Sipping Like a Star: Celebrity Wineries You Didn't Know Existed in TheWine Country
- Renée ReBell
- 7 days ago
- 2 min read
Northern California’s wine country isn’t just home to award-winning Cabernet and Chardonnay- it’s also become a hotbed for celebrity wineries and ventures. From legendary directors to music icons and sports heroes, these stars are finding new creative outlets among the vines. Whether they’re deeply involved in winemaking or simply enjoying the lifestyle, here’s a look at the celebrity names behind the labels.

Francis Ford Coppola – Inglenook / Rubicon Estate, Napa Valley
One of the most well-known Hollywood names in wine, Francis Ford Coppola transformed the historic Inglenook estate into a luxury wine destination. His portfolio includes bold reds and elegant whites, produced with reverence for Napa’s winemaking traditions and his own family’s Italian roots.

Boz Scaggs – Scaggs Vineyard, Mt. Veeder
This iconic rock musician channels his artistry into Rhône varietals like Grenache and Syrah at his Mt. Veeder estate. Small production, high elevation, and a passion for terroir define Scaggs Vineyard’s offerings.

John Elway – 7Cellars, Napa Valley
The NFL Hall-of-Famer co-founded 7Cellars with Napa winemaking royalty Rob Mondavi Jr. Their wines are well-balanced and approachable, with a portion of proceeds benefiting veterans through Team Rubicon.

Guy Fieri – Hunt & Ryde Winery, Sonoma County
From the kitchen to the vineyard, Guy Fieri is known for flavor—and that carries into his wines. Named after his sons, Hunt & Ryde produces Sonoma wines that are bold, fruit-forward, and fan-friendly.

Robert Mark Kamen – Kamen Estate Wines, Sonoma
Screenwriter Robert Kamen (creator of The Karate Kid) crafts robust, expressive wines from rugged Sonoma terrain. His wines are a storyteller’s dream—each bottle rooted in both land and legacy.

Charles Woodson – Intercept Wines, Paso Robles & Napa
Former NFL great Charles Woodson turned his wine passion into a high-quality, accessible brand. Intercept Wines focuses on full-bodied varietals with mass appeal, produced in Paso Robles and Napa.

Tommy Smothers – Remick Ridge Vineyards
Comedy legend Tommy Smothers takes winemaking seriously at his estate on Sonoma Mountain. Remick Ridge focuses on estate-grown, sustainable wines crafted with integrity and a dose of charm.

Why Celebrities Are Drawn to Wine Country
~ Legacy: Like Coppola or Smothers, some stars have deep family or personal ties to wine culture.
~ Creative Outlet: Winemaking offers a new artistic medium, through taste, not film or music.
~ Brand Building: A wine label can enhance a celebrity’s brand, and deepen their connection with fans.
~ Investment & Lifestyle: Let’s face it, owning a vineyard in Sonoma or Napa is a dream come true.

We hope you get to taste some of the legendary wine for yourself next time you're in the wine country!
Cheers!
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