Carmelo Anthony’s Bold New Venture: Making Waves in the Wine Industry

Carmelo Anthony is making significant strides in the wine industry with his latest venture, partnering with the renowned Robert Mondavi Winery to launch a new red blend called Ode to Soul. This blend features grapes from California’s prestigious To Kalon Vineyards and marks the second release from his wine brand, VII(N) The Seventh Estate, which he co-founded with Asani Swann in 2022.

Basketball and wine may not be an obvious pairing, but for Anthony, who began exploring wine during his rookie years with the Denver Nuggets, it’s been a passion long in the making. He recalls being ridiculed for his interest in wine at the young age of 21, but has since embraced the wine culture, seeking his niche within it.

Anthony’s love for wine has also influenced other NBA stars, as he introduced wine to friends like LeBron James and Chris Paul, helping to ignite a trend within the league. The NBA has recently embraced this trend further by signing Kendall-Jackson as its first official wine partner, with several players launching their private labels.

Recognizing the financial commitment required for quality wine, Anthony decided to invest in his own brand rather than spend on others. He emphasizes that he is deeply involved in the winemaking process, from the grapes used to the bottle design, ensuring his personal touch is present in every aspect of his products.

However, the pricing of his wines may raise eyebrows, with Ode to Soul retailing at $275 per bottle, and its predecessor, Ode to Fidelity, at $135. Anthony acknowledges the price point and expresses a desire to introduce more affordable options in the future, aligning with consumer feedback.

VII(N) The Seventh Estate aims to cater to a broader audience, planning to expand its offerings to include diverse wines from regions such as Argentina, New Zealand, Portugal, and South Africa. Both Anthony and Swann are also committed to increasing diversity within the wine industry, which they note is predominantly lacking representation, with less than 1% of U.S. wine companies being black-owned.

By sharing their journey and advocating for broader opportunities within wine, they hope to inspire others. Anthony believes that their hard work and dedication will encourage people to realize that success in the wine industry, like in basketball, comes from perseverance and opening doors that have historically been closed.

About the Author: Chris Lehoux

Meet Chris Lehoux, an experienced wine connoisseur and dedicated blogger with a deep passion for all things wine-related. With years of expertise in the industry, Chris shares insightful wine reviews, valuable wine tasting tips, expert pairing advice, and captivating tales of vineyard visits. Join Chris on a journey through the world of wine, where every sip is an adventure waiting to be savored!