By Alex Piazza
BAY CITY, Mich. — Madonna is most notably recognized through a pair of headphones. But now the Bay City native also can be identified through a wine glass.
The Material Girl's father, Tony Ciccone, recently decided to advance his winery business by releasing "Madonna Wine,'' which is available in five varieties — Pinot Grigio, Pinot Noir, Gewurztraminer, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay.
"Most of our wines are state-bottled wines,'' Ciccone said. "We don't try to make California wines or wines from France. We make wines that are Michigan wines.''
Ciccone, who has been bottling wine out of his Ciccone Vineyard & Winery in Suttons Bay for nine years, frequents Bay City on a regular basis.
"Madonna Wine'' was released in December 2006, Ciccone said, and its popularity has increased ever since. The label on each bottle features a colorful picture of Madonna, whom he consulted with prior to releasing them to make sure his daughter approved of the idea.
"She was excited about it,'' Ciccone said.
Ciccone said he plans on increasing production at his Suttons Bay vineyard, which staffs five people in Michigan's Leelanau Peninsula.
But sales aside, Ciccone said he's just happy to be doing what he enjoys, and making money at the same time. "I should've done this 20 years ago,'' he said. "For us, it's a labor of love.''
At Bay City's Water Front Market, owner Greg Schultz showcases all five "Madonna Wine'' bottles on his front counter.
"Sales have been pretty good, considering it's a $40 bottle of wine,'' Schultz said.
But some customers aren't buying the wine for its taste — they're purchasing complete sets to keep as collector's items.
"We've had a lot of girls who buy it as a gift for their friends,'' Schultz said. "It's good for true Madonna fans.''
Alex Piazza is a reporter for the Bay City (Michigan) Times.
Where to buy Madonna wines:
The special collector series of wines runs $39.99 per bottle. Shipping to Michigan residents is legal, but shipping costs are extra. The wines are all from the 2005 vintage: Chardonnay, Gewurztraminer, Pinot Noir, Pinot Grigio Ambrato and Cabernet Franc. The new Pallino Red has a picture of Tony Ciccone on the label. For now, the wines are at G.B. Russo & Son, Grand Rapids, Mich. (800) 767-8776; Ciccone Vineyard and Winery, Suttons Bay, Mich. (231) 271-5553; Luciano's Restaurant, Ludington, Mich. (231) 843-2244
