I wouldn’t be so hasty when looking at these celebrity wines. I’m not endorsing the idea that you need to run out and purchase them, but maybe to a little research on the vineyard the wine is coming from. Some of the bottles I have tasted in class really weren’t half bad. I believe one was from Lorraine Bracco, a star from the t.v. series “Soprano’s”. I’d also like to add to Richard’s comment. PLEASE do not be afraid of the goofy names and designs. Fat Bastard is a company that produces excellent quality wine with a funky name and a hippo on the label. If you ever see a bottle of shiraz I highly suggest picking it up.

You always have such great articles that make one think. This one in particular got me thinking about my own buying behavior toward wine. When it comes to celebrity endorsed wines I have a strong negative reaction. When purchasing wine I want quality and anything with a celebrity label makes me think I am paying for the name recognition and not quality. Perhaps it is unfounded yet it is my first reaction. This aversion also extends to wine with goofy names and bottle designs. The other day I went to Costco and saw that they had their own branded wine, and again was not moved to buy. Perhaps my wine tastes are 90% mental. The best bottles of wine I remember are often those associated with friends, events, places, and experiences. Therefore enjoying a glass of wine from Martha Stewart brings to mind, sheet covers, Kmart, prison, and impossible expectations of cooking, decorating and crafting within normal busy lives.

Congratulations on such a fine article and site I have found it very helpful and informative – I only wish that there were more out there like this one.

I never leave empty handed, sometimes I may even be a little disappointed that I may not agree with a post or reply that has been made. But hey! that is life and if every one agreed on the same thing what a boring old world we would live in.

Keep up the good work and cheers.