Are Celebrity Wines Worth Your Money?
Filed under: Celebs & Money, Food & Drink
For David Beckham, diamonds and luxury cars were unsuitable gifts for his wife Victoria's 34th birthday. Instead, a seven-figure Napa Valley vineyard was more "appropriate." Over the years the list of celebrity wineries and labels continues to grow almost as fast as it takes for a grape to ripen. True, having enormous amounts of cash may help in establishing a wine business, however, if you want to succeed you'll have to come to terms with the fact that money won't guarantee a stellar vino. Moreover, celebrity status alone isn't enough to win over the palates of consumers.
Have a look at our photo gallery list of celebrities who have delved into winemaking and decide for yourself whether you're willing to spend your money on uncorking one of their bottles.
Drew Barrymore
Drew Barrymore has nothing to whine about. It's been a very good year for the bubbly actress and producer. Not only has the expectant mother tied the knot with Will Kopelman, she also has a gold medal that she can proudly display next to her Golden Globe. Earlier this year she launched her first wine label, Barrymore, and received critical acclaim from the prestigious French Le Challenge International du Vin. Inspired by her numerous trips to Italy, she created a Pinot Grigio, which boast hints of apricot and lively citrus flavours, in honour of her family.
Francis Ford Coppola
No celebrity wine list would be complete without mentioning Francis Ford Coppola. He truly is the "Godfather" of celebrity wine. Winemaking in the Coppola family can be traced over several generations. Take, for example, Agostino Coppola, Francis' grandfather, who used to make wine in the basement of his New York apartment building. Today, Francis makes his wines on his palatial California Rubicon Estate. The Francis Ford Coppola Winery produces more than forty wines and nine labels and has been the recipient of numerous prestigious wine awards, including the USA Wine Producer of the Year award. At approximately $20 a bottle you, too, can afford the Director's Cut.
Marilyn Monroe
If Coppola is the "Godfather" of celebrity wines, then Marilyn is the grandmother. In 1981, a small group of friends dabbled in winemaking at their home located in the Napa Valley. A couple of years later, they perfected their craft and a homemade bottle of merlot was unveiled at a dinner party. They called it Marilyn Merlot. The vintage label quickly and still continues to be a critical and commercial success. Bottles sell out fast and if you're looking for a vintage from the 1980s expect to pay between $200-$3,000 per bottle. The winemakers hold an exclusive agreement with the estate of Marilyn Monroe for the use of her name and images.
Gerard Depardieu
If you can look past the deplorable urination incident, you may respect the French actor's culinary and oenology know-how. Despite the ever-expanding list of celebrity winemakers, what makes Depardieu stand out is that he's been making wine since the early eighties. To date Depardieu has vineyards in Bordeaux, Spain, Morocco and Argentina. Together with business partners Bernard Magrez and Michel Rolland he has 13 different wines. He's been quoted as saying that tending vines and producing artisan food is a greater ambition than any Hollywood role.
Dan Aykroyd
The former Ghost Buster, Blues brother and Second City Alumni has decidedly taken a more cultured turn with his latest business venture. Many years ago, he and multi-millionaire entrepreneur, John Paul DeJoria, put their heads together and brought Patrón tequila to Canada. This paved the way for Aykroyd to embark on his own wine label. Since 2005, Aykroyd has had his own award-winning signature line of wines, the Discovery Series. Aykroyd admits he has a 'passion' for fine wine and plans to continue to offer high-quality vino.
Johnny Depp
Perhaps Johnny Depp's next film should be called Pirate of the Côte d'Azur in homage of the St. Tropez area vineyard he bought for his long-term partner Vanessa Paradis. Years ago Depp revealed to French magazine Madame Figaro his favourite wines: Châteaux Calon-Ségur, Pétrus and Cheval-Blanc. Sources say he isn't a fan of American wine, which would explain the rumours of him shipping 10 crates a day of his own wine during the filming of Public Enemies. Depp is very hands-on with his hobby – he selects the grapes, works the machinery, and has completed wine-tasting courses. But don't expect a Depp label to debut anytime soon. He has told the French press, "I have a secret desire to make wine. But I'll keep it for myself before daring to sell it commercially."
Madonna
Nearly 15 years ago The Ciccone Vineyard & Winery was established and in 2006 they launched a five-variety collection of "Madonna Wines." The singer's father Tony Ciccone and his current wife, Joan, run the Michigan-based wine business along with their son and cellar master, Mario, and grandson, Silvio Jr. If you would like a bottle of vintage Madonna, a 2005 Ciccone Leelanau Madonna Chardonnay would cost you $25.00.
Have a look at our photo gallery list of celebrities who have delved into winemaking and decide for yourself whether you're willing to spend your money on uncorking one of their bottles.
SLIDESHOW: CELEBRITY WINES
Drew Barrymore
Drew Barrymore has nothing to whine about. It's been a very good year for the bubbly actress and producer. Not only has the expectant mother tied the knot with Will Kopelman, she also has a gold medal that she can proudly display next to her Golden Globe. Earlier this year she launched her first wine label, Barrymore, and received critical acclaim from the prestigious French Le Challenge International du Vin. Inspired by her numerous trips to Italy, she created a Pinot Grigio, which boast hints of apricot and lively citrus flavours, in honour of her family.
Francis Ford Coppola
No celebrity wine list would be complete without mentioning Francis Ford Coppola. He truly is the "Godfather" of celebrity wine. Winemaking in the Coppola family can be traced over several generations. Take, for example, Agostino Coppola, Francis' grandfather, who used to make wine in the basement of his New York apartment building. Today, Francis makes his wines on his palatial California Rubicon Estate. The Francis Ford Coppola Winery produces more than forty wines and nine labels and has been the recipient of numerous prestigious wine awards, including the USA Wine Producer of the Year award. At approximately $20 a bottle you, too, can afford the Director's Cut.
Marilyn Monroe
If Coppola is the "Godfather" of celebrity wines, then Marilyn is the grandmother. In 1981, a small group of friends dabbled in winemaking at their home located in the Napa Valley. A couple of years later, they perfected their craft and a homemade bottle of merlot was unveiled at a dinner party. They called it Marilyn Merlot. The vintage label quickly and still continues to be a critical and commercial success. Bottles sell out fast and if you're looking for a vintage from the 1980s expect to pay between $200-$3,000 per bottle. The winemakers hold an exclusive agreement with the estate of Marilyn Monroe for the use of her name and images.
Gerard Depardieu
If you can look past the deplorable urination incident, you may respect the French actor's culinary and oenology know-how. Despite the ever-expanding list of celebrity winemakers, what makes Depardieu stand out is that he's been making wine since the early eighties. To date Depardieu has vineyards in Bordeaux, Spain, Morocco and Argentina. Together with business partners Bernard Magrez and Michel Rolland he has 13 different wines. He's been quoted as saying that tending vines and producing artisan food is a greater ambition than any Hollywood role.
Dan Aykroyd
The former Ghost Buster, Blues brother and Second City Alumni has decidedly taken a more cultured turn with his latest business venture. Many years ago, he and multi-millionaire entrepreneur, John Paul DeJoria, put their heads together and brought Patrón tequila to Canada. This paved the way for Aykroyd to embark on his own wine label. Since 2005, Aykroyd has had his own award-winning signature line of wines, the Discovery Series. Aykroyd admits he has a 'passion' for fine wine and plans to continue to offer high-quality vino.
Johnny Depp
Perhaps Johnny Depp's next film should be called Pirate of the Côte d'Azur in homage of the St. Tropez area vineyard he bought for his long-term partner Vanessa Paradis. Years ago Depp revealed to French magazine Madame Figaro his favourite wines: Châteaux Calon-Ségur, Pétrus and Cheval-Blanc. Sources say he isn't a fan of American wine, which would explain the rumours of him shipping 10 crates a day of his own wine during the filming of Public Enemies. Depp is very hands-on with his hobby – he selects the grapes, works the machinery, and has completed wine-tasting courses. But don't expect a Depp label to debut anytime soon. He has told the French press, "I have a secret desire to make wine. But I'll keep it for myself before daring to sell it commercially."
Madonna
Nearly 15 years ago The Ciccone Vineyard & Winery was established and in 2006 they launched a five-variety collection of "Madonna Wines." The singer's father Tony Ciccone and his current wife, Joan, run the Michigan-based wine business along with their son and cellar master, Mario, and grandson, Silvio Jr. If you would like a bottle of vintage Madonna, a 2005 Ciccone Leelanau Madonna Chardonnay would cost you $25.00.
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