Brad Pitt's Vineyard Vendetta: Hollywood Star Seeks to Expel Russian Oligarch from Wine Venture
Brad Pitt, esteemed Hollywood actor and wine entrepreneur, is on a quest to displace the Russian oligarch who purchased ex-spouse Angelina Jolie's stake in his cherished French vineyard, valued at $500 million. Sources say the "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood" Oscar laureate is far from quenching his thirst for justice.
Pitt, 59, has found himself at odds with Yuri Shefler, the owner of the Stoli vodka brand, since the oligarch publicly scorned the actor in legal documents. Shefler denigrated Pitt as merely "an actor, not a winemaker," trivializing him as a dilettante engaged in "illusions, not dirt and grapes."
The disagreement was initially sparked when Pitt's estranged spouse, Jolie, 48, sold her 50% share of the Château Miraval wine enterprise to the Russian business magnate in 2021. Jolie reportedly made the transaction without consulting Pitt, who insiders contend should have been granted the right of first refusal. They assert Pitt had previously dismissed a bid from Shefler.
Adding fuel to the fire, Pitt has no intention of maintaining a business alliance with the billionaire tycoon. "Brad vehemently resists sharing the vineyard business with Shefler," an insider reveals.
In response, Pitt has launched legal action against both Jolie and Shefler in a bid to dissolve the arrangement that thrust him into an unwilling partnership with the Russian magnate, perceived as a close associate of Russia's president.
The former Hollywood power couple acquired the estate in 2008 for $28.4 million. They began marketing their highly praised rosé in 2013, aided by the expertise of the Perrin winemaking family. With this new legal saga unfolding, the future of this critically acclaimed wine brand hangs in the balance.