NBA star Donovan Mitchell recently ventured into the world of winemaking, partnering with The Prisoner Wine Company in Napa Valley to create his own custom blend. This unique experience highlights the growing trend of athletes exploring the wine industry, while also shedding light on the various approaches to personalized winemaking experiences offered by companies like The Prisoner and VINIV in Bordeaux.
Donovan Mitchell's Wine JourneyÂ
The Cleveland Cavaliers guard's foray into winemaking began with a one-day apprenticeship at The Prisoner Wine Company in Napa Valley. Mitchell's interest in wine was sparked by conversations with former Utah Jazz teammates and has grown over the years. During his apprenticeship, he immersed himself in various aspects of winemaking, including branding, blending, and food pairing. The experience allowed Mitchell to expand his knowledge of the wine industry while combining his passion for social causes with his newfound interest in winemaking.
The Spida Blend DetailsÂ
The "Spida Blend," Mitchell's custom wine creation, consists of 60% Syrah, 30% Zinfandel, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon from the 2023 vintage. This unique blend was crafted under the guidance of The Prisoner Wine Company's winemaking team, including Chrissy Wittmann and Todd Ricard. The Prisoner Wine Company will produce one barrel of this blend, complete with a custom label featuring Mitchell's "Spida" logo, for his personal enjoyment.
Social Justice InitiativesÂ
The partnership between Donovan Mitchell and The Prisoner Wine Company extends beyond winemaking to support social justice causes. Together, they donated $25,000 to the Alliance for Higher Education in Prison, a nonprofit organization dedicated to expanding access to quality higher education for incarcerated individuals. This initiative aligns with The Prisoner Wine Company's ongoing focus on social justice and prison reform, which began in 2020 with collaborations involving NBA players. For Mitchell, this aspect of the partnership resonated deeply, as it allowed him to leverage his platform and wine involvement to bring attention to important social issues.
Comparison with VINIV
While Mitchell's experience was a one-day apprenticeship in Napa Valley, VINIV offers a more extensive winemaking journey in Bordeaux, lasting 6 to 24 months. VINIV provides access to prestigious Bordeaux vineyards and allows participants to blend across different appellations, breaking from traditional Bordeaux winemaking practices.Unlike The Prisoner Wine Company's focus on social justice initiatives, VINIV emphasizes cultural immersion and personalized guidance from experts at Château Lynch-Bages.Both experiences offer unique opportunities for wine enthusiasts, with VINIV catering to those seeking a deeper, more traditional Bordeaux experience.
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