A California court has ordered Stoli Group executives to testify in the dispute over Château Miraval. The decision marks a new phase in Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's legal battle. Depositions are set to take place in London by September.
The legal conflict between Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie over the French winery Château Miraval has entered a new stage after a California court ruled that members of the Stoli Group must provide testimony. The Superior Court of California granted Pitt's request to compel depositions from Stoli Group representatives, including Alexey Oliynik, in connection with Jolie's 2021 sale of her share in the estate. This move follows months of resistance from Stoli Group executives, who had declined to participate, citing their residence in Switzerland.
The court's decision, detailed in documents obtained by PEOPLE, requires that depositions be conducted in London before the end of September. The Stoli Group, led by Russian expatriate billionaire Yuri Shefler, acquired Jolie's stake through its wine division, Tenute del Mondo. Pitt's legal team maintains that Stoli's involvement is central to understanding the circumstances of the sale, which Pitt claims violated a prior agreement requiring mutual consent for any transfer of ownership.
Oliynik, a key figure in the Stoli Group, had previously refused to provide documents or appear for questioning. The court's order now obliges him and other executives to participate in the process. Meanwhile, a separate hearing is scheduled for July 8 to determine whether Shefler himself will be compelled to testify. The California Court of Appeals recently reversed an earlier decision regarding Shefler's role, noting that it was unlikely he would invest nearly $40 million without direct knowledge of the transaction.
The dispute over Château Miraval began in February 2022, when Pitt filed a lawsuit alleging that Jolie's sale of her share to Shefler's "Russia-affiliated spirits conglomerate" threatened the reputation and stability of the business. Jolie's legal team has dismissed these claims as unfounded and characterized Pitt's actions as part of a broader campaign since their 2016 divorce. Both sides continue to exchange accusations, with Pitt's camp describing the latest court ruling as a step toward transparency, while Jolie's representatives argue that the outcome does not affect the core merits of the case.
According to court filings, the trial is expected to take place next year. The former couple finalized their divorce settlement in December 2024, but the dispute over the winery remains unresolved. Château Miraval, located in the south of France, is known for its award-winning rosé and has become a symbol of the high-profile split between the two actors. The outcome of the legal proceedings could have implications for international business transactions involving high-value assets and cross-border ownership disputes.
For context, Château Miraval has been a prominent name in the wine industry since Pitt and Jolie acquired it in 2012. The estate covers over 500 hectares and includes both vineyards and a historic château. The Stoli Group, with its global portfolio, has expanded its presence in the wine sector in recent years. The ongoing legal battle highlights the complexities that can arise when personal and business interests intersect on an international scale.
