When Jesse Bongiovi launched Hampton Water Wine Co. with his dad, Jon Bon Jovi, in 2018, he helped redefine what modern rosé could look and feel like—sun-soaked, effortless, and rooted in moments shared with the people you love.
Now, with the growth of Lily Pond Group, he’s expanding that vision far beyond the bottle. Influenced by years spent in the Hamptons’ uniquely relaxed and refined culture, Jesse’s approach to brand-building is all about capturing a feeling: the blend of ease, taste, and connection that defines a perfect summer day out East.
With Lily Pond Group’s emerging portfolio—including Hampton Water, Five Springs, and Mezcal Mezul—Jesse is shaping brands that stand for more than just good drinks. They’re grounded in storytelling, authenticity, and community, with the kind of cultural resonance that turns a product into a lifestyle.
Jesse spoke more about how he got started, how the Hamptons informed his approach, and what he sees on the horizon for the next generation of lifestyle brands.
When did you come up with the concept for Hampton Water and decide to move forward with it?
JB: We saw an opportunity to change the narrative around rosé and the idea of “rosé season.” We wanted something sophisticated but still fun and easygoing, something that reflected the lifestyle we love. When we connected with Gérard Bertrand, it all clicked. The quality in the juice matched the story we wanted to tell, and that’s when we knew we had something special.
How has growing up around the Hamptons influenced your entrepreneurial spirit and the lifestyle vision behind your brands?
JB: Growing up going to the Hamptons with its summer culture, its balance of leisure, sophistication, and time spent with friends and family, shaped my point of view. That blend of elevated taste and relaxed fun is central to Hampton Water and to everything I build. Focusing on slowing down, enjoying the moment, and creating memories is at the heart of my work.
Hampton Water became a national success — what do you think made it stand out and connect so deeply with people?
JB: From the beginning, we aimed to build a lifestyle, not just a wine. Hampton Water is approachable and grounded in real moments shared with the people you love. Even as we expanded into Bubbly, the intention stayed the same: it’s for every day, not just special occasions. That accessibility and authenticity are what resonated.
How has the brand evolved since its early days, both in its identity and its role in shaping “the Hampton Life”?
JB: Hampton Water is more than a brand, it’s truly become a lifestyle. It represents that laid-back, sun-soaked feeling no matter where you are. This summer, we launched our Artist Series, collaborating with renowned artists and supporting charities of their choice. It’s been an incredible way to combine art, purpose, and community.
What inspired you to launch Lily Pond Group, and what gap did you see in the lifestyle and beverage space that you wanted to fill?
JB: We have learned so many valuable lessons in building Hampton Water from an idea into a high-growth brand. With Lily Pond Group, we wanted to take what we’ve learned and use that experience to help others bring their visions to life. It’s about championing authenticity, supporting great storytelling, and helping brands grow thoughtfully and sustainably in a competitive industry.
The first brands under LPG — Hampton Water, Five Springs, and Mezcal Mezul — all have distinct personalities. What ties them together under your vision?
JB: Each of these brands has something genuine and distinctive at its core. With Hampton Water, it’s the lifestyle and sense of community, and has really been the framework for creating LPG. Five Springs brings a modern, flavor-forward twist to a classic spirit while staying true to bourbon craftsmanship. Mezcal Mezul is built on sustainability and a mission to welcome new consumers into the category. What ties them all together is that they each tell a story worth sharing and they’re led by people who truly care about quality, culture, and connection.
What have you learned from building Hampton Water that you’re now applying as you help grow other lifestyle brands?
JB: Hampton Water taught us the power of community – that building a brand isn’t just about selling a product, but creating a feeling people want to be part of. We’ve seen firsthand how authenticity, storytelling, and genuine connection drive long-term success. Now we’re taking those principles and sharing our expertise with other founders.
How do you strike the right balance between creative storytelling and the business side of brand-building?
JB: You really can’t have one without the other. Great storytelling drives emotional connection, it’s what makes a brand memorable and meaningful, but that story also has to be supported by smart business execution to make it sustainable. For us, it’s about leading with creativity while keeping a strong focus on strategic growth.
What do you see as the next wave of lifestyle branding, and how do you want Lily Pond Group to shape that?
JB: The next wave is culture-first brands, ones that don’t chase trends but define them. Consumers want quality, authenticity, and shared values. At LPG, we’re focused on building the next generation of lifestyle-driven alcohol brands that resonate culturally, celebrate craftsmanship, and help shape what’s next in spirits and beyond.
Looking ahead, what’s next for you — any upcoming projects or goals that you’d like to share?
JB: Right now, our focus is on continuing to grow alongside our partners at LPG and supporting their momentum. Beyond that, we’re excited to keep discovering new founders and brands that share our passion for creativity, quality, and culture. This is just the beginning for Lily Pond Group—there’s so much more ahead.
To learn more about Lily Pond Group & Hampton Water Wine Co., click here.
