EXCLUSIVE: Expert Tasters Critique Meghan Markle’s Wine — ‘Too High in Alcohol’ and Lacking Craftsmanship

Meghan Markle’s recent foray into winemaking has sparked significant backlash from wine experts. Her debut rosé, priced at $30, comes from the Napa Valley and is produced under her lifestyle brand, As Ever. The blend includes cabernet sauvignon, syrah, grenache, and mourvèdre grapes sourced from Fairwinds Estate Winery in Calistoga.

Critics have described the wine’s qualities as lacking distinction, suggesting it feels more like a marketing endeavor than a crafted product. A panel of sommeliers criticized the rosé for its high alcohol content, with Dana Beninati, a trained sommelier, noting it has a "hot" finish that indicates substantial alcohol levels. She remarked, "Consumers today are generally looking for drinks that are lower in alcohol and sugar," highlighting a disconnect between the wine’s profile and current market trends.

Another sommelier, Gambrelle Snyder, echoed these sentiments, describing the alcohol finish as "fire" that detracted from the overall flavor experience. Although she accepted that the $30 price point seemed reasonable, she expressed a desire for a lower alcohol by volume (ABV).

In contrast, some reviews offered a more favorable perspective. Crystl Faye Horton, a former wine director at Del Frisco’s, praised the wine’s flavor complexity, citing notes of wild strawberries, cherry, quince, and intricate baking spices. She positioned Markle’s wine as an intentional creation rather than a superficial celebrity product, calling it "a steal" for its price.

The wine’s launch timing, coinciding with what would have been Princess Diana’s 64th birthday, has drawn further scrutiny. Critics have labeled this move as insensitive, suggesting it hijacks Diana’s legacy, especially given the tragic circumstances surrounding her death linked to a driver under the influence.

Overall, while Markle’s wine received a mix of opinions – with some excited about its flavors and others unimpressed – the criticisms seem to overwhelmingly center on the high alcohol content and the perception of marketing over craftsmanship.

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!