Last Updated on March 28, 2026 by The HD Post Staff

CALIFORNIA – Justin Vineyards & Winery and parent company The Wonderful Company will pay $1.49 million to settle a sexual harassment and retaliation lawsuit, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) announced March 27.

The Paso Robles-based winery features a Michelin-starred restaurant, tasting rooms, and accommodations.

The EEOC alleges that since at least August 2017, female employees faced sexual harassment from supervisors, co-workers, and customers.

The companies failed to properly address complaints, leaving employees vulnerable to ongoing harassment. The alleged harassment included frequent offensive remarks, advances, and unwelcome touching.

Employees who complained faced retaliation or were forced to quit, the suit said.

Christine Park-Gonzalez, director of the EEOC’s Los Angeles District Office, said sexual harassment in the restaurant and food service industries is a widespread problem that the EEOC seeks to address.

According to a 2021 survey, more than 70% of female restaurant employees have been sexually harassed, and half experience sexual harassment on a weekly basis. Harassment complaints come to the EEOC from restaurant industry workers more often than from any other sector.

“We commend employees for speaking up about mistreatment in the workplace,” Park-Gonzalez added.

The alleged conduct violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, which prohibits sex-based harassment and retaliation. 

After attempting to resolve the matter through conciliation, the EEOC filed suit in U.S. District Court for the Central District of California (Case No. 2:22-cv-06039).

Major agricultural and beverage company

The lawsuit was filed in federal court in 2022. The Wonderful Company is a major California-based agricultural and beverage company with multiple national brands, including FIJI Water.

For more information on sexual harassment and retaliation, visit https://www.eeoc.gov/sexual-harassment and https://www.eeoc.gov/retaliation.