Brand Story

The People Behind the Purpose

The Justify Wines Story

A Vision Rooted in Craft, Connection, and Conviction

At Justify Wines, we believe great wine is more than just taste — it’s a shared experience, a story poured into every glass. Founded by Jennifer Werderitsch, a dynamic leader with over two decades of experience in global relationship building and team development, Justify Wines was born from a deep passion for authenticity, community, and unforgettable moments.

Jennifer’s approach blends strategic leadership with heartfelt hospitality — curating experiences that go beyond the bottle. Her background in education and deep understanding of people fuel a brand built on trust, storytelling, and a relentless pursuit of quality.

That same vision resonated with Les Walker, Founder of Aarik Capital, who joined as a strategic partner. Les brings more than capital—he brings a belief that brands built with integrity and craft can scale without compromise. Together, Jennifer and Les are shaping Justify Wines into a premium label defined by precision, pride, and purpose.

This isn’t just wine—it’s wine, justified.

Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Justify Wines

Jennifer Werderitsch

Jennifer Werderitsch is the Founder and CEO of Justify Wines, bringing over two decades of experience in sales leadership, team development, and global relationship management. Her vision for Justify Wines is rooted in a powerful belief: exceptional wine is not just produced—it is experienced, shared, and remembered.

With a background in education (B.A., Education) and a career marked by building high-performing teams and mentoring professionals, Jennifer leads with both strategic focus and emotional intelligence. She has cultivated a wide-reaching network across the U.S. and internationally, enabling Justify Wines to grow with purpose and lasting impact. 

Jennifer’s approach to leadership blends business acumen with a deep understanding of hospitality and customer experience. Her natural ability to connect people—whether through a formal tasting or a thoughtfully paired meal—translates directly into the relational strength of the Justify brand. She is a storyteller at heart, passionate about curating wine moments that are as meaningful as they are memorable. 

Under her leadership, Justify Wines stands for more than just quality products; it represents authenticity, innovation, and community. Jennifer’s commitment to excellence continues to shape the brand’s trajectory—positioning Justify Wines not only as a premium label but as a growing force in experiential wine culture and long-term brand equity.

Investor & Strategic Partner, Justify Wines

Les Walker

Les Walker is the Founder and Managing Partner of Aarik Capital, a private investment firm focused on backing passionate entrepreneurs and high-integrity brands. With a keen eye for businesses that blend craftsmanship with scalability, Les’s approach to investing is rooted in fostering long-term partnerships that prioritize authenticity, quality, and sustainable growth.

His journey with Justify Wines began not with spreadsheets, but with a conviction—a belief that exceptional wine deserves to be crafted without compromise and brought to market with clarity and purpose. Recognizing Justify’s dedication to small-lot production and its “no-apologies” philosophy, Les saw an opportunity to support a brand that mirrors his own values: precision, grit, and pride in the work. 

Through Aarik Capital, Les provides strategic capital and operational insight, helping guide Justify Wines’ growth while ensuring its core identity remains untouched. His role goes beyond investment; Les is a champion of the craft, an advocate for Napa’s wine culture, and a firm believer that businesses built on integrity justify themselves.

Les holds a Bachelor of Science from the University of Memphis and an MBA from Syracuse University. He further honed his leadership acumen through the Executive Leadership Certificate program at Harvard University and is an alumnus of the Wharton Business School/Wall Street Prep Private Equity Program, where he refined his expertise in deal structuring, operational value creation, and strategic exits.