned wine company founded in 1982, has purchased Giant Steps Winery, located in the Yarra Valley, east of Melbourne.

Recognized as a world-class producer of single-vineyard Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, Giant Steps joins Yangarra Estate Vineyard and Hickinbotham Clarendon Vineyard, both in McLaren Vale, as part of Jackson Family Wines in Australia.

Giant Steps was established in 1997 when owner Phil Sexton arrived in the Yarra Valley in search of ideal sites to produce Chardonnay and Pinot Noir with purity and finesse. Today, the winery is regarded as one of the most progressive in Australia and is recognized globally for its pursuit of site expression. The acquisition includes the purchase of Giant Steps’ Sexton and Applejack vineyards, totalling some 75 hectares.

Like almost all JFW purchases, there will be no changes at the winery except a much better distribution of Giant Steps in North America.

A special selection of California wines is coming to B.C. Liquor Stores. The collection features several rich reds, including a one-of-a-kind Opus One collection of eight vintages available in multiple formats. Napa and Sonoma will be represented along with picks from further afield in Paso Robles, Sonoma and Santa Barbara. The wine will be in select B.C. Liquor Store locations in limited quantities, and bottle restrictions may apply. Wines will be in stores on Sept. 12.