Hollywood actor George Clooney is set to release a French rosé wine from his Provence estate, which he originally bought in 2021, according to reports. Following in the footsteps of his friend Brad Pitt, who produces the Chateau Miraval rosé with his former wife Angelina Jolie, Clooney is now entering the wine industry.
Local newspaper Var Matin reports that Clooney will introduce a wine label from grapes grown at his Domaine de Canadel estate, which he purchased with his wife Amal. The estate already featured a small, established vineyard spanning four hectares.
Previously, the grapes from Domaine de Canadel were sent to a local cooperative, where they were blended with those from nearby properties. This meant there was no specific wine brand associated with the estate until now.
The involvement of renowned wine consultant Laurence Berlemont, who has worked with other actor-winemakers like Pitt and George Lucas, suggests high expectations for Clooney's venture. Berlemont, who previously worked at Pitt and Jolie’s Miraval estate and Lucas’ Château Margüi estate, is reportedly involved in this new project.
According to the paper, wine enthusiasts can expect to buy pink and white rosé wines from the Var Coteaux Varois en Provence appellation in the spring. The Canadel estate's vineyards, primarily planted with Vermentino grapes, will produce their first cuvée in 2023.
The project has been kept under wraps, but rumors began circulating as George and Amal Clooney have spent more time at the estate, located between Marseille and Saint-Tropez. Berlemont mentioned that Clooney actively participated in blending sessions, praising his good palate and humble personality. She also hinted that the wine label might be named "La Bastide Saint-Georges," though it's unclear if the 's' in Georges will be intentionally left off as a play on Clooney’s first name.
The Domaine de Canadel estate boasts vineyards, a lake, olive groves, a swimming pool, and tennis courts, making it an ideal getaway in the south of France. Its garden is reputed to be one of the most beautiful in Provence.
Clooney joins a growing list of celebrities with vineyards in the region. Alongside Château Miraval, owned by Pitt and Jolie, there is John Malkovich’s estate in Vaucluse and George Lucas’ "Skywalker Vineyards" at Château Marguï in Provence Verte.
George Clooney is no stranger to the beverage industry, having sold his super-premium Casamigos Tequila brand to Diageo in 2017 for an impressive USD 1 billion.
Meanwhile, the news of Clooney’s wine release comes amid the ongoing ownership dispute over Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie’s Château Miraval. Recently, Pitt has maintained his 60/40 split in the estate while ownership decisions continue to be mediated. The dispute arose after Jolie sold her shares to Russian vodka magnate Yuri Shefler, who owns Stoli. An anonymous source indicated that Pitt would likely retain control of the estate for at least another year.
Source: The Drinks Business