David Beckham. Credit: Google Images Creative Commons Licenses
Inspired by a busy sports schedule this year, this is an article detailing athletes and celebrities who are involved in the wine industry. It may be sports stars you’ll often see mentioned at online betting sites in California who own a vineyard or ex-players who regularly appear on TV and are brand ambassadors for vineyards. There’s something for everyone on this page.
What to expect
Interestingly, there are more famous names from the world of professional sports involved in the wine industry than you might think. You may already know some of them, and you’ve seen these stars on television commercials or billboards promoting wine sellers. They’re certainly easy to notice as they are major names in the world of sports and entertainment.
Then there are the names that will come as a surprise. The sports players, athletes, coaches, and even actors who aren’t involved in the advertising of a product do work behind the scenes to help promote wine and ensure its success. That could be investors or even vineyard owners. As we know, producing wine is no pass time or an easy job, but if you’re famous with access to a huge budget, you can try to make wine, and that’s what many celebrities do.
What kind of names can you expect to find covered in our list? There’s an NFL quarterback, a global superstar from the soccer world, one of the most famous singers ever to hold a note, and more besides. There is something for everyone, including lovers of sports, music, and film. You’ll already know some of the names associated with wine, while a few others may come as a surprise.
Drew Bledsoe
Drew Bledsoe
One of the first NFL quarterbacks to make a mark in the wine industry is Drew Bledsoe. Following his retirement from football, Bledsoe returned to his hometown of Walla Walla, Washington, to establish the Doubleback Winery. Known for its Cabernet Sauvignon, Doubleback has garnered critical acclaim, proving that Bledsoe’s passion for excellence extends beyond the football field.
Dan Marino
Another football legend turned vintner is Dan Marino, who co-founded the Passing Time Winery in Washington State. Marino, a Hall of Fame quarterback, teamed up with Damon Huard, another former NFL player, to create a winery that reflects their shared passion for wine and sports. Their commitment to producing high-quality wines has gained Passing Time Winery recognition among wine enthusiasts.
David Beckham
Renowned for his prowess on the soccer field and his marriage to Victoria Beckham, former English footballer David Beckham has diversified his portfolio with the Beckham Estate Vineyard in Oregon’s Willamette Valley. This venture into winemaking has seen the couple focusing on biodynamic farming practices, resulting in elegant Pinot Noir and Sauvignon Blanc wines.
Sir Cliff Richard
Sir Cliff Richard, the British pop icon, has combined his love for music and wine by establishing Adega do Cantor, meaning “Winery of the Singer,” in Portugal’s Algarve region. Now sold to a businessman, Richard’s winery produces a range of wines with an emphasis on local Portuguese grape varieties, capturing the essence of the area in each bottle.
Kyle MacLachlan
Known for his roles in iconic TV shows like Twin Peaks and Portlandia, Kyle MacLachlan has carved a niche for himself in the wine industry with his Pursued by Bear label. Situated in Washington State’s Walla Walla Valley, MacLachlan’s winery offers a diverse selection, including Cabernet Sauvignon and Syrah, reflecting his dedication to the craft.
Gérard Depardieu
Celebrated French actor Gérard Depardieu has long been associated with the world of wine. Beyond his roles in film, Depardieu owns the Château de Tigné in France’s Loire Valley. His vineyard produces a range of wines showcasing the actor’s passion for winemaking and the rich terroir of the region.
John Lasseter
Best known for his contributions to Pixar Animation Studios, John Lasseter has also made a significant impact in the wine industry with the Lasseter Family Winery in Sonoma Valley. Lasseter’s commitment to storytelling extends to winemaking, where each bottle tells a tale of craftsmanship and dedication to quality.
Mike Ditka
A football legend both on and off the field, Mike Ditka has ventured into the wine industry with Ditka Wines. The former NFL player and coach offers a selection of red wines including Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, reflecting Ditka’s robust and winning approach to winemaking.
Francis Ford Coppola
Acclaimed filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola has become synonymous with the wine industry through his eponymous winery in California’s Sonoma County. The Francis Ford Coppola Winery not only produces exceptional wines but also offers visitors a cinematic experience, combining the art of winemaking with the magic of filmmaking.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie
Hollywood power couple Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie purchased the Château Miraval estate in Provence, France, and established Miraval. Their rosé wine gained international acclaim, and the estate has become a symbol of celebrity winemaking, blending elegance with the allure of the entertainment industry.
