CJ McCollum, former Blazer and now Pelicans shooting guard, has his own wine brand. Photo: Courtesy of Justin Tucker/nine80four
Shooting guard CJ McCollum launched his wine label in 2020 when he was still a Blazer, and shortly after bought a 300-acre vineyard in the Yamhill-Carlton American Viticultural Area.
Driving the news: Now that he shoots for the Pelicans, McCollum is expanding the brand to New Orleans and he talked with Axiosabout his passion for wine — and what other NBA stars order when they travel.
The latest with his new vineyard: "The land offers incredible possibilities," he says, and, since 2022, McCollum and his wife Elise, who introduced him to the world of wine, have "been working on a comprehensive vineyard plan, collaborating with Willamette Valley vineyard experts."
But for now, as that property gets up and running, McCollum Heritage 91 is producing with Adelsheim Vineyard outside of Newberg, a stone's throw from fellow former Blazer Channing Frye's Chosen Family Wines.
On his involvement with production: "I have a hand in every step of the way when it comes to product development and the customer journey, including marketing and design, to the actual winemaking process."
