Jon Bon Jovi wine brand welcomes former Bacardi exec as new CEO

Michael Misiorski, who has formerly held roles at drinks giants Edrington, Stoli Group, Bacardi and Absolut Spirits, has taken up a new role as CEO of Hampton Water, the rosé brand founded by rock star Jon Bon Jovi.

The You Give Love a Bad Name singer founded wine brand Hampton Water with son Jesse Bongiovi, releasing the inaugural vintage in 2017 with the help of Languedoc maverick Gérard Bertrand.

Misiorski joins the team at Hampton Water following three decades of industry experience. His previous roles include CFO North America for Stoli Group, SVP finance and CFO for The Edrington Group Americas, and CEO of Sagamore Spirit.

Jesse Bongiovi, who founded Hampton Water with father Jon Bon Jovi, said that the new hire came at a “critical inflection point of the Hampton Water business”. He noted that the new CEO has been brought on board to “help lead our ever-growing team” in the brand’s goal to become the number one rosé in the category.

Misiorski said of his new position: “I am excited to start this new chapter working with Hampton Water, a brand that has experienced incredible growth. There’s a lot of passion behind this brand, and a strong drive to make it succeed. I have no doubt that with this team we will become the recognised leader within the rosé category.”

Hampton Water is a Southern French blend of Grenache, Cinsault and Mourvèrdre, picked from low-yielding plots in the Languedoc. Around 20% of the blend is aged in new French oak for added complexity and length. Particular attention is paid to the pressing process to ensure that only the first, top-quality juice is kept.

The wine is aged in New French Oak barrels for 30-60 days with the goal of making it less acidic than other rosés from the South of France, according to a press release.

Bon Jovi sat down with the drinks business last year to speak about his venture into the wine world. Read that interview here.