Celebrity Watchers: Celebrities Who Own Wineries

Attention celebrity watchers: Check out this list of wineries owned by celebrities. Many celebrities will go into wine industry as a partner with someone who is already a wine maker or winery owner. Some famous people are more "hands-on" and participate in the day-to-day activities of wine production.

Drew Barrymore Wines
Drew Barrymore, actress, producer, and director has recently entered the wine business with the production of her first wine, a Pinot Grigio featuring her family crest on the label. Due to be released in 2012 in California, this wine will be sold for $20 a bottle. Celebrity watchers are sure to give her wine a taste.

Mario Andretti - Andretti Winery
Race car driver, Mario Andretti established his Napa Valley winery in 1996. The Italian style winery is a fun stop on a Napa wine tour even for people who aren't celebrity watchers.
Address: 4192 Big Ranch Rd., Napa, CA
Telephone: (707) 259-6777
Open daily 10AM - 4:30 PM

Raymond Burr - Raymond Burr Vineyards
Famous for his long-lasting role as "Perry Mason", Raymond and his partner, Robert Benevides planted grapes at their estate in Sonoma County's Dry Creek Valley in 1986. As the vineyards entered their prime, he was able to watch the harvest in 1992, but died a few days later. Robert named the vineyard after Raymond and continues making wines on the estate.
Address: 8339 W. Dry Creek Rd., Healdsburg, CA
Telephone: (888) 900-0024
Open daily 11AM - 5PM

Francis Ford Coppola
Movie director, Francis Ford Coppola comes from a family with a history of wine-making. His winery in Sonoma County's Alexander Valley is a destination by itself. In addition to wine tasting visitors can dine at the winery either at the pool-side cafe or the restaurant, Rustic. There are swimming pools, cabine rentals for privacy, a movie gallery, gift shop, bocce ball, board games, and a variety special events.
Address: 300 Via Archimedes, Geyserville, CA
Telephone: (707) 857-1400
Winery open 11AM - 9PM - Wine tasting 11AM - 6PM

Mike Ditka Wines
Football Hall of Fame player and Coach, Mike Ditka, collaborates with Mendocino Wine Company to produce his unique lineup of five distinct wines. These wines include a Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Merlot, as well as his well reviewed blend called Kick Ass Red.
Address: 501 Parducci Rd., Ukiah, CA
Telephone: (707) 463-5350
Open daily 10AM - 5PM

Emilio Estevez - Casa Dumetz
Emilio tends the vineyards and his fiance, Sonja Magdevski, is the wine maker. The Pinot Noir vineyard is planted in the backyard of their Malibu home. They are passionate about producing quality wine. Emilio is an American actor, director, and writer. He's well-known fo being a member of the Brat Pack of the 1980s. He is the son of Martin Sheen.
Telephone: (310) 735-7397

Mick Fleetwood Private Cellar
Mick Fleetwood, drummer and co-founder of the band, Fleetwood Mac, produces limited quantities of quality wines. He collaborates with Langtry Estate and Vineyards in Lake County, California.

Fleming Jenkins Vineyards & WineryTo the disappointment of celebrity watchers, their wine tasting room in downtown Los Gatos has recently closed. They have a Chardonnay vineyard and also purchase grapes from other vineyards, including their friend, John Madden, who owns vineyards in the Livermore Valley.Address: 45 W. Main St., Los Gatos
Telephone: (408) 358-4949
Tasting room open Tues.-Sunday noon - 6 PM.

Jeff Gordon Collection Wines
Four-time NASCAR Cup Series Champion, Jeff Gordon, collaborates with August Briggs, owner of Briggs & Sons Winemaking Co. of Calistoga to produce his collection of wines. Wines include Pinot Noir, Rose of Syrah, Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Merlot. Wine lovers and celebrity watchers can purchase wine on the website or at Buffalo's Shipping Post in Napa.

Arnold Palmer Wines
Golf legend, Arnold Palmer, began collaborating with Luna Vineyards in Napa to produce Arnold Palmer wines in 2003. Their premium wines are served in high-end restaurants, resorts, and wine shops throughout the United States. You can also purchase wines on their website. Wines include Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay.

Thomas Seaver - Seaver Family Vineyards
This National Baseball Hall of Famer was a pitcher for the New York Mets (and a few other teams as well). He is still the Mets' all time leader in wins and is widely recognized as one of the top starting pitchers in the history of baseball. After retiring from baseball, he became a television commentator. He and has wife live in Calistoga where they began their own winery in 2002. It is a small winery producing top quality wine. There is no tasting room, but wine can be purchased from their website.

Charles Woodson - TwentyFour Wines
Charles Woodson is an cornerback for the Green Bay Packers. He has formerly played with the Oakland Raiders. This former Heisman Trophy winner, is one of football's great players. As a current player in the NFL, he is not allowed to publicly endorse his wines. Ten dollars from every bottle of TwentyFour Wines is donated to charity. Wines may be ordered online. A word of caution to celebrity watchers: This high-end wines are not inexpensive!