What do Donald Trump, Fergie, Dan Marino, and Sting have in common? In addition to being well-known and wealthy celebrities, they're also all winemakers. The reasons for purchasing a vineyard are almost as varied as the celebrities that buy them, from a true love and passion for the craft to simple brand extension. Here is a list of a few well-known celebrities who also own wineries and vineyards:
Sam Neil: The Jurassic Park star and lover of wine planted five acres of pinot noir in his native New Zealand, which grew through acquisitions to eventually become the successful Two Paddocks vineyard, known for its Pinot Noir and Riesling.
Antonio Banderas: In 2009, Spanish-born actor Antonio Banderas purchased part of a small winery in Spain then known as Anta Bodegas. After his investment, it was renamed Anta Banderas and now consists of 235 acres north of Madrid in an area known for producing Tempranillo wine.
Dan Akyroyd: Comedian and actor Dan Akyroyd fell in love with wine while working for Saturday Night Live, according to The Independent. He decided to invest in Diamond Estates Winery in his native Canada. In addition to other brands of wine, including Lakeview Cellars, FRESH, and EastDell Estates, the winery produces the Dan Akyroyd brand of wine, and includes varietals such as Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, Shiraz, Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and Vidal ice wine.
Francis Ford Coppola: Legendary movie director, producer, and screenwriter of such famous films as The Godfather, Apocalypse Now, and Dracula, Francis Ford Coppola is also a serious wine aficionado. In addition to owning and operating the namesake Francis Ford Coppola Winery in Geyserville, California, he also owns Inglenook Vineyard in Rutherford, California and Virginia Dare Winery in Geyserville, California.
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Fergie: In 2006, about the same time singer Fergie launched her first solo album after splitting from The Black Eyed Peas, she founded Ferguson Crest Winery with her father. The winery, although only six acres, produces quality Viognier and Syrah wines, as well as a sweet, fruity blend called – what else – Fergalicious.
Donald Trump: The business mogul, celebrity personality, and presidential candidate has everything – including a sprawling 1,300-acre winery in Virginia. Planted in 1999 and opened in 2011, Trump Winery produces red, white, and sparkling wines, including Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Merlot.
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Emilio Estevez: The Breakfast Club and Mighty Ducks actor and wife Sonja Magdevski began planting grapes in their Malibu home's yard just for fun. Now, according to The Hollywood Reporter, they run Casa Dumetz, a winery just north of Santa Barbara. The winery has produced some well-reviewed product, including Viognier and Grenache Gris.
Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie: The celebrity mega-couple purchased Chateau Miraval, a French estate complete with castle, moat, lake, olive groves, and a vineyard in 2008 for $60 million. Their best-selling wine, Miraval Rosé, has been so popular for the past several years that it has become the victim of wine fraud, with counterfeit versions distributed in China.
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Dan Marino and Damon Huard: Football legend Dan Marino and pro quarterback Damon Huard partnered in 2010 to establish Passing Time, a winery in Washington. The winery's first vintage, a 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon, was well-reviewed by popular wine magazines, according to Fortune.
Sting: Singer Sting and wife Trudie purchased Villa Il Palagio, an expansive farming estate in Italy, in 1999. The estate produces wine, as well as olive oil and honey. The wine, which is sold under the Tenuto il Palagio label, includes Toscana, Chianti, and red blends.
Maynard James Keenan: Maynard James Keenan is the lead singer of three bands, Tool, Puscifer and A Perfect Circle. As if that wasn't impressive enough, Keenan has also been producing award winning wine in Arizona for over a decade. Keenan produces win under the labels Caduceus Cellars and Merkin Vineyards. Keenan is considered a pioneer of the Arizona wine industry.
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