Chat show host Norton turns winemaker

UK chat show host Graham Norton has taken his love of wine to the next level by swapping Hollywood A-listers for winemaking and, producing his own signature bottle of Sauvignon Blanc.

Norton is known for having a glass or two of wine with his guests on his famous red sofa.

But what is less well-known is that the only wine Norton will sip on screen is Invivo’s Sauvignon Blanc, made from organically grown grapes in Marlborough.

In return for his loyalty, the winery’s owners agreed to fly a container of their recently picked grapes 20,000km to the UK to be personally trod by the chat show host to be made into his own signature bottle.

Less than 24 hours after landing in London, the grape juice was on its way back to New Zealand, where it will be made into Graham Norton’s signature Sauvignon Blanc.

Tim Lightbourne, Invivo co-founder, said: “We’re excited about the release of this wine, the quality will be world class, especially with a touch of “Norton” Hemisphere fab! We see this as a little different to just having someone’s name on the label – it was fantastic to have Graham so intimately involved in the process.”

The wine – complete with unique GN signature label – will be released in August with profits set to be donated to the Elton John Aids Foundation.