Donovan Mitchell’s Unlikely Offseason: From NBA Star to Wine Connoisseur
A New Passion Beyond the Court
When Cleveland Cavaliers’ superstar Donovan Mitchell isn’t lighting up the basketball court, he’s unwinding with a glass of wine. What started as a casual way to relax after games has turned into a full-fledged passion. The 28-year-old NBA All-Star has taken his interest beyond sipping wine with family and friends—he’s committed to truly understanding what’s in the glass.
“I wanted to really understand what I was drinking and not just be the guy throwing wine in the cellar and saying, ‘This is what I have,’” Mitchell shared with Boardroom via email. His curiosity grew as he sought to learn more about the art of winemaking, asking questions about different types of wine, blends, and regions.
A Hands-On Internship at Napa Valley
This past offseason, Mitchell took his passion to the next level by visiting The Prisoner’s winery in Napa Valley for a day-long apprenticeship under head winemakers Chrissy Wittmann and Todd Richard. It was more than just a tour—Mitchell got hands-on experience in the winemaking process, from understanding the nuances of blending to exploring the precision required in each step.
“That experience taught me so much about the precision that goes into making a bottle of wine,” said Mitchell. “Something as small as changing the measurements in a blend by a few milliliters can totally alter the taste. Now, I can have meaningful conversations about wine and not just be in the room faking it.”
Wine with a Purpose
Mitchell’s passion for wine also led to a partnership with The Prisoner. Together, they’ll be making a $25,000 donation to the Alliance for Higher Education in Prison, a national nonprofit aimed at increasing access to quality higher education for incarcerated individuals. It’s a cause Mitchell feels deeply connected to, as he continues to expand his impact beyond basketball.
A Wine Label in the Future?
As the upcoming NBA season approaches, Mitchell is not only focused on leading the Cavaliers but also exploring the idea of creating his own wine label. However, he’s in no rush to put his name on a bottle without putting in the proper work.
While basketball remains his primary focus, Mitchell’s newfound knowledge and dedication to the craft of winemaking show that he’s taking his passions off the court just as seriously as those on it.
