[ PORTRAIT ]
NBA Hall of Fame // United States & France
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Talk with Tony Parker
"One that sticks out in my mind was a vertical tasting I attended at Cos d’Estournel. It really showed me what an incredible craft winemaking is when the standard is exceptionally high."
For NBA all star Tony Parker, greatness has always been a career benchmark—and the same rings true for his latest ventures in wine. Originally from Belgium, Parker spent the majority of his career as a point guard for the San Antonio Spurs, and officially achieved Hall of Fame status in 2023.
Along with basketball, Parker’s passion for wine also runs deep. Upon retiring from the NBA, Parker met French wine businessman Michel Reybier through mutual friends—a connection that would ultimately change the trajectory of Parker’s post-NBA life. A natural friendship morphed into an entrepreneurial partnership, and today, the pair proudly collaborate on two French wineries based in Champagne and Provence.
Get to know more about Tony and his vibrant backstory through our exclusive interview.
When did you first discover your passion for wine?
TONY PARKER
Wine is part of the fabric of French life. It was just always something I was exposed to growing up. However, it wasn’t until I was older that I really developed an interest in it, first with a girlfriend whose parents were really big into wine––they introduced me to red Bordeaux––and then later as a Spurs player when it became something that Coach Pop (Gregg Popovich) and I could bond over.
Rosé is one of the only wines that I can grab just as easily for house parties as I can for formal dinners at the table.
Did your basketball career influence your love of wine?
TONY PARKER
Basketball influenced my interest in wine in the sense that it put me in close contact with Coach Pop. I was able to learn so much from him––and gave me the resources where I could afford to purchase some amazing bottles, as well as meet Michel Reybier and so many other incredible producers.
What was a wine (or wine-focused experience) that changed your life?
TONY PARKER
There have been many, especially looking back to the NBA when I would spend summer breaks visiting estates. One that sticks out in my mind was a vertical tasting I attended at Cos d’Estournel. It really showed me what an incredible craft winemaking is when the standard is exceptionally high.
How did your partnership with Michel Reybier come to be?
TONY PARKER
I’ve been a fan of Michel Reybier’s probably going back to my first visit to his estate in Bordeaux. We finally got the chance to meet through basketball circles because we both invested in ASVEL, the local basketball team, so it’s a very natural friendship.
The 2022 is a particularly special vintage being the first that I’ve been involved with from start to finish, harvest to production.
Tell us a bit about the two different projects you're involved in: Champagne Jeeper and La Mascaronne.
TONY PARKER
It’s a real honor to be working alongside Michel Reybier on two of the brightest stars in his portfolio. Château La Mascaronne is a certified organic winery producing what we in France refer to as rosé de terroir––that is, rosé that captures the very best of Provence and the local growing conditions under the direction of Nathalie Longefay. The 2022 is a particularly special vintage being the first that I’ve been involved with from start to finish, harvest to production. Jeeper is a Champagne house that is unique in every way, from the incredible bottle shape to the complex, fascinating blends that lean on Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Pinot Meunier. I particularly admire the Blanc de Blancs Grand Réserve for its freshness and elegance.
You've been vocal about your love of rosé. What do you love most about it?
TONY PARKER
I admire its freshness above all; the great ones have a perfect balance of acidity that lends so well to all different kinds of food. On that note, I also love the versatility. In terms of food, yes, but also in terms of the scenarios. It’s one of the only wines that I can grab just as easily for house parties at my waterpark as I can for formal dinners at the table.
I’m a proud Texan half the year, so I often enjoy Château La Mascaronne with barbecue and Champagne Jeeper with fish tacos.
How do you believe your wines are best enjoyed?
TONY PARKER
I’m a proud Texan half the year, so I often enjoy Château La Mascaronne with barbecue and Champagne Jeeper with fish tacos.
Which wines or winemakers would you describe as inspirational to your brand?
TONY PARKER
We are continually inspired by fellow winemakers who find ways to make exceptional wines in geologically unique terroirs. A distinctive feature of Château La Mascaronne is its hillsides of rocky soils, anchored by rows of stone walls. Similarly rocky terroirs are found in places like the Douro Valley and Lavaux, making it feel like being part of an exclusive club.
What do you enjoy drinking when not drinking your own wines?
TONY PARKER
1982 Bordeaux when I’m lucky. I’m a huge fan of this region, and I was fortunate to have been born in an incredible vintage.
I was fortunate to have been born in an incredible vintage.
What's next for you and your brands?
TONY PARKER
My partnership with Michel Reybier remains a primary focus. It’s been an honor to work alongside him and learn all that I can from him. I’ve been buckling down, having fun learning the trade, and working hard to ensure that these incredible wines are available to as many people as possible.
Where are your wines currently available? How can consumers buy them?
TONY PARKER
B-21 ships nearly everywhere in the country. We’re really pleased to see Château La Mascaronne Rosé 2022 and Champagne Jeeper available from coast to coast.
Article - Vicki Denig
Vicki Denig is a wine and travel journalist based between New York and Paris. Her wine industry career began at Sud de France Développement in Manhattan, followed by a Wine Consultant/Buyer position at Quality House Wines. Since 2017, Vicki has worked as a freelance journalist and content creation full time. Her work regularly appears in Decanter, Food & Wine, Wine-Searcher, Wine Enthusiast, and more. She is a Certified Specialist of Wine.
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