CJ McCollum Expands McCollum Heritage 91 Wine Brand Nationwide

The wine industry is taking notice of CJ McCollum, the Washington Wizards guard, who is not only known for his smooth jumper and leadership on the court but also for his involvement in the industry. Through McCollum Heritage 91, the NBA veteran has created one of the most successful wine ventures led by an athlete in recent years, combining his passion for wine with his family heritage and entrepreneurship.

In a recent interview with PlayersTV, McCollum stated that the brand is in a significant new phase, with distributors expanding into multiple states and strategic partnerships forming with highly recognized names in the food and hospitality industry.

Expanding McCollum Heritage 91 Across the U.S.

“We’re currently working on expanding distribution across multiple states,” McCollum shared. “We’ve made significant progress and will have distribution in Texas soon. I actually met with Carbone, a major food group, and also with Nobu [Nobu Solutions Group] recently to discuss partnership opportunities.”

McCollum’s mission to transform McCollum Heritage 91 from a small wine label into a recognizable lifestyle brand is marked by these partnerships, which are a significant step forward. Carbone and Nobu, which are both synonymous with fine dining and luxury experiences, demonstrate the brand’s commitment to quality and sophistication.

McCollum Heritage 91’s expansion plan will see it expand into California, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Washington, D.C. The most important markets for the consumption of premium wines.

“In California, we’re expanding distribution with Vinifera Imports, which will serve as our wholesale distributor and help us grow our presence there,” McCollum said. “We’re also moving into New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Washington, D.C. We have a major push happening in D.C. right now and will soon be announcing a collaboration with Monumental Sports. Together, we’ll be hosting events, tastings, and experiences around the arena for VIP guests and season ticket holders.”

From the Vineyard to the Arena

The partnership between McCollum and Monumental Sports, which is owned by the Washington Wizards, Capitals, and Mystics, will bring his brand closer to the heart of his basketball home.

Exclusive wine tastings, themed experiences, and special McCollum Heritage 91 activations await fans and VIP guests attending events at Capital One Arena. McCollum believes that the connection between basketball and wine culture is more than just business—it’s about telling stories and sharing experiences.

“Overall, I’m really excited about the expansion and distribution we’ve achieved lately,” he said. “We’re continuing to focus on marketing and growth moving forward.”

A Heritage of Passion and Craftsmanship

The launch of McCollum Heritage 91 in 2020 marks the celebration of CJ’s roots in Canton, Ohio, and his graduation from Lehigh University. The Willamette Valley in Oregon, where the brand crafts its wine, is known for Pinot Noir and Chardonnay.

McCollum’s interest in winemaking was fueled by years of curiosity, travel, and education, which led him to complete wine certification courses to understand the craft better. His commitment to authenticity and quality is reflected in his hands-on approach, which includes vineyard visits and marketing decisions.

What’s Next for CJ McCollum?

McCollum’s focus is on expanding McCollum Heritage 91, but he has not ruled out returning to the media space, where he has previously excelled, given his degree in journalism and communications.

“As it stands right now, no — but at some point, I’ll probably revisit it,” he said regarding future media plans.

Currently, the 32-year-old guard is juggling his roles as an NBA veteran, entrepreneur, and winemaker — with a focus on both the court and the cellar. As McCollum Heritage 91 flourishes, CJ McCollum is demonstrating that his skill set extends beyond basketball — one bottle at a time.