There has always been a close association between alcohol and sport and in the world of sports sponsorship recent trends have seen the growth of wine as the go to alcohol beverage for collaborative brand associations.
Notable recent announcements include the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) partnering with England’s leading wine producer, Chapel Down. Cricket is one of England’s most popular sports, and this is the first time that the ECB has partnered with an English sparkling wine brand.
Internationally, Italian wine producer, Marchesi Antinori has been chosen as the official wine supplier of the 2023 Ryder Cup, which will see some of the greatest golf players in the world descend on Rome.
Alcohol has been hailed as a lucrative business, with many international celebrities including David Beckham, George Clooney and Ryan Reynolds adding to their millions by launching their own alcohol brands.
All factors considered, it is of no surprise that there is a growing list of high-profile British and European sports personalities getting behind the celebrity trend of putting a wine to their name and now making a splash in the industry.
One of the greatest cricketers Sir Ian Botham launched his own range of wines in 2018 at Lord’s Cricket Ground. Now an accomplished winemaker in his own right, his range of award-winning wines have grown extensively over the years to include the Botham All Rounder Pinot Grigio, South Eastern Australia 2021, Botham Signature Malbec and the new Botham 77 Series Sauvignon Blanc, which was awarded a silver medal at the prestigious Drinks Business Masters Awards 2021.
Recent collaborations have also seen Sir Ian Botham join forces with Hush Heath Estate to launch a range of quintessentially English wines including the Botham & Balfour Sparkling Rosé NV, a perfect marriage of Balfour’s signature style and Sir Ian Botham’s preferred flavour profile.
Former cricketer Phil Tufnell launched a range of Tuffers’ Tipple wines, in partnership with Virgin Wines and inspired by holidays to the south of France and cricket tours of Australia. Sir Nick Faldo is one of Europe’s finest golfers and the major sports champion launched his wine label in 2000, produced by Katnook Estate Vineyards in Australia. With a passion for great wines, he was inspired to create a European range that encapsulated his love for the wines and regions that he has encountered over the years, with the logo on the blend paying tribute to his six major wins.
The greatest player in the history of women’s golf, Annika Sorenstam, partnered with Wente Vineyards in California and Cristie Kerr, former No. 1 in the world and winner of a U.S. Open and a KPMG Women’s PGA championship is thriving in her next chapter as a winemaker.
With many taking a very hands-on approach to the production of a variety of wines, the breadth of winemakers which now includes sporting greats are pressing the right buttons and gaining high marks from wine critics across the globe with their perfect blends.
