Celebrities from all walks of fame are stepping into the wine world. Sports stars, actors, musicians and TV personalities are all jumping on the wine bandwagon, some owning vineyards and others getting more hands-on in the winemaking itself.
This growing trend shows no sign of slowing with recent celebrities to launch their own wines including George Clooney, Gordon Ramsey and Gary Barlow.
Arguably the most well-known celebrity wine is the Armand de Brignac Champagne, nicknamed ‘Ace of Spades’, which until last year was owned by rap star and entrepreneur Jay-Z. In 2021 he sold a 50% stake in the luxury Champagne brand to LVMH’s wine and spirits arm Moët Hennessy for an undisclosed sum.
Other top tier winemaking celebs include The Godfather director Francis Ford Coppola who makes wines under the Inglenook and Francis Ford Coppola Winery labels, and Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie whose Miraval rosé – produced by the Provence estate owned by former couple – has done wonders for the premium rosé market.
There’s also professional golfer Ernie Els’ Stellenbosch wines, Cliff Richard’s Portuguese reds, Sam Neill’s Central Otago Two Paddocks winery, and fashion designer Roberto Cavalli’s wines from Tuscany.
Cricketer Sir Ian Botham has his own range of wines, as does talk show host Graham Norton, and rock star Maynard James Keenan – of Tool and Puscifer fame – who makes wine in Jerome, Arizona under the Caduceus Cellars label.
In July last year George Clooney became the owner of Domaine du Canadel, a 170 hectare estate in the Var region of Provence. The vineyards are just down the road from Hollywood director and Star Wars creator George Lucas’ estate Château Margüi.
Also making wine in southern France is soft rocker Jon Bon Jovi, who teamed up with Gérard Bertrand in 2019 to produce a rosé under the Hampton Water label. According to the pair, the wine ‘captures the art of living and conviviality common to the Hamptons and the South of France.’
Celebrity winemakers: How involved are they?
‘Decanter readers may be mildly suspicious of celebrity wines,’ wrote Andrew Jefford in his column for the July 2021 issue of Decanter magazine following an interview with Kylie Minogue.
‘You’re buying a famous person and their image rather than a beautiful drink imbued with a sense of place, right? Don’t hurry to conclusions, though.
‘Minogue (2.2 million followers on Instagram and Twitter) has sold one million bottles of wine in the past year, many of them to people who have never drunk wine before.’
Similarly, after the success of Château Miraval, Brad Pitt, along with co-owners of the estate, the Perrin family of Château de Beaucastel, joined forces with the Péters family to produce a rosé Champagne.
The team behind Fleur de Miraval rosé Champagne, emphasised Pitt’s active role in the project and described it as ‘not some new celebrity wine, but an authentic project’.
Sting, ex-frontman of The Police, is also a winemaker, producing wine from the Tuscan estate Il. Here he discusses the wines that have played a major part in his life.
Introducing new wine lovers?
Jefford believes that through Minogue’s Collection series wine drinkers may come to appreciate other wines made by the producers she has teamed up with; Howard Park in Western Australia, de Bortoli in the Yarra Valley and Château Sainte Roseline in Côtes de Provence.
‘Some may even become Decanter readers,’ he says, ‘as Minogue herself has.’
‘Minogue’s genuinely involved; those helping her have done a good job; the wines are accessible, not ‘luxury’; she’s opening up the wine world to new palates. Anything wrong with that?’
The following list of wines were tasted and rated by a range of Decanter experts at the time of their release. Find more in-depth tastings of Armand de Brignac and Kylie’s wine range, plus more in our wine database.
Top celebrity wines, tasted by our experts
Armand de Brignac, Ace of Spades Blanc de Noirs A3, Champagne, France
96
The third and latest Assemblage (hence A3) of this superb Blanc de Noirs, as with all the Brignac range, an amalgam of three vintages, in this instance 2009, 2010 and 2012. The wine has had six years on its lees and was disgorged in April this year, its dosage modest at 8 g/l, its provenance including famous Grand Cru villages, Bouzy and Verzenay. This gem boasts a rich burnished gold colour then an immediately seductive nose of tobacco, fig, crème brûlée and cassis; classic Blanc de Noirs red fruit is bolstered by incredible layers of complexity; now we are in an Andalusian orange grove, now on the chalky terraces of the Marne….and so much more. Generous and yet vinous, pure yet incredibly opulent, this is a definitive statement wine and carries the reputation of the house with enormous aplomb.
Armand de Brignac
Seresin Estate, Mãrama, Wairau Valley, Marlborough, New Zealand, 2016
92
The new release of a unique style of Sauvignon Blanc that justifies its premium price. Biodynamic grapes from the Noa vineyard, Seresin's oldest, were whole-bunch pressed and wild-yeast fermented in barriques then aged in barrel (11% new) for 18 months. It's a serious, concentrated, complex wine, with warm alcohol and integrated toasty oak spice notes on a nutty, textured palate of lemon curd, meadow flowers, wild herbs and poached quince. Needs time – and food.
2016
Seresin EstateWairau Valley
Château de Tigné, Les Maillones, Anjou Blanc, Loire, France, 2015
Larger than life French actor and bon-viveur Gérard Depardieu surely needs little introduction. After his outstanding performance as a doomed hunchbacked farmer in the film...
2015
Château de TignéAnjou Blanc
Sir Ian Botham, The All-Rounder Chardonnay, South Eastern Australia, Australia, 2018
89
Unlike many other celebrities, cricket legend Sir Ian has had actual involvement in his new wine project. Here, he wanted the lightly oaked Margaret River fruit to give a tropical, peachy flavour, which joins green apple, zippy grapefruit acidity and vanilla hints. Great value – especially when on offer for £5.99.
2018
Sir Ian Botham
Gordon Ramsay, Pinot Grigio, delle Venezie, Veneto, Italy, 2023
88
Produced in collaboration with chef Gordon Ramsay and renowned winemaker, Alberto Antonini, this Pinot Grigio from the Veneto region of Italy has bold scents of tropical fruits. In the mouth it's succulent, ripe and round, with rich flavours of pineapple, apricot and cantaloupe melon. Best enjoyed on its own, or with the sweet meat of prawn, crayfish or lobster.
2023
Gordon Ramsaydelle Venezie
Miraval, Rosé, Côtes de Provence, Provence, France, 2016
92
The fate of this celebrity-owned vineyard which currently belongs to Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie may be uncertain, but there’s no doubt about the quality of this fresh, elegant, wild strawberry scented rosé. Drink with: lobster, sea bass.
2016
MiravalCôtes de Provence
Kylie Minogue, Ch Ste Roseline Cru Classé Provence Rosé, Provence, France, 2020
92
The historical classification of Provence properties was made in 1855; 23 domains were selected of which only 18 still exist – and one of these is Ch. Ste Roseline, the source of Kylie Minogue’s Provence rosé. This petal-pink ‘Cru Classé’ wine comes from some of the property’s best vineyards. Look out for creamy, tender aromas of peach, hawthorn flower and almond. On the palate, the wine is dry, structured and vinous, with almond, peach and lemon flavours, and even a hint of green olive. This is a more concentrated, glycerous, resonant and food-friendly wine than the prettier, perter but slightly shorter Côtes de Provence Rosé.
2020
Kylie Minogue
Maison No.9 Rosé, Méditerranée IGP, France, 2020
90
Brand new from US rapper Post Malone, this is the latest celebrity wine project to hit the shelves. Named after his favourite tarot card, The Nine of Swords, his Provence-style rosé is a blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and Merlot. It's priced ambitiously, but will go down well with those who love the classic, dry, pale Provençal style. It's very easy to enjoy the intense florality – white flowers, honeysuckle, a touch of rose – and juicy strawberry fruit. Crisp and refreshing, with good typicity. Congratulations.
2020
Méditerranée IGP
Gérard Bertrand, Hampton Water Rosé, Languedoc, Languedoc-Roussillon, France, 2019
90
A fun, feisty collaboration between Jon Bon Jovi, his son Jesse, and Gérard Bertrand, Hampton Water Rosé brings together the legends of music and wine in a single bottle. Ripe red fruit meets lemon peel, the fruit is forward, aromatic and refined, with spicy notes and a touch of garrigue playing in the background. Medium-bodied, with a crisp, clean finish.
2019
Gérard BertrandLanguedoc
Claudio Quarta, Rosé on the Dancefloor by Sophie Ellis Bextor, Puglia, Puglia, Italy, 2023
86
Made from ripe and fruity Primitivo grown in the southern Italian region of Puglia, this wine – in collaboration with UK singer Sophie Ellis Bextor – is bold and spicy, with some prickly white pepper alongside cherry and strawberry flavours and a creamy background. Vibrant and intense, it certainly captures your attention, and would pair well with charcuterie, or some spicy snacks in front of the TV on a Saturday night.
2023
Claudio QuartaPuglia
Inglenook, Rubicon, Napa Valley, Rutherford, California, USA, 2018
A lovely enticing nose filled with rich plum, fig and blackcurrant fruits - heady and opulent. The palate is precise with a distinct texture, certainly...
2018
InglenookNapa Valley
Ernie Els, Major Series, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 2017
Famous South African golfer Ernie Els retains a share in this winery but it is now predominantly German-owned, with 100% Cabernet Sauvignon set to be...
2017
Ernie Els
Kylie Minogue, Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia, 2020
92
This Yarra Pinot (sourced from De Bortoli) is a bright translucent scarlet in colour. There’s lots of fresh, aromatic cherry fruit to draw you in, then a little tobacco-leaf and truffle complexity keeps you engaged. The wine is clean, svelte and smooth on the palate: pure, fine-drawn cherry once again. Seamless, gentle acidity tickles the wine into balance, and the sappy, cured-leaf notes help deepen the fruit on the palate. There are some fine, talc-like tannins – though you have to hunt them out, and you'll likely have swallowed by then. And be reaching for the next sip ...
2020
Kylie MinogueYarra Valley
Tenuta Il Palagio, Dieci, Chianti, Colli Fiorentini, Tuscany, Italy, 2016
This Tuscan estate, owned by Sting and Trudie Styler, has 25ha of vines in San Casciano Val di Pesa producing grapes mostly destined for their...
2016
Tenuta Il PalagioChianti
Quinta do Moinho, Vida Nova Reserva, Algarve, Portugal, 2012
91
Cliff Richard has a string of hits going back many years, among them Where Do We Go from Here; sadly the same could be said for his wine venture, as it is rumoured to be up for sale. Aged in oak for 12 months, this delicious Syrah Aragoñez blend exhibits opulent black cherry fruit with some sweet spice from the oak. The palate is rich and compact with firm tannins, rich black fruit concentration and a smoky finish. One for a big piece of grilled meat, and best decanted.
2012
Quinta do Moinho
Tenuta degli Dei, Cavalli, Tuscany, Italy, 2013
Roberto Cavalli, the Leopard King fashion designer, ventured into the wine world with his first vintage in 2004. The estate in Tuscany is run by...
2013
Tenuta degli Dei
Two Paddocks, Picnic Pinot Noir, Central Otago, New Zealand, 2019
From actor Sam Neill's Central Otago winery – his grandfather Sidney is the chap in the cap on the label. This is a blend of...
2019
Two Paddocks
Armand de Brignac, Ace of Spades Blanc de Noirs A3, Champagne, France
96
The third and latest Assemblage (hence A3) of this superb Blanc de Noirs, as with all the Brignac range, an amalgam of three vintages, in this instance 2009, 2010 and 2012. The wine has had six years on its lees and was disgorged in April this year, its dosage modest at 8 g/l, its provenance including famous Grand Cru villages, Bouzy and Verzenay. This gem boasts a rich burnished gold colour then an immediately seductive nose of tobacco, fig, crème brûlée and cassis; classic Blanc de Noirs red fruit is bolstered by incredible layers of complexity; now we are in an Andalusian orange grove, now on the chalky terraces of the Marne….and so much more. Generous and yet vinous, pure yet incredibly opulent, this is a definitive statement wine and carries the reputation of the house with enormous aplomb.
Armand de Brignac
Seresin Estate, Mãrama, Wairau Valley, Marlborough, New Zealand, 2016
92
The new release of a unique style of Sauvignon Blanc that justifies its premium price. Biodynamic grapes from the Noa vineyard, Seresin's oldest, were whole-bunch pressed and wild-yeast fermented in barriques then aged in barrel (11% new) for 18 months. It's a serious, concentrated, complex wine, with warm alcohol and integrated toasty oak spice notes on a nutty, textured palate of lemon curd, meadow flowers, wild herbs and poached quince. Needs time – and food.
2016
Seresin EstateWairau Valley
Château de Tigné, Les Maillones, Anjou Blanc, Loire, France, 2015
Larger than life French actor and bon-viveur Gérard Depardieu surely needs little introduction. After his outstanding performance as a doomed hunchbacked farmer in the film...
2015
Château de TignéAnjou Blanc
Sir Ian Botham, The All-Rounder Chardonnay, South Eastern Australia, Australia, 2018
89
Unlike many other celebrities, cricket legend Sir Ian has had actual involvement in his new wine project. Here, he wanted the lightly oaked Margaret River fruit to give a tropical, peachy flavour, which joins green apple, zippy grapefruit acidity and vanilla hints. Great value – especially when on offer for £5.99.
2018
Sir Ian Botham
Gordon Ramsay, Pinot Grigio, delle Venezie, Veneto, Italy, 2023
88
Produced in collaboration with chef Gordon Ramsay and renowned winemaker, Alberto Antonini, this Pinot Grigio from the Veneto region of Italy has bold scents of tropical fruits. In the mouth it's succulent, ripe and round, with rich flavours of pineapple, apricot and cantaloupe melon. Best enjoyed on its own, or with the sweet meat of prawn, crayfish or lobster.
2023
Gordon Ramsaydelle Venezie
Miraval, Rosé, Côtes de Provence, Provence, France, 2016
92
The fate of this celebrity-owned vineyard which currently belongs to Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie may be uncertain, but there’s no doubt about the quality of this fresh, elegant, wild strawberry scented rosé. Drink with: lobster, sea bass.
2016
MiravalCôtes de Provence
Kylie Minogue, Ch Ste Roseline Cru Classé Provence Rosé, Provence, France, 2020
92
The historical classification of Provence properties was made in 1855; 23 domains were selected of which only 18 still exist – and one of these is Ch. Ste Roseline, the source of Kylie Minogue’s Provence rosé. This petal-pink ‘Cru Classé’ wine comes from some of the property’s best vineyards. Look out for creamy, tender aromas of peach, hawthorn flower and almond. On the palate, the wine is dry, structured and vinous, with almond, peach and lemon flavours, and even a hint of green olive. This is a more concentrated, glycerous, resonant and food-friendly wine than the prettier, perter but slightly shorter Côtes de Provence Rosé.
2020
Kylie Minogue
Maison No.9 Rosé, Méditerranée IGP, France, 2020
90
Brand new from US rapper Post Malone, this is the latest celebrity wine project to hit the shelves. Named after his favourite tarot card, The Nine of Swords, his Provence-style rosé is a blend of Grenache, Cinsault, Syrah and Merlot. It's priced ambitiously, but will go down well with those who love the classic, dry, pale Provençal style. It's very easy to enjoy the intense florality – white flowers, honeysuckle, a touch of rose – and juicy strawberry fruit. Crisp and refreshing, with good typicity. Congratulations.
2020
Méditerranée IGP
Gérard Bertrand, Hampton Water Rosé, Languedoc, Languedoc-Roussillon, France, 2019
90
A fun, feisty collaboration between Jon Bon Jovi, his son Jesse, and Gérard Bertrand, Hampton Water Rosé brings together the legends of music and wine in a single bottle. Ripe red fruit meets lemon peel, the fruit is forward, aromatic and refined, with spicy notes and a touch of garrigue playing in the background. Medium-bodied, with a crisp, clean finish.
2019
Gérard BertrandLanguedoc
Claudio Quarta, Rosé on the Dancefloor by Sophie Ellis Bextor, Puglia, Puglia, Italy, 2023
86
Made from ripe and fruity Primitivo grown in the southern Italian region of Puglia, this wine – in collaboration with UK singer Sophie Ellis Bextor – is bold and spicy, with some prickly white pepper alongside cherry and strawberry flavours and a creamy background. Vibrant and intense, it certainly captures your attention, and would pair well with charcuterie, or some spicy snacks in front of the TV on a Saturday night.
2023
Claudio QuartaPuglia
Inglenook, Rubicon, Napa Valley, Rutherford, California, USA, 2018
A lovely enticing nose filled with rich plum, fig and blackcurrant fruits - heady and opulent. The palate is precise with a distinct texture, certainly...
2018
InglenookNapa Valley
Ernie Els, Major Series, Stellenbosch, South Africa, 2017
Famous South African golfer Ernie Els retains a share in this winery but it is now predominantly German-owned, with 100% Cabernet Sauvignon set to be...
2017
Ernie Els
Kylie Minogue, Pinot Noir, Yarra Valley, Victoria, Australia, 2020
92
This Yarra Pinot (sourced from De Bortoli) is a bright translucent scarlet in colour. There’s lots of fresh, aromatic cherry fruit to draw you in, then a little tobacco-leaf and truffle complexity keeps you engaged. The wine is clean, svelte and smooth on the palate: pure, fine-drawn cherry once again. Seamless, gentle acidity tickles the wine into balance, and the sappy, cured-leaf notes help deepen the fruit on the palate. There are some fine, talc-like tannins – though you have to hunt them out, and you'll likely have swallowed by then. And be reaching for the next sip ...
2020
Kylie MinogueYarra Valley
Tenuta Il Palagio, Dieci, Chianti, Colli Fiorentini, Tuscany, Italy, 2016
This Tuscan estate, owned by Sting and Trudie Styler, has 25ha of vines in San Casciano Val di Pesa producing grapes mostly destined for their...
2016
Tenuta Il PalagioChianti
Quinta do Moinho, Vida Nova Reserva, Algarve, Portugal, 2012
91
Cliff Richard has a string of hits going back many years, among them Where Do We Go from Here; sadly the same could be said for his wine venture, as it is rumoured to be up for sale. Aged in oak for 12 months, this delicious Syrah Aragoñez blend exhibits opulent black cherry fruit with some sweet spice from the oak. The palate is rich and compact with firm tannins, rich black fruit concentration and a smoky finish. One for a big piece of grilled meat, and best decanted.
2012
Quinta do Moinho
Tenuta degli Dei, Cavalli, Tuscany, Italy, 2013
Roberto Cavalli, the Leopard King fashion designer, ventured into the wine world with his first vintage in 2004. The estate in Tuscany is run by...
2013
Tenuta degli Dei
Two Paddocks, Picnic Pinot Noir, Central Otago, New Zealand, 2019
From actor Sam Neill's Central Otago winery – his grandfather Sidney is the chap in the cap on the label. This is a blend of...
2019
Two Paddocks