Drew Barrymore’s got a lot going on — between making movies, working on her new makeup line and raising her newborn baby girl, the star could certainly use a glass of wine at the end of a day. Now, when that mood strikes, she’s got just the bottle to turn her — her new Barrymore Wines, which just became available at www.barrymorewines.com. Up first is a Pinot Grigio, a full-bodied vino with hints of apricot and citrus for a modest $20 a bottle. We had her tell us what went into it.
How long had you had the idea to create your own wine? What did it take to make your idea into a reality?
I have always been interested in the art of winemaking and how a bottle of wine can bring family and friends together for a memorable evening or a casual conversation. To have the opportunity to create my own collection and be part of the process was what led me to launching Barrymore Wines.
What was the testing/tasting process like?
I traveled to Italy and spent time in the Triveneto area where the grapes are grown. I knew I wanted my first offering to be a Pinot Grigio so my goal was to create a wine that was refreshing and subtle yet complex. We had a lot of tasting until we found the one that had all of these qualities in a glass. One of my favorite parts of the process was creating the label. It was a group effort led by talented artist Shepard Fairey, he was able to use my grandfather’s crest to create a traditional yet modern look.
What foods do you like to pair your Pinot Grigio with?
Barrymore Pinot Grigio can really be enjoyed and paired with a variety of foods. I love having a glass with a light pasta or seafood dish.
What charities will benefit from the wines, and why was that important to you?
Giving back to the community is very important to me and it is something I always layer into all of my projects. I have worked and supported various charities over the years including ASPCA, Project Angel Food and the Los Angeles Gay & Lebsian Center, and I will continue to support them through Barrymore Wines.
Follow Meredith Engel on Twitter @MeredithAtMetro.
