© 2024 MICHIGAN PUBLIC
91.7 Ann Arbor/Detroit 104.1 Grand Rapids 91.3 Port Huron 89.7 Lansing 91.1 Flint
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

The rise of celebrity wines

David Hughey
/
Flickr

There is a rise in wines made and named after celebrities. There is Fergalicious named after singer Fergie, and there's rapper Lil John, who started Little Jonathan Winery. And there's Michigan's own Madonna, whose family owns the Ciccone Vineyard up north. 

But the real question is why and who’s actually buying these bottles?

Chris Cook is chief wine and food critic at Hour Detroit magazine.

Cook says that the primary reason for celebrity wine is more about branding than the actual wine product.

In addition, the wine industry is trying to hit a younger, niche market. When asked why people would buy celebrity wines, Cook says the novelty factor is important. When asked what celebrity wine he would buy, Cook says he would buy the Greg Norman Shiraz.

You can listen to our conversation below.

Stateside is produced daily by a dedicated group of producers and production assistants. Listen daily, on-air, at 3 and 8 p.m., or subscribe to the daily podcast wherever you like to listen.
Related Content