Celebrities are known for partnering with companies to use their influence to venture into other businesses, so its no surprise that the number of celebrity-owned wineries is growing each year. With so many to choose from, how do you know which celebrity wine labels are worth the cost and which to avoid? Here are our top three celebrity wines that are definitely worth the trip, including the location to Kurt Russell’s winery.
Kurt Russell’s GoGi Celebrity Wines
Kurt Russell partnered with Peter and Rebecca Work of Ampelos Cellars in 2008 to found GoGi Wines. Kurt Russell’s winery location is in California’s Santa Rita Hills. He dreamed of creating his own wine label after years of falling in love with the winemaking process.
My romance with wine began many years ago on bicycle trips with Goldie and our family through the great wine regions of France, Italy and California. Those fabulous excursions through picturesque vineyards provided the opportunity to sample many terrific wines. “Sampling” might be putting it lightly, especially where Burgundy is concerned. Those wines didn’t just steal my palate, they stole my heart.
The label produces both chardonnay and pinot noir, although Russell admits the pinot noir celebrity wine is his true passion. Kurt names each variety for someone special in his life, such as the “Goldie” chardonnay named for his longtime partner Goldie Hawn. Each vintage is small batched and personally designed by Kurt. He also invites wine lovers to join his GoGi Wine Club. Members commit to one case purchased each year, complete with tasting notes compiled by Russell. Membership also offers the added bonus of an exclusive invite to an annual party hosted by Russell himself.
Dave Matthews’ Blenheim Vineyards
Established in 2000 by owner Dave Matthews, Blenheim Vineyards is located in central Virginia. It produces an impressive 9 varieties of celebrity wine, both red and white. Matthews, along with master craftsman William Johnson, designed the vineyard and its buildings to have a minimal environmental impact. Paneled glass floors in the tasting room allow visitors to see into the wine production facility below, which is kept cool by being nestled into the side of a hill.
The day to day operations of the vineyard fall to Matthews’ brother, while Matthews’ original artwork adorns the bottles. The vineyard often hosts events with live music and food trucks specifically picked to complement their wines. Just as you would expect from a winery owned by a rock star, the atmosphere is laid back and relaxed. It’s the perfect compliment to the college town of Charlottesville nearby.
John Legend’s LVE Celebrity Wines
Singer John Legend searched for years for the perfect opportunity to enter the celebrity wine business. He finally found the perfect partner in Raymond Vineyards in Napa Valley, California. Together they produce LVE Wines, an impeccable collection of wine boasting impressive 90+ Wine Spectator scores. Wine Spectator recently awarded the brand the magazine’s first Wine Star Wine and Culture Award.
The perfect harmony of passion, eloquence and Napa Valley tradition. A unique series of rich, soulful and complex notes…
Vineyard visitors can choose from a variety of experiences. Wine flights range from standard current batch tastings to straight from the barrel in the cellar tasting room. True enthusiasts can also opt for the Winemaker for a Day option where they can create their own unique red blend and take home a bottle (or a case!) to enjoy at home. If Napa isn’t in your travel plans, visit John on tour for tastings at every concert!
Whether you crave a cabernet or relish in rosé, you’re sure to be able to find a celebrity wine that fits your tastes. For more wine-centered travel, explore The 4 Best Wine Destinations in Italy.
