When it comes to investments, most celebrities opt for real estate, as it’s easier to flip a beach house in Malibu than it is to run something that requires much attention like a winery or a vineyard. Seeing as the industry pretty much has its experts, most celebrities who are interested in going in that direction often find themselves partnering instead of owning wine brands. Marketing collaborations with winemakers are not so much a rarity.
Although owning a vineyard is not an everyday affair (an acre could cost an upward of $10,000, exclusive of labor, maintenance, and production), some celebrities have managed to pull it off and are suppliers of leading winemakers. Others are winemakers themselves. From Brad Pitt to Donald Trump’s worst nightmare, Speaker of the United States House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, here are celebrities who own vineyards or wineries:
10 Brad Pitt
Brad Pitt, together with his ex-wife Angelina Jolie, co-own Château Miraval, a vineyard located in the South of France. News that the ex-couple had leased it was revealed back in 2008. Eventually, the pair owned it in partnership with winemaker Marc Perrin and used the location as a wedding venue in 2014. In 2020, it was announced that Miraval would release a Rosé brand in partnership with champagne producer Rodolphe Péters.
9 Donald Trump
While former President Donald Trump has pretty much landed himself in everyone’s bad books, enough to be kicked out of social media, his prowess when it comes to real estate is unmatched. His billion-dollar real estate investment includes a winery and vineyard. The Trump Winery, located in Virginia, is one of 23 wineries within the Monticello Wine Trail and is operated by the second of Trump’s sons, Eric Trump.
8 Nancy Pelosi
While she’s known for her tough political nature, Nancy Pelosi knows a thing or two about vineyards. She owns two; the Zinfandel Lane Vineyard and the Skellenger Lane Vineyard in Napa Valley. Though she does not produce her own brand of wine, Pelosi is a top supplier of grapes to winemakers. In 2015, the Los Angeles Times reported her net worth to be somewhere in the neighborhood of $28 Million, valuing her Zinfandel Lane vineyard at $5-25 Million.
7 Drew Barrymore
Barrymore partnered with Carmel Road, located in Monterey, California, and is as involved in the process as she is in marketing her products. Barrymore Wines was established in Italy way back in 2010. In an interview with Vogue, Barrymore said of her decision: “I really am trying to educate myself rather than just drinking. I really want to know the exact notes that each glass or label or vineyard or varietal has. I get inspired by that.”
6 Lil Jon
Born Jonathan Smith, rapper Lil Jon knows more than he lets on if the winemaking business is anything to go by. Little Jonathan Winery was founded in collaboration with winemaker Alison Crowe. Back in 2008, Lil Jon told The Hollywood Reporter: “The wine is more nature: I wanted to not just have a direct connection, but make it just a little bit more upscale than regular ‘Lil Jon... This is not no ghetto Boone’s Farm; this is some real wine.”
5 Graham Norton
While BAFTA Award-winner Graham Norton is known for his comedy, his business acumen is top-notch, and wine is one of the things he’s invested in. In 2014, he partnered with New Zealand wine company Invivo Wines in the production of his own Sauvignon Blanc. Norton is a shareholder in the company, which has also partnered with Sarah Jessica Parker.
4 Sting
At 69, musician Sting has been inducted into probably anything of fame there is: Songwriters Hall of Fame, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, The Hollywood Walk of Fame, you name it! More than his prowess as a musician is his interest in winemaking. Located in Tuscany, Italy, Tenuta il Palaagio was acquired by Sting and his wife Trudie Styler in 1997. The pair describe it as ‘ an authentic experience within nature.’ “ It wasn’t our intention to become winemakers,” Sting said. “ We just wanted a house, but it came with a vineyard that was rundown.”
3 Train
Not so many musicians are as lucky as the rock band Train, as they were catapulted right into the deep end when they released their debut album, Train. Save, San Francisco Wine was named after the band’s 5th album, and was created with charity in mind. “ Our goal is to give wine lovers from around the world a great taste of the Bay Area, the place we call home.” The band writes on its website.
2 Jonathan Cain
Well known for his prowess on the keyboard, Jonathan Cain has made a name for himself by working with bands such as The Babys and Bad English, and his primary band, Journey. The musician founded Finale Wines in collaboration with winemaker Dennis De La Montanya. His was subject to fate, as winemaking is part of Cain’s family history.
1 Mark Warner
Democrat and businessman Mark Warner has been in office since 2009, serving with Tim Kaine. When he’s not representing the people of Virginia, the senator grows 15 acres of grapes for Ingleside Vineyards, located in the Northern region of Virginia. Ingleside also bottles a private label which Warner is tasked with auctioning at various charities.