SNL releases wine collection to mark 40 years

Long-running US comedy sketch show Saturday Night Live has released its own collection of wines that pay tribute to some of its most iconic characters to mark its 40th year.

Sold through Lot18, the SNL wine includes three reds wines and a white. The collection includes a 2016 Debbie Downer Chardonnay from Australia, based on the fictional character that debuted in 2004 and who was portrayed by Rachel Dratch, who will frequently interrupt the conversation to raise negative or depressing subjects, in particular the rate of feline AIDS.

Despite being named after a character known for her downbeat demeanour, the wine itself if described as “the perfect antidote to all life’s trials and tribulations,” with flavours of baked apple, hazelnut, lemon, and spice.

The collection also includes a 2015 Monterey County Merlot named after The Californians – a recurring sketch that parodies a soap opera and features Karina (played by Kristen Wiig), Devin (played by Bill Hader), Stuart (played by Fred Armisen), Trey (played by Kenan Thompson) and Rosa (played by Vanessa Bayer), as wealthy blondes with Valley Girl accents exaggerated to the point of incoherence.

2016 Stefon Beaujolais meanwhile is based on a character played by Bill Hader called Stefon Meyers – a New York tour guide who is known for his off-beat recommendations.

The last wine is a 2016 Saturday Night Live California Red Blend of Merlot, Zinfandel, and Petite Sirah.

The Stefon Beaujolais costs $18, while the rest cost $20 each.