Brad Pitt Scores Major Legal Victory Against Angelina Jolie in Ongoing Château Miraval Winery Lawsuit
The bitter and protracted legal battle between Hollywood power couple turned exes Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie over their jointly owned French winery has taken another turn in Pitt’s favor. In a significant ruling, a Michigan judge has ordered key witnesses connected to the buyer of Jolie’s stake to return for further depositions, handing Pitt a strategic advantage in his effort to challenge the sale. This latest development underscores the high-stakes nature of the dispute, which has stretched on for years and shows no signs of resolution anytime soon.
Château Miraval, a sprawling 17th-century estate in the Provence region of France, became a symbol of the couple’s romance long before their 2016 separation. Pitt and Jolie purchased the property in 2008 for around $28 million (at the time), transforming it into a thriving winery renowned for its premium rosé wines. The estate gained even more fame when the pair exchanged vows there in an intimate 2014 wedding ceremony attended by close family and friends. For years, Miraval represented not just a lucrative business venture but a personal passion project, particularly for Pitt, who immersed himself in the winemaking process.
Following their highly publicized and contentious divorce, the once-shared asset became a flashpoint. In 2021, Angelina Jolie sold her 50% stake in the winery to the Stoli Group, a Luxembourg-based entity linked to Russian businessman Yuri Shefler, in a deal reportedly worth up to $164 million. Pitt has maintained that the sale required his approval as a co-owner and that Jolie’s unilateral decision breached their agreements. He filed a lawsuit in February 2022 seeking to void the transaction and claiming damages, reportedly around $35 million or more depending on evolving claims.
The case, often dubbed the “War of the Rosé” by tabloids, has been anything but straightforward. It involves complex issues of contract law, business partnerships, international transactions, and the lingering fallout from one of Hollywood’s most expensive and emotionally charged divorces. Court filings have revealed accusations flying in both directions, with Pitt arguing that the sale undermined the value and control of the estate he helped build, while Jolie’s side has pushed back against what they describe as overreach and attempts to prolong personal grievances through litigation.
Timeline of Key Events in the Winery Lawsuit
The legal wrangling has seen multiple courtroom skirmishes. Early on, Pitt secured rulings compelling Jolie to disclose certain private messages and documents related to the sale. In December 2025, a judge ordered her to turn over unredacted non-attorney communications, which legal observers suggested could prove pivotal.
Jolie, however, has notched her own victories. In May 2026, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge denied Pitt’s request for a set of 22 private emails, ruling that he failed to overcome claims of attorney-client privilege. This provided a temporary shield for sensitive communications on her side.
The most recent win for Pitt came on May 28, 2026, when a Michigan judge addressed deposition roadblocks during testimony from Todd Culyba, former General Counsel for the Stoli Group. According to court documents obtained by media outlets, Culyba was improperly instructed by lawyers not to answer approximately 33 questions concerning the business details of Jolie’s 2021 sale. The judge clarified that attorney-client privilege did not extend to these operational and transactional aspects, which remain fair game for discovery.
As a result, Culyba must sit for another deposition and respond to the blocked questions along with related follow-ups. Furthermore, the ruling extends to compelling testimony from other Stoli Group figures, including Alexey Oliynik and Yuri Shefler. Some depositions are slated to occur in London by the end of September 2026. This development allows Pitt’s legal team broader access to information about the sale process, potential negotiations, and the buyer’s intentions—details that could strengthen arguments about whether the transaction was conducted appropriately.
Why This Ruling Matters
Legal experts following the case note that discovery battles like this one often determine the trajectory of high-profile disputes. By compelling additional testimony from the Stoli side, Pitt gains leverage to probe for any irregularities or evidence supporting his breach-of-contract claims. The involvement of international parties adds layers of complexity, including jurisdictional issues and cross-border evidence gathering.
The Stoli Group has pushed back against some of Pitt’s efforts, with sources previously accusing his team of attempting to gain undue intelligence on the estate. Pitt’s camp, meanwhile, frames the lawsuit as a necessary defense of a business he poured years of effort into, describing it as a “passion” project rather than mere financial interest.
This isn’t the first time personal and professional lines have blurred in the couple’s post-divorce proceedings. The winery lawsuit runs parallel to broader divorce and custody issues that have played out in California courts. Allegations of past domestic conflicts have occasionally surfaced in filings, though judges have worked to keep the focus on the business matters at hand in this specific case.
Broader Implications for Celebrity Asset Division
The Miraval saga highlights challenges faced by high-net-worth couples when dividing shared businesses during divorce. Unlike liquid assets or real estate that can be easily split, operating companies like wineries involve ongoing management, brand value, and third-party relationships. Pitt’s insistence on control and Jolie’s decision to exit have turned what could have been a clean break into a prolonged and expensive legal marathon.
Industry insiders estimate that legal fees on both sides have already climbed into the millions, with the trial itself not expected before February 2027. This timeline means the dispute could easily stretch well past a decade from the initial separation, testing the patience of both parties and their legal teams.
For Pitt, who has been focusing on film projects like the upcoming Formula 1 movie F1, the winery represents more than money—it’s tied to his post-divorce identity and entrepreneurial ambitions. Jolie, known for her humanitarian work and selective acting roles, appears eager to move on from the shared assets of their marriage.
Public interest remains high, fueled by the couple’s enduring star power and the dramatic narrative. Tabloids and entertainment outlets continue to dissect every filing, but the core remains a contractual disagreement with significant financial stakes. The estate’s rosé production continues under the new ownership structure, but uncertainty lingers over potential changes if Pitt prevails.
What Lies Ahead
With more depositions on the horizon and a full trial on the distant horizon, both sides are digging in. Pitt’s latest win strengthens his discovery position, potentially uncovering evidence that could tip the scales. However, Jolie’s team has successfully protected certain communications before, suggesting they will continue mounting a robust defense.
As the case unfolds, it serves as a reminder of how intertwined personal relationships and business empires can become. For fans and observers, the “War of the Rosé” offers a glimpse into the less glamorous side of celebrity life—where even a romantic Provence estate can become the center of years-long contention.
This story is far from over. Updates will likely emerge as depositions proceed and more rulings come down. Whether the matter settles out of court or proceeds to a dramatic trial remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s shared history at Château Miraval continues to cast a long shadow over their post-marriage lives.
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Note: This article is based on publicly reported court developments as of late May and June 2026. Legal proceedings can evolve rapidly.
The bitter and protracted legal battle between Hollywood power couple turned exes Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie over their jointly owned French winery has taken another turn in Pitt’s favor. In a significant ruling, a Michigan judge has ordered key witnesses connected to the buyer of Jolie’s stake to return for further depositions, handing Pitt a strategic advantage in his effort to challenge the sale. This latest development underscores the high-stakes nature of the dispute, which has stretched on for years and shows no signs of resolution anytime soon.
Château Miraval, a sprawling 17th-century estate in the Provence region of France, became a symbol of the couple’s romance long before their 2016 separation. Pitt and Jolie purchased the property in 2008 for around $28 million (at the time), transforming it into a thriving winery renowned for its premium rosé wines. The estate gained even more fame when the pair exchanged vows there in an intimate 2014 wedding ceremony attended by close family and friends. For years, Miraval represented not just a lucrative business venture but a personal passion project, particularly for Pitt, who immersed himself in the winemaking process.
Following their highly publicized and contentious divorce, the once-shared asset became a flashpoint. In 2021, Angelina Jolie sold her 50% stake in the winery to the Stoli Group, a Luxembourg-based entity linked to Russian businessman Yuri Shefler, in a deal reportedly worth up to $164 million. Pitt has maintained that the sale required his approval as a co-owner and that Jolie’s unilateral decision breached their agreements. He filed a lawsuit in February 2022 seeking to void the transaction and claiming damages, reportedly around $35 million or more depending on evolving claims.
The case, often dubbed the “War of the Rosé” by tabloids, has been anything but straightforward. It involves complex issues of contract law, business partnerships, international transactions, and the lingering fallout from one of Hollywood’s most expensive and emotionally charged divorces. Court filings have revealed accusations flying in both directions, with Pitt arguing that the sale undermined the value and control of the estate he helped build, while Jolie’s side has pushed back against what they describe as overreach and attempts to prolong personal grievances through litigation.
Timeline of Key Events in the Winery Lawsuit
The legal wrangling has seen multiple courtroom skirmishes. Early on, Pitt secured rulings compelling Jolie to disclose certain private messages and documents related to the sale. In December 2025, a judge ordered her to turn over unredacted non-attorney communications, which legal observers suggested could prove pivotal.
Jolie, however, has notched her own victories. In May 2026, a Los Angeles Superior Court judge denied Pitt’s request for a set of 22 private emails, ruling that he failed to overcome claims of attorney-client privilege. This provided a temporary shield for sensitive communications on her side.
The most recent win for Pitt came on May 28, 2026, when a Michigan judge addressed deposition roadblocks during testimony from Todd Culyba, former General Counsel for the Stoli Group. According to court documents obtained by media outlets, Culyba was improperly instructed by lawyers not to answer approximately 33 questions concerning the business details of Jolie’s 2021 sale. The judge clarified that attorney-client privilege did not extend to these operational and transactional aspects, which remain fair game for discovery.
As a result, Culyba must sit for another deposition and respond to the blocked questions along with related follow-ups. Furthermore, the ruling extends to compelling testimony from other Stoli Group figures, including Alexey Oliynik and Yuri Shefler. Some depositions are slated to occur in London by the end of September 2026. This development allows Pitt’s legal team broader access to information about the sale process, potential negotiations, and the buyer’s intentions—details that could strengthen arguments about whether the transaction was conducted appropriately.
Why This Ruling Matters
Legal experts following the case note that discovery battles like this one often determine the trajectory of high-profile disputes. By compelling additional testimony from the Stoli side, Pitt gains leverage to probe for any irregularities or evidence supporting his breach-of-contract claims. The involvement of international parties adds layers of complexity, including jurisdictional issues and cross-border evidence gathering.
The Stoli Group has pushed back against some of Pitt’s efforts, with sources previously accusing his team of attempting to gain undue intelligence on the estate. Pitt’s camp, meanwhile, frames the lawsuit as a necessary defense of a business he poured years of effort into, describing it as a “passion” project rather than mere financial interest.
This isn’t the first time personal and professional lines have blurred in the couple’s post-divorce proceedings. The winery lawsuit runs parallel to broader divorce and custody issues that have played out in California courts. Allegations of past domestic conflicts have occasionally surfaced in filings, though judges have worked to keep the focus on the business matters at hand in this specific case.
Broader Implications for Celebrity Asset Division
The Miraval saga highlights challenges faced by high-net-worth couples when dividing shared businesses during divorce. Unlike liquid assets or real estate that can be easily split, operating companies like wineries involve ongoing management, brand value, and third-party relationships. Pitt’s insistence on control and Jolie’s decision to exit have turned what could have been a clean break into a prolonged and expensive legal marathon.
Industry insiders estimate that legal fees on both sides have already climbed into the millions, with the trial itself not expected before February 2027. This timeline means the dispute could easily stretch well past a decade from the initial separation, testing the patience of both parties and their legal teams.
For Pitt, who has been focusing on film projects like the upcoming Formula 1 movie F1, the winery represents more than money—it’s tied to his post-divorce identity and entrepreneurial ambitions. Jolie, known for her humanitarian work and selective acting roles, appears eager to move on from the shared assets of their marriage.
Public interest remains high, fueled by the couple’s enduring star power and the dramatic narrative. Tabloids and entertainment outlets continue to dissect every filing, but the core remains a contractual disagreement with significant financial stakes. The estate’s rosé production continues under the new ownership structure, but uncertainty lingers over potential changes if Pitt prevails.
With more depositions on the horizon and a full trial on the distant horizon, both sides are digging in. Pitt’s latest win strengthens his discovery position, potentially uncovering evidence that could tip the scales. However, Jolie’s team has successfully protected certain communications before, suggesting they will continue mounting a robust defense.
As the case unfolds, it serves as a reminder of how intertwined personal relationships and business empires can become. For fans and observers, the “War of the Rosé” offers a glimpse into the less glamorous side of celebrity life—where even a romantic Provence estate can become the center of years-long contention.
This story is far from over. Updates will likely emerge as depositions proceed and more rulings come down. Whether the matter settles out of court or proceeds to a dramatic trial remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s shared history at Château Miraval continues to cast a long shadow over their post-marriage lives.
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