Heisman Trophy Winner Becomes First Black NFL Player Wine Brand to Gain Full US Distribution
Paso Robles, CA (September 9, 2020) — The only defensive player ever to win a Heisman Trophy has just reached another landmark. Super Bowl champion and NFL great Charles Woodson’s Intercept wine brand proudly announces it has achieved full national distribution through its partnership with O’Neill Vintners & Distillers. Launched in 2019, Charles Woodson’s Intercept was previously available in only fifteen select markets, including the Midwest, California, and Florida. Now, Woodson is the first black NFL player and wine brand partner to gain direct-to-retail distribution nationally. Intercept is also available in 28 states for direct-to-consumer shipping, with more to follow.
Intercept is a partnership between O’Neill Vintners & Distillers – a leading California producer of premium wine brands – and Charles Woodson, an NFL veteran, sports anchor, and well-known wine aficionado. Since its limited launch in August 2019, Intercept has shipped over 18,000 cases.
“In light of what is happening in the US currently and the worldwide uncertainty, I am in awe of the reception that Intercept has achieved in less than one short year,” said Woodson. “I have always thought that wine was universal – that it brings people together – and I can’t be more grateful for the response we have seen from distributors, retailers and, most importantly, wine fans.”
“Charles is an incredible businessman, athlete, and wine professional. It is no surprise that he creates new fans in everyone who meets him – from Sommeliers to sports fanatics to wine enthusiasts. His palate and wine knowledge are astounding, and the incredible quality of the Intercept line is a direct testament to that. I look forward to seeing the brands’ success nationwide through Charles’ undying passion and inspiring leadership,” comments Christine Moll, VP of Marketing for O’Neill Vintners & Distillers.
Intercept wines are available at a suggested retail price of $20. The starting line-up includes a Cabernet Sauvignon and Red Blend from Paso Robles, with a Pinot Noir and Chardonnay from Monterey County.
ABOUT CHARLES WOODSON:
Charles Woodson is an 18-year NFL veteran, former NFL Defensive MVP and Heisman Trophy winner. He is a Super Bowl champion and nine-time Pro Bowl defensive back. The veteran player played his final season in 2015. He played college football for Michigan, where he led the Wolverines to a national championship in 1997. Woodson, a “two-way player” who played both offense and defense, won the Heisman Trophy in the same year. To date, he is the only primarily defensive player to win the Heisman, and he is the most recent player to win the Heisman who was not either a running back or quarterback. Woodson went on to accomplish a storied career professionally with one of the most decorated professional football resumes of all time, considered by many of his peers to be one of the greatest defensive players to have ever played.
ABOUT THE ‘INTERCEPT’ WINES COLLECTION:
CABERNET SAUVIGNON
Paso Robles Vintage: 2017. Tasting Notes: The intense dark ruby red color of our Cabernet Sauvignon is reflective of this full-bodied, flavorful wine. The core of black currant and hints of cedar and spice along with cocoa aromas echoed by rich persistent flavors of plush ripe fruit, dark chocolate and anise are all supported by balanced rich velvety tannins.
Composition: 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 3% Petite Sirah, 2% Syrah, and 2% Merlot
RED BLEND
Paso Robles Vintage: 2018. Tasting Notes: 2018 Intercept Red Blend has aromas of berry cobbler, savory herbs, and caramelized sugar. The wine is full-bodied with fine grained tannins on the mid-palate and a long spicy finish.
Composition: 45% Petite Sirah, 22% Syrah, 19% Zinfandel, 10% Petit Verdot, 4% Mourvèdre
PINOT NOIR
Monterey County Vintage: 2018. Tasting Notes: Garnet in color, with aromas of strawberry, pastry cream, and nutmeg. This wine is medium-bodied with dusty fine-grained tannins and a long juicy finish. Enjoy with grilled salmon, braised duck, or stuffed Portobello mushrooms.
Composition: 100% Pinot Noir, primarily from the Santa Lucia Highlands AVA
CHARDONNAY
Monterey County Vintage: 2019. Tasting Notes: 2019 Intercept Chardonnay is medium bodied with notes of spiced apples, citrus, and biscuit. Rich from barrel fermentation and sur lie aging, the wine has bright acidity with a lingering toasty oak finish.
Composition: 100% Chardonnay, From a single vineyard in the Arroyo Seco AVA
ABOUT O’NEILL VINTNERS & DISTILLERS:
O’Neill Vintners & Distillers was founded in 2004 by entrepreneur and industry veteran, Jeff O’Neill. The family-owned and operated winery has grown to become one of the largest varietal wine and brandy producers in California with a reputation for producing high quality wines from the North Coast, Central Coast and Central Valley. Through its extensive vineyards and modern production facilities, O’Neill’s growing portfolio of national and exclusive brands includes the fast-growing Line 39 Wines. Other brands in the company’s national brands portfolio include Robert Hall, Harken, Exitus, and Day Owl. For more information, please visit
Are Woodson “Intercept” wines available in Massachusetts?