At House of Robb San Francisco, NBA legend Carmelo Anthony shared insights about his wine brand, VII(N) The Seventh Estate, and its mission to create a diverse wine lineup that pays tribute to vineyards worldwide. During an event ahead of the NBA All-Star Weekend, Anthony, along with cofounder Asani Swann and winemaker Kurtis Ogasawara from Robert Mondavi Winery, discussed their journey into the wine industry.

Anthony’s passion for wine dates back to his early adulthood, where he faced skepticism for enjoying wine at a young age. “People were laughing at me, and it was just like, ‘Why are you drinking wine? You’re 21 years old?’” he reminisced. This intrigue and fervor led him to establish VII(N) The Seventh Estate in 2022, launching with a Châteauneuf-du-Pape called Oath of Fidelity, and now featuring nine wines from various regions, including France, Spain, and the U.S.

The team’s latest endeavor is the Napa red blend, Ode to Soul, crafted with grapes from Napa’s To Kalon vineyard. Swann highlighted the intention behind their wines, emphasizing the homage they pay to predecessors while aspiring to make premium wines accessible to a broad audience.

The blend comprises mainly Cabernet Sauvignon, with Cabernet Franc adding finesse and a hint of Petit Verdot for complexity. Anthony referred to this last addition as the "secret sauce," emphasizing its vital role in enhancing the wine’s overall character.

Swann and Anthony also aimed to inspire others looking to venture into the wine industry, encouraging them to take the leap despite initial doubts. As Anthony humorously advised, when it comes to tasting their new Napa red, “When in doubt, just drink [it].”

For more on Carmelo Anthony and VII(N) The Seventh Estate, visit VII(N) The Seventh Estate.