We’ll Drink to That: Five Celeb-owned Booze Brands

Some of our favorite celebrities are transcending the stage and the court to stake their claim in the worlds of wine and spirits, disrupting what has been, until now, a homogenous industry. So, when it’s time to toast (it’s Valentine’s Day month, after all!), we suggest you raise a glass of one of these star-powered brands, knowing that you’re supporting Black-led ventures and collaborations with every delectable sip.

Inspired after a visit to the family’s Italian vineyard, the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul launched Sun Goddess Wines in partnership with Fantinel Winery last year. Blige was involved in every aspect of production of the line, which includes a sauvignon blanc and pinot grigio ramato. “The name evokes powerful childhood memories that I carry with me today,” Blige says. “I’ve always loved the sun, and as a child I always tried to capture the sun’s warmth and energy.” Since launching six months ago, Sun Goddess has sold more than 250,000 bottles.

Besides making music for nearly 30 years, the rapper and businessman has cooked with Martha Stewart and moderates sporting events, so It should come as no surprise that Snoop Dogg has ventured into the wine world. In partnership with Australian brand 19 Crimes, he’s released a California red blend that includes a petite syrah, zinfandel, and merlot. Now it’s not just about the gin and juice!

King James has taken his skills off the court and into the tequila industry by investing in Lobos 1707. The collection includes a joven, reposado, extra añejo and mezcal artesanal, and each bottle is finished in Pedro Ximénez (PX) wine barrels from Spain. The brand, led by founder and chief creative officer Diego Osorio and chief executive officer Dia Simms, is named for the Spanish word for “wolves” and dedicated to celebrating the strength of the pack.

In 2015, the singer partnered with Napa Valley winemaker Jean-Charles Boisset of Raymond Vineyards to produce the LVE Collection, which includes a red blend, Chardonnay, sparkling and still rosé, sparkling brut blanc de blanc and a cabernet sauvignon. The sparkling rosé is produced from grapes from both the Loire and Languedoc regions of France, then aged for three months. Its small bubbles and notes of citrus and red fruit provide a well-balanced, acidic finish that pairs well with spicy food and cured meats.

The Miami Heat alum credits NBA player Alonzo Mourning with encouraging him to try wine and to expand his palate. But it’s his partnership with the Pahlmeyer winemaking family that led to the creation of D Wade Cellars. The collection currently includes a chenin blanc and a cabernet sauvignon with medium-bodied berry and tobacco notes that make it perfect for a chilly winter night. A new rosé debuts this spring. Tip: The brand’s assistant director of operations, George Walker, drops wine expertise on his Instagram feed.