In recent years, celebrities have been making high-profile forays into the wine business. Actors, directors, musicians, and former professional athletes are among the many A-listers getting into winemaking.
To determine the best of the lot, VinePair sampled more than 25 wines from around the world. We limited inclusion in the final ranking to those that were widely available at the time of tasting, or are set for imminent release. We also set a one-wine-per-brand limit.
From everyday rosés to dinner-party-worthy reds, here are 11 of our favorite celebrity wines, broken down by category.
WHITE
Invivo X, Sarah Jessica Parker Sauvignon Blanc, 2019
Sarah Jessica Parker
Launching September 2019, this Marlborough Sauvignon Blanc is a great example of why the category has been so successful in recent years. The wine has intense tropical fruit aromas, including mango, guava, and pineapple peel, and a seasoning of capsicum pepper. It’s best enjoyed chilled, while watching reruns of early aughts premium cable. Average price: $19.
Ernie Els ‘Big Easy’ Chenin Blanc, 2018
Ernie Els
As a professional golfer, Ernie Els earned the nickname “The Big Easy” for his languid, flowing swing. His South African Chenin Blanc is true to form with an easy-drinking 13 percent alcohol content, and attractive fruit flavors on the palate. Average price: $13.
ROSÉ
Studio by Miraval, 2018
Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt
One of our favorite wines on this list is this approachable rosé with racy acidity and bold red fruit aromas and flavors. Better still, it will run you less than $20 and is available practically everywhere. Average price: $19.
Château Margüi Coteaux Varois en Provence Rosé, 2018
George Lucas
While it’s one of the palest rosés we’ve come across, this wine’s character shines bright when poured into a glass. It has intense floral aromas and an opulent mouthfeel. The lively acidity invites you to take another sip while its bold fruit flavors linger on the palate. Average price: $24.
Hampton Water Languedoc Rosé, 2018
Jon Bon Jovi
Like hearing “Living on a Prayer” at a wedding, Hampton Water’s rosé could become a summertime staple. A blend of Grenache, Cinsault, and Mourvèdre, this wine has bright red fruit flavors, driving acidity, and a crunchy, mineral-rich finish. Average price: $21.
Pursued By Bear ‘Blushing Bear’ Rosé, Washington, 2018
Kyle MacLachlan
A crisp, dry rosé from Washington State’s Columbia Valley AVA, this elegant wine offers generous servings of fruit flavors and mineral notes. A “serious” rosé with a premium price tag to match. Average price: $31.
RED
Tenuta Il Palagio Sister Moon, Toscana IGT, 2015
Sting
This blend of Sangiovese, Merlot, and Cabernet Sauvignon has dried herbs and ripe fruit aromas, with fresher fruit flavors on the palate. The wine’s tannins feel young but are well-integrated and complement its refreshing acidity. Great food wine. Average price: $48.
Charles Woodson’s Intercept Pinot Noir, Monterey County, 2017
Charles Woodson
When grown in Monterey County, Pinot Noir typically offers earthy and tart red berry aromas and rich red fruit flavors. Set for release this fall, this wine from noted oenophile and retired NFL defensive back Charles Woodson displays all of these hallmarks. With an SRP of less than $20, it’s a great value pick in the American Pinot Noir category. Average price: $18.
Z. Alexander Brown Uncaged Cabernet Sauvignon, North Coast, 2017
Zac Brown
A full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon from California’s North Coast, this isn’t burly or brash like a Napa Cab; it’s soft, plush and immediately approachable. Well-balanced tannins and acidity make it a great wine to share at the dinner table, while black fruit notes and peppery spice suggest grilled meat as an ideal pairing. Average price: $15.
SPARKLING
Mod Selection Reserve, Non-Vintage
Drake
This Pinot Meunier-driven Champagne is lively, crisp, and refreshing. The glitzy bottle resembles an expensive box of chocolates, which is to say, it’s perhaps not for everyone. But this is a solid bottle of wine if you’re looking to splurge to align with your favorite celebrity. Average price: $300.
LVE French Sparkling Rosé, Non-Vintage
John Legend
On the opposite end of the price spectrum comes this fantastic bottle of affordable French bubbles. The wine is produced using fruit sourced from around the country. It has mouthwatering acidity and a tart, round, juicy palate. Average price: $20.
