Drew Barrymore to release wine

Hollywood actress Drew Barrymore has joined the likes of Francis Ford Coppola, Dan Aykroyd and Antonio Banderas by launching her own wine.

Barrymore 2011 Pinot Grigio, Delle Venezie IGT, a 12% abv crisp, dry and fruity white, is made from grapes grown in the Veneto, Friuli and Alto Adige in northern Italy.

Barrymore, known for her roles in films such as Charlie’s Angels, The Wedding Singer, Never Been Kissed and 50 First Dates, said she wanted to create a “fresh, dynamic and fun” wine that reflected her style and personality.

“Wine is all about the journey, the discovery of new places and new varieties,” she said, adding, “I’m excited about sharing this Pinot Grigio with my friends and family and other wine lovers.”

According to Barrymore’s California-based distributor, Wilson Daniels, the wine has a pale straw colour and offers hints of “fresh apricot and lively citrus flavours”.

The label – designed by street artist Shepard Fairey, creator of the famous 2008 red and blue Barack Obama “Hope” poster – features the Barrymore family crest.

The wine, which is fermented and aged in stainless steel tanks, will launch in California at US$19.99 a bottle, before expanding its distribution across the US later in the year.

2,000 cases of the 2011 vintage have been shipped to the US.

The news comes in the same week that Ghostbusters actor Dan Aykroyd launched his Crystal Head vodka in the UK.