Meghan Markle's new wine plan sparks controversy

The Duchess' plan to launch a rosé wine under her brand, American Riviera Orchard, faces ridicule from TV panellists.

Meghan Markle's intention to introduce a rosé wine under her luxury brand, American Riviera Orchard, has been ridiculed by TV panellists, who view it as a mere money-making scheme. 

The Duchess of Sussex is expected to announce this new product soon, with insiders noting her fondness for wine. Her lifestyle blog, The Tig, was named after the Italian Super Tuscan red wine, Tignanello.

During a Talk TV segment, Andrew Walker, alongside guests Steven Barrett, a barrister; political strategist Peter Barnes; and Tom Harris from the Free Speech Union, made light of Meghan's latest business idea. Peter Barnes remarked, "The main one used to be Whispering Angel - this one is just moaning Meghan." He also suggested that Meghan might be "running out of things to launch," but admitted, "There is significantly more money to be made in wine than in jam."

Should Meghan proceed, she would join celebrities like Cameron Diaz, George Clooney, Kylie Minogue, Francis Ford Coppola, and Brad Pitt, who have their own wine lines. Notably, Jay-Z's Armand de Brignac Champagne, partially sold to LVMH's Moet Hennessy for a reported £300 million, remains a significant example of celebrity wine success.

Recently, Meghan hinted at her jam line by sending 50 jars of raspberry and strawberry jams to friends and influencers across the US. She has also promoted dog biscuits under her American Riviera Orchard brand. Although the release date for her products is not confirmed, a trademark application for American Riviera Orchard was filed on 2 February 2024, indicating that they could be available soon. The brand is expected to offer a range of home, garden, and food items.