Business of Stars: Sting- The famous rock star is a successful businessman in the wine industry

Sting (Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner CBE) and his wife Trudie Styler produce fine wines on their Tuscan organic farm. The famous rock star and his wife Trudie bought “Il Palagio” in 1996, an estate with a beautiful villa in the heart of Tuscany surrounded by vineyards, olive trees, lakes and a forest region. The “Palace” as it is called, is a magnificent mansion of the 16th century. “Il Palagio” has been producing wine for about 500 years, with Sting and Trudie trying to keep the estate tradition alive.

Il Palagio is not only a vacation home for Trudie and Sting. It is a passion and a deeper need to live at the nature following a simpler way of life. They have made a great effort to transform the whole region into the unique place that is today.

Since 2020 they have planted 11 hectares of vineyards using organic farming methods. The estate’s grapes are grown on 3,650 acres in southern Florence, in the Chianti region of Tuscany, and about two-thirds of the vineyards are located on slopes at an altitude of 100 to 500 meters above sea level.

Sting had no knowledge of vineyards and wine production. For this reason, from the beginning when he took over the estate, he and his wife hired the American consultant for biodynamic viticulture and winemaking, Allan York. In fact, for two years they planted new plants in an area of ​​265 acres. Nowadays, they produce about 150,000 bottles of organic wine every year, coming from blends of indigenous and international varieties of grapes. The wines come mainly from the Vermentino and Sangiovese varieties, which proves that the engagement of Sting with wine, is guided by the same seriousness that keeps him at the forefront of music for 50 years.

Sting gave his wines the names of his great successes. The famous artist claims that “wine is like a song, it must tell a story”. For example, when Sting wrote his iconic song “Message in a Bottle”, he expressed the universal human need to connect. Undoubtedly, a good way is by enjoying a delicious bottle of wine with friends. This, was Sting’s first thought. So, he named his wine “Message in a Bottle”. Crafted by expert winemakers Daniel O’Donnell and Paolo Caciorgna, this is a versatile and very drinkable Toscana Indicazione Geografica Tipica. With a complex aroma of cherries, wild blackberries and spices, this wine will compliment many dishes, but goes most perfectly with friends, loved ones and convivial conversation.

“Sister Moon” is another Sting’s song. He named “Sister Moon” a bottle of Sangiovese, together with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot grapes, ages for 18 months in French barriques. Furthermore, “When We Dance” is a glorious ruby red wine and has a palette that is balanced and smooth.

In addition to the unconventional names derived from the songs of the famous rock star, some of the labels bear the signature of the famous photographer Elliot Erwitt, something that shows there is attention to every detail. At the same time, the creative artist gives his stamp in various ways. “I go to the cellar and play music, I practice and if I play well the wine gets better,” he said in an interview.

It is worth mentioning that the couple expanded their agricultural activities by producing olive oil and honey in a variety of flavors such as acacia, chestnut, forest and flowers. There are also three independent smaller houses in the area as well as two villas nearby available for holidays, weddings, parties and corporate events.