NBA Star CJ McCollum and His Wife Take Wine Seriously—Their Family Vineyard Proves It Chris Lehoux, October 21, 2026 C.J. McCollum’s life as an NBA player may seem far removed from running a vineyard, but the Atlanta Hawks guard sees a lot in common between the two. Both demand patience, hard work and attention to detail—and both require adapting to factors beyond your control. McCollum and his wife, Elise, launched their wine label, McCollum Heritage 91, in 2020. The name refers to the street where C.J. grew up and his birth year. His interest began after the Portland Trail Blazers drafted him in 2013. A bartender introduced him to the nuances of wine, and visits to Willamette Valley wineries deepened his fascination. Eventually, he asked Elise what she thought about owning a vineyard. The couple first worked with Adelsheim Vineyard and winemaker Gina Hennen. In 2021, they purchased 318 acres in Oregon’s Yamhill-Carlton AVA, planting 56 acres with pinot noir and chardonnay. They are now shifting toward wines made from their own sustainably farmed grapes, and plan to open an estate tasting room next year. C.J. credits neighboring wineries, including Adelsheim, Stoller and Walter Scott, with offering guidance. He and Elise help select the blends, even when basketball takes him on the road. Elise contributes to the business through marketing and label design while raising their two young children. The McCollums say their vineyard offers a respite from their demanding schedules. Elise describes the wine venture as something they have built together, supporting one another along the way. McCollum acknowledges that his profile as an athlete has helped attract attention, but says celebrity alone cannot sustain a winery. “You need a good product and we have it,” he said. “This is not a vanity project.” McCollum Family Vineyard wines Heritage Rosé Willamette Valley 2025 ($33): A bright, balanced rosé with strawberry and citrus notes. Some of the wine was aged briefly in neutral oak for added structure. Heritage Pinot Noir Willamette Valley 2024 ($55): Made with grapes from three vineyards, this pinot noir offers blackberry, cherry and a touch of anise. It pairs well with salmon. Heritage Chardonnay Willamette Valley 2023 ($50): Sourced from the Chehalem Mountains, this rich, mineral-driven chardonnay features pear and citrus. Most of the wine underwent full malolactic fermentation and was aged in French oak. Other wine recommendations Famille Perrin Coudoulet de Beaucastel Côtes du Rhône 2023 ($30): A blend of mourvèdre, syrah and grenache, with raspberry, black cherry and spice. MacPhail Family Wines Toulouse Vineyard Anderson Valley Pinot Noir 2024 ($70): Winemaker James MacPhail returned to his namesake label in 2024. This wine offers strawberry, spice and soft tannins. Bouchaine Vineyards Estate Riesling 2024 ($55): Aromatic and lively, with floral, citrus and pear flavors. The winery also makes a crisp gewürztraminer. 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! Wine