MLB: Chris Iannetta and Vernon Wells Create Wine Brand
By Nick Fustor
In the latest example of MLB players looking beyond baseball, former Los Angeles Angels teammates Chris Iannetta and Vernon Wells debuted a new wine brand called Jack Winery.
While many professional athletes choose to enter the broadcasting field or try their luck at the food or fashion industries during retirement, current Seattle Mariners catcher Chris Iannetta and retired outfielder Vernon Wells decided to pursue something a bit different.
The former Angels teammates teamed up to create Jack Winery, where they are now producing a small line of wines in Napa Valley, California.
The duo have stressed the importance of family in their brand, and even named the company after their children. The name Jack originates from the first letter of their children’s names: Jayce, Ashlyn, Christian and Kylie.
In a conversation with Unfiltered, Iannetta said he and Wells came up with the idea while both were on the disabled list during the 2012 season.
"“In 2012, when I was with the Angels, I became friends with Vernon. Unfortunately, we both got injured, [but] during that time we kicked around some post-baseball business ideas,” Iannetta said. “As fate would have it, we were talking about wine and thought creating our own would be an amazing way to team up through our shared passion.”"
Iannetta drew inspiration from his grandparents, who made wine out of their home in Rhode Island. While they look to grow their business, the duo have partnered with winemaker Grant Long Jr. to produce their line of wines. Long, per Unfiltered, said he chose to work with them because of their deep interest in building a successful wine brand.
"“I tell people the reason I agreed to work with Chris and Vernon – besides their good looks! – is that both are committed to the project and their passion for wine. They want to make this more than a hobby. It’s a labor of love,” Long said."
Unfiltered notes that Iannetta and Wells are looking into expanding their line of wines in the future, and will likely add a varied bunch. Iannetta is looking to add a Pinot Noir, while Wells would like to emulate some of his favorites, like Failla and Chappellet.
It’s not often that MLB players enter the wine business, but there’s more than a few notable athletes from other sports who own wineries. Former NFL superstars Dan Marino and Joe Montana both own wineries, while NASCAR driver Jeff Gordon and golfer Ernie Els have opened their own as well.
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While Iannetta will likely stay in the big leagues for the foreseeable future, it seems as if he and Wells have quite the opportunity to grow and develop their wine brand down the road.