In late November, Yao Ming announced the launch of his premier line of wines, Yao Family Wines. The wine, made from cabernet sauvignon grapes harvested in 2009, will be distributed by French beverage giant Pernod Ricard SA. Bottles in the first 5,000-case run will be simply be labeled Yao Ming and aimed at the top end of the market. A second wine, called Yao Family Reserve, will be released later this year.
“I really like Napa Valley,” said the former center. “California represents vacation, casual [living], sunshine—everything related to a good quality of life.”
Yao’s appreciation for wine grew in parallel with its acceptance in his home country—wine consumption in China doubled from 2005 to 2009. But wine imported into China came predominantly from France, and he spotted a market opportunity for Californian wines.
In 2009, with BDA’s assistance, Yao found a team of wine experts to help him realize his vision, including winemaker Tom Hinde, who had made wines for Flowers Vineyard and Winery, as well as Kendall-Jackson Wine Estates. “We tasted a lot of wine together and got to know him in a way so I could express his personality in the wine,” said Mr. Hinde. “He’s physically imposing, but he’s also very personable and gentle. We wanted to capture that in the wine.”
Please visit www.yaofamilywines.com for more information on Yao Family Wines.
