A Brief History of Celebrity-Endorsed Drinks
Celebrity involvement in wines and spirits isn’t a recent phenomenon, it’s been around for well over a century.
As far back as the late 1800s and early 1900s, well-known actors, writers, and public figures were already lending their names to wines, whiskies, and aperitifs, particularly across Europe. Back then, it wasn’t about mass marketing; it was about reputation, credibility, and trust.
- Sarah Bernhardt (1844–1923) - One of the most famous actresses in Europe, Sarah Bernhardt had her name associated with wines and liqueurs in France. Certain wines and aperitifs were marketed using her name and likeness, reflecting her status as a cultural icon rather than a commercial “endorsement” in the modern sense.
- Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec (1864–1901) - Although not a brand owner, Toulouse-Lautrec was closely associated with absinthe culture in France. His name, recipes, and influence were later used by absinthe producers, and he even created personal blends, showing how respected artists were intertwined with drinks long before celebrity branding.
- Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) - Wilde was frequently referenced in wine and spirits advertising copy of the era, particularly for Champagne and aperitifs. His name was used as a symbol of taste, intellect, and refinement - not ownership, but powerful association.
- Rudyard Kipling (1865–1936) - Kipling was famously linked with specific wines, fortified wines, and spirits, and his name was often referenced by merchants and producers as a mark of discernment and authority.
- European aristocrats & public figures - In the same period, wines and spirits were regularly named after dukes, counts, bishops, and prominent public figures, especially in France, Spain, and Portugal. Reinforcing credibility and social standing rather than mass appeal.
The modern wave of celebrity drinks really began to gather pace in the 1980s and 1990s, when musicians and film stars started collaborating with established distilleries and wine producers. These partnerships brought broader visibility, but quality was still driven by the expertise behind the bottle.
By the 2000s, things shifted again. Celebrities moved beyond endorsements into ownership and hands-on involvement - influencing everything from the liquid itself to branding, packaging, and long-term vision.
Today, celebrity wines, spirits, and non-alcoholic drinks are firmly part of the drinks landscape. The bottles that truly stand out tend to share a few key things in common:
- an experienced producer behind them
- genuine input from the celebrity involved
- and a clear focus on quality rather than name alone.
That’s why many celebrity-backed drinks are now award-winning and well respected, not because of who’s on the label, but because what’s inside the bottle holds up just as well.
What are celebrity wines and spirits?
Celebrity wines and spirits are drinks created, owned, or endorsed by well-known figures from music, film, sport, and television. These products combine the personality and vision of the celebrity with professional winemaking or distilling expertise.
Are celebrity drinks good quality?
Yes. Many celebrity wines and spirits are produced in partnership with respected wineries and distilleries. Quality varies by brand, but we only stock celebrity bottles that meet our standards for flavour, craftsmanship, and value.
Do you sell celebrity non-alcoholic drinks?
Yes. We stock a selection of celebrity non-alcoholic wines and spirits, ideal for gifting or enjoying alcohol-free alternatives without compromising on style or flavour.
Can celebrity bottles be engraved or personalised?
Some celebrity bottles are available for engraving, depending on the bottle shape and finish. Look for the engraving badge on eligible products, or contact us if you’re unsure.
Do you offer gift wrapping or gift bags?
Yes. Gift wrapping, luxury gift bags, and presentation boxes can be added at checkout, making celebrity drinks ready to give.
Do you deliver celebrity wines and spirits across the UK?
Yes. We offer UK-wide delivery, including major towns and cities such as London, Manchester, Birmingham, Leeds, Liverpool, Bristol, and Edinburgh. Delivery options include next-day and Saturday delivery.