Fiji Water buys Justin Vineyards

Cult mineral water brand Fiji Water has moved into wine with the acquisition of California’s Justin Vineyards & Winery.

Fiji parent company Roll International said it had bought the Paso Robles producer, known for its Bordeaux blends and single varietal wines, for an undisclosed sum.

Justin, founded by ex-investment banker Justin Baldwin and his wife Deborah in 1981, was one of the pioneers of viticulture in the Paso Robles area, and has built a reputation for a range of wines including flagship blends Isosceles and Justification.

The company produces about 50,000 cases of wine a year and has vineyard holdings of more than 80 hectares. It also runs the Just Inn bed and breakfast business, and a restaurant called Deborah’s Room.

Early reports suggest that Justin’s new owners will strengthen the focus on higher-end wines such as Isosceles and Justification, with the Baldwins and winemaking director Fred Holloway staying on at the company.

John Cochran, president and COO of Fiji Water, said the company was ‘proud’ to announce the acquisition.

‘Justin’s winemaking knowledge and exceptional team, coupled with Fiji Water’s outstanding global sales force, offers an opportunity to carefully achieve mutual growth and success for both brands,’ he added.

Justin Baldwin said of the deal: ‘Roll International is highly regarded for its California-based agricultural operations and its ability to build world-class iconic brands, like Fiji Water and Pom Wonderful. We look forward to working alongside the Fiji Water team to bring Justin wines to the global marketplace.’

Written by Richard Woodard