“What did you expect? I’m French.”
Tony Parker, investing in an Avignon Vineyard to start a wine label.
Since the surprise spill that Celebrities and celebrity sommeliers like investing in assets like Food and Beverages, there are plenty of established accolades bubbling through the cosmos of stardom…since decades.
From Elvis’ Estate to Snoop Dogg collaborations, and Anniversary Design Collaborations like NIGO for Penfolds 180 years of splendour. The Charismatic design of 4 boxes by NIGO is “inspired by the traditional Asian graphic pattern Ichimatsu Moyou, a symbol of eternity and prosperity.”
Here at Stewart Hill Wines we take stock of the valuable business to business assistance to which celebrity sommeliers contribute in their projects and travels.
Motivations and Investments
The endorsement and appearance of stars and icons on labels and as collaborators is very popular with fans and entertainment culture. In their fields as natural influencer venturers, sharing their discoveries with all their followers and friends. The expression of their taste and delight in the knowledge has lead to new fields and treatments in creating ‘Natural Wines’.
Leonardo DiCaprio, Maison Telmont Champagne.
“Leonardo a exprimé son enthousiasme de faire partie de l’aventure Telmont”
Cameron Diaz
Co-founded Avaline (2020), a brand of organic wines. She was inspired by her preference for “clean” wines free of added sugars and chemicals. Her journey involved researching wine production extensively and partnering with winemakers.
Other famous collaborations include low calorie, low carb, low sugar, gluten free, keto and vegan wines produced in Napa, by Nina Dobrev and Julianne Hough. (Fresh Vine Wine)
Kyle MacLachlan
Famous for his roles in Twin Peaks and Dune, developed a strong interest in Washington wines. His brand, Pursued by Bear, reflects his deep involvement in crafting high-quality wines with complex flavour profiles.
Bob Dylan was involved with and Italian Wine promotion using his image and ACDC hold an Australian Wine Selection including ‘Highway to Hell Cabernet Sauvignon’ (Warburn Estate)
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie
Invested in Château Miraval in Provence, famous for its rosé wine. Their collaboration with winemaker Marc Perrin led to a critically acclaimed product, which they marketed using the estate’s reputation and their global fame.
Francis Ford Coppola
An acclaimed and prolific filmmaker, has been a vintner for decades. He purchased a winery in Napa Valley in the 1970s, blending his creative and entrepreneurial spirit into producing award-winning wines.
Training and Expertise with Celebrity Sommeliers
We know that some celebrities, such as musician Sting and actress Drew Barrymore, immersed themselves in the winemaking process. They apprenticed with experts and studied viticulture. NBA star Dwyane Wade (Wade Cellars) worked with experienced wine producers. They show their passion to learn and contribute to their vision.
Becoming a sommelier, for those pursuing expertise professionally, requires years of rigorous study, tasting, and certification. Master Sommeliers, for instance, undergo intensive exams on theory, tasting, and service.
Impact and Recognition
We now have several trusted celebrities in the wine world. Coppola’s wines are sought-after at events, and Kyle MacLachlan’s Pursued by Bear Cabernet Sauvignon is highly rated by celebrity sommeliers for its balance and complexity. Pharrell Williams is Sommelier to the stars. The once staid and old-school ideas of wine drinking and culture are back in the bar and cellars of all the best people.
The wine label brands Avaline and Miraval have carved out niches by focusing on sustainability, health-conscious consumers, or regional authenticity. Their success depends on both the quality of the wine and the celebrity’s credibility.
We hear a lot about the new attention to diet, wine and health conscious ways to incorporate this ancient and valuable drink into our life.
Blending passion with strategic marketing, many celebrities have demonstrated long-term commitment. They are actively participating in the production, learning about wine, or working with respected industry professionals. Their expression and exuberance is infectious this season.