Sommelier Loses Unfair Dismissal Claim After Harassment Allegations

A sommelier who resigned from E & J Gallo Winery amid allegations of sexual harassment has lost an unfair dismissal case. Jake Crimmin claimed his resignation was forced and that the investigation into his conduct was predetermined.

Mr. Crimmin was accused of making inappropriate comments and touching two women at a food pairing dinner in January 2025. The event was hosted by Gallo and drinks company Molson Coors at the Radisson Red hotel in Heathrow. One woman alleged that Mr. Crimmin commented on her relationship status, wishing he had met her on a dating app, and placed his hand on her thigh, sliding it upwards. Another woman stated that Mr. Crimmin touched her back and moved his hand to the small of her back, and also placed his hand on her thigh while they were seated together.

Mr. Crimmin, who previously worked at the three-Michelin star restaurant L'Enclume, began his role at the global winery, headquartered in California with UK offices in Uxbridge, in August 2022. He was part of the company's 'Luxury' team as a luxury fine wine ambassador.

Following the allegations, Mr. Crimmin was suspended in February 2025. He informed the winery that he was experiencing anxiety and found it difficult to return to work given the accusations. He was informed that a disciplinary meeting would be necessary. The winery stated it has a zero-tolerance policy towards sexual harassment.

The following day, Mr. Crimmin submitted his resignation. He argued that the process had made his departure inevitable. An email from the investigator, Kelly Gomez, to a colleague stated, "Good news! Jake Crimmin officially resigned this morning!" Mr. Crimmin cited this email and the winery's zero-tolerance policy as evidence that the investigation was predetermined.

Employment Judge Patrick Quill ruled that a zero-tolerance policy does not inherently mean an employee will be dismissed without a fair hearing. The judge stated that such a policy, similar to one against theft, does not predetermine the outcome of an allegation. He added that Mr. Crimmin, even without a legal background, should have understood this distinction.

Judge Quill also found the comments made by Ms. Gomez and Edouard Baijot, the international director, after Mr. Crimmin's resignation to be irrelevant to the case. He noted that Mr. Baijot's comments suggested that resignation was the best course for Mr. Crimmin's career, aligning with Mr. Crimmin's own stated reasoning.

The judge dismissed Mr. Crimmin's assertion that his departure was due to redundancy, calling it "very far-fetched" and lacking evidence. The tribunal found no indication of an ulterior motive behind the investigation into the alleged misconduct.