Few artists understand the alchemy of storytelling, hospitality, and craftsmanship quite like Zac Brown. As the frontman of the multi-platinum Zac Brown Band, Brown has built a career on connection, inviting fans into deeply personal narratives through music that blends technical precision with emotional authenticity. That same philosophy now defines his wine venture, Z. Alexander Brown Wines, a label rooted in bold character, family-owned vineyards, and a commitment to bringing people together around the table.
Launched in partnership with Delicato Family Wines in 2016, the portfolio reflects Brown’s larger-than-life artistry and reverence for craft. The wines—lush, full-bodied, and decisively styled—have earned consistent 90+ point accolades and strong growth within the super-premium category. Yet beyond the scores and shelf presence, the story runs deeper: an owl icon symbolizing wisdom and guardianship of the vine, a nod to Brown’s personal journey, and a seamless extension of the themes of duality and evolution explored in the band’s latest album, Love & Fear.
In this exclusive Food & Beverage Magazine cover feature, Brown opens up about the parallels between music and winemaking, the immersive storytelling behind the band’s groundbreaking residency at Sphere, his sold-out culinary collaboration with Wakuda and Respass Restaurant and Lounge, and how hospitality remains the throughline connecting every endeavor, from stage to cellar.
“It all comes down to bringing people together. Whether it’s a song under the lights, a home-cooked meal around the table, or a bottle of wine shared with friends, I just want folks to feel welcome…like they’ve got a seat and they belong there. When you put your heart into something and share it with people, that’s where the magic lives.”
Interview Questions
- You first approached Delicato Family Wines in 2016 with a vision for a wine that reflected your personal style. What did you want Z. Alexander Brown Wines to represent from day one?
From day one, I wanted these wines to be the real deal, no smoke and mirrors, just an honest reflection of the land they come from. That’s the same way I’ve always felt about music. Don’t overproduce it. Don’t polish the soul out of it. Tell the truth and let it breathe.
Out in California, you get these bold, confident flavors that don’t hold back and I love that. My goal was to bottle that spirit while still making something smooth, welcoming, and easy to pass around the table.
Good wine ought to do what a good song does…pull people close and turn a moment into a memory.
- Hospitality is a recurring theme in your life, from your concerts to your culinary passion. How does that spirit shape the way you think about wine?
Hospitality has always been at the heart of what I do. Whether I’m cooking for folks, stepping onstage, or pouring a glass of wine, it’s about making people feel welcome and taken care of.
On the road over the years we have had experiences like our Eat & Greets and the ZAB Wine Lounge to help create that hospitality for our fans before the shows. We work very hard to super serve our fans and I wanted to create flavor profiles that complemented these experiences.
- The portfolio is described as lush, full-bodied, and boldly styled. How involved are you in the blending and flavor direction of each release?
I like being a part of every step and I am all in. My partners at Delicato send me each of the new sample blends from the current vintage. I then take notes on the aromatics and flavor profile from each sample and share my perspective on which batches I believe should move forward with bottling to release. I’m not a winemaker by trade, but I know what I like, wines with depth and structure that are still balanced and easy to enjoy.
At the end of the day, I want the wine to complement the moment. If it makes people slow down, settle in, and enjoy where they are, then we’ve done the right thing.
- Your wines are sourced from a family-owned winery. Why was that partnership model important to you?
When I first flew out to Napa after a show and met the Indelicato family, there was an immediate connection. We tasted through dozens of wines, pulled samples from barrels and shared a great meal. I woke up the next morning knowing these were my people. Their values…family, stewardship of the land, passion for the craft…lined up with mine. You can taste that commitment in the wines. It was never just a business deal; it was the start of a real partnership.
- The owl on your label carries dual symbolism—both spiritual and agricultural. What does that icon mean to you personally, and how does it embody the brand?
I’ve always been drawn to the owl. I’ve got one tattooed on me because, to me, it stands for wisdom, awareness, and seeing things clearly…especially in the dark. It’s about staying steady and paying attention to what’s around you.
Out in the vineyard, the owl’s more than a symbol. It’s a protector. They keep the ecosystem in check, watch over the vines, and help maintain that natural balance. I love that. It’s a reminder that when you respect the land and don’t try to control every little thing, everything works the way it’s supposed to.
That same mindset carries into how we make the wine…take care of the ground, keep a watchful eye, and don’t over complicate the relationship…just let what’s grown there tell its own story.
- Z. Alexander Brown Wines has earned consistent 90+ point scores and strong growth in the super-premium category. What do those accolades mean to you as an artist entering the wine world?
I am not the type that chases trophies for myself. That’s never been what drives me. But seeing the wines earn recognition? That means a lot because it speaks to the work the team’s putting in and the care that goes into every bottle.
If my name’s attached to it, it’s got to be something that I am proud of from the ground up. I am very proud of this brand and this partnership. The awards are an honor but knowing it’s being received the way we hoped…that’swhat matters most to me.
- The Uncaged label subtly nods to your 2012 album. How intentional is the crossover between your music and your wine storytelling?
I’ve always believed certain things just naturally crossover and bring people together…music and wine being two of them. Intent and timing always play a part even when it is not top of mind, however, I try to be intentional in all that I do. Our Uncaged album allowed us to tap into the pulse of our fans through the songs. They dance, feel comfortable and free in the moment where they are. “Uncaged” felt like the right name because it says exactly what the wine is…open, confident, and true to it’s California roots…setting spirits free.
- Your latest album, Love & Fear, explores duality, healing, and evolution. Do those themes influence how you approach creativity outside of music, including wine?
Absolutely. Those themes show up in every part of my life. With wine, just like music, you are balancing intention and patience. You can guide the process, but you also have to respect timing and let things develop the way they are meant to. Both music and wine capture a moment and give people a way to connect and slow down. I have always been drawn to things that bring people together, and wine has that same ability to create connection and shared experience.
- The Sphere residency pushed immersive storytelling to a new level. Did that experience shift the way you think about brand experience in wine?
It reinforced how important the full experience is. At Sphere, every detail mattered. It was not just about the songs, it was about how people felt when they were in that space. Wine is the same way. It is about the setting, the people you are with, the food, and the story behind it. All of those things shape how it is experienced. That residency made me think even more about creating something that feels intentional and memorable, something people carry with them after the moment has passed.
- Collaborations have defined much of your music career, from Dolly Parton to Snoop Dogg. Would you approach wine collaborations the same way?
Collaboration has always been about working with people who bring their own perspective and care deeply about what they do. The best partnerships are built on trust and a shared commitment to quality. I approached wine the same way. It is about finding partners who respect the craft and want to create something meaningful. When that alignment is there, you end up with something stronger and more authentic than you could create on your own.
- With an SRP that keeps the wines accessible yet premium, how do you balance quality with approachability?
I leave that to the Indelicato family and their amazing winemaking team. They’re the experts, and you have to be willing to trust people who know what they’re doing. I’ve always believed in finding talented folks who work with passion and then giving them the space to do their job. It’s the same trust I have with my tour crew and bandmates, everyone shows up, puts their heart into it, and brings their own strengths to the table.
Winemaking is a tough job, and the Indelicatos are better at it than just about anyone. They’ve been doing this for more than a hundred years, and they’ve built relationships with growers that go back generations. That kind of history and dedication shows in every bottle, and because of that, these wines end up drinking like something twice their price.
- 12. What varietal in the portfolio best reflects your personality—and why?
I’d say the Red Blend. It’s creative and complex, and you can’t pin it down to just one thing. That’s how my music works too. We pull from country, rock, blues, and a lot of places in between. Whether it’s a Cab, Zin, or Merlot, each grape adds something different to the blend and creates a real sense of harmony. It’s approachable but still layered, and that mix feels like me.
- The brand has seen impressive sales rankings within the super-premium Cabernet and Red Blend categories. What do you believe is resonating most with consumers?
Quality. Plain and simple. These wines taste more expensive than they are, and people notice. Once they try it, they usually come back for another bottle. The wine stands on its own, whether or not someone knows my music. It’s damn good wine at a great price, and that’s helped it grow for a decade now.
- As someone who has built a loyal fan community, how do you convert music fans into wine consumers without it feeling transactional?
It all comes down to trust. My fans know I won’t put my name on something unless I believe in it. That’s true for everything I do—music, food, or wine. If they try it, it’s because they trust that intention, and hopefully the wine speaks for itself from there.
- Looking ahead, what’s the long-term vision for Z. Alexander Brown Wines? Expansion into new varietals, regions, or experiences?
We’re always looking for new ways to connect the wine to memorable experiences and, naturally, to the music. At the same time, this is California wine at its core, and that sense of place really grounds us. We’re not focused on adding new varietals right now. We just want to keep doing what we do best. The real challenge, and the joy, is in mastering each vintage and keeping the quality high no matter what Mother Nature has in store. That alone gives us plenty to strive for. The goal is simple: keep growing, keep refining, and keep getting better every single year.
- Beyond commercial success, what legacy do you hope to build in the wine industry?
I want to show that “celebrity wines” can be truly high quality, and that they can be built on passion, craft, and long-term commitment rather than just a name on a label. We’re celebrating our tenth year as a brand this year, which is rare in the celebrity wine world. Most brands come and go, but we’re still here because the wine is real. That’s the legacy I hope to leave — that we did this the right way.
As Zac Brown continues to evolve as both an artist and entrepreneur, Z. Alexander Brown Wines stands as a natural extension of the same values that define his music—craftsmanship, authenticity, and bringing people together. From the stage to the vineyard, Brown’s philosophy remains rooted in creating moments that feel genuine and shared. Whether poured at a concert gathering, a restaurant table, or a backyard dinner with friends, the wines invite people to slow down and connect. To explore the portfolio, visit zalexanderbrown.com and follow along on social at @zalexanderbrownwines on Instagram and Facebook.
