Musician Norah Jones has become a co-owner of French winery Maison Wessman and launched a new wine collection with the company, called This Life.
The size of the stake taken by Jones was not disclosed.
In a statement, Maison Wessman said the This Life collection was a “natural collaboration” between Jones and Icelandic entrepreneur Robert Wessman, owner of the winery based in Bergerac, a town in southwestern France. His wife Ksenia Wessman is also a co-owner of the business.
Commenting on the news, Jones said: “Sometimes you get tapped on the shoulder to do something interesting. Wine is a whole new world for me, and it is really fun to do something different.”
The This Life collection features two wines: This Life Sparkling 2024, priced at $25, and This Life Rosé 2024, priced at $17.
This Life Sparkling 2024 includes a blend of Chardonnay, Chenin Blanc, Pinot Noir and Mauzac grapes, sourced from the Crémant de Limoux appellation. The This Life Rosé 2024 is made with Syrah and Grenache grapes.
The This Life collection is imported into the US by Alchemy Wine and Spirits. The wines are also sold online through the This Life website and through numerous social media platforms.
Maison Wessman, which produces an array of red, white, and sparkling wines, said This Life was an “exciting addition to the portfolio”.
Wessman added: “From my first conversation with Norah about This Life, before it was even named This Life, I knew she shared that same passion and vision as I did.
“Working on this incredible set of wines and welcoming Norah as a co-owner of Maison Wessman is exciting not only for our winery but for all of the South of France.”
Wessman acquired the 12th-century Château de Saint Cernin in the early 2000s, restoring it and establishing vineyards, leading to the release of its inaugural vintage in 2016. The site produces Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon wines.
In 2021, the group acquired the Verdots vineyard and winery in the Périgord area of the Dordogne region.
It also manages the Bugalys vineyard in Limoux which produces Chardonnay wines.
Maison Wessman's brands include La Folie, White Raven, Bugalys and Originel. It sells to the US, Canada, UK, Iceland and Singapore.
