Growing up I was a huge fan of John Elway. I always admired how he led his team to impossible comeback victories. I even had a chance to witness his first Super Bowl Victory in person back in 1998. That definitely was a day to remember. Throughout his career John has been involved in many successful business endeavors, including owning car dealerships, but he has only recently started his own wine business.
I recently had the chance to interview John who so graciously took time out of his busy schedule as he is preparing for the 2021 NFL Draft with his current position with the Denver Broncos. I think you will really enjoy hearing more about his story in wine. Here is my exclusive interview with John Elway.
OB: How did you get interested in wine?
JE: About 7 years ago, I started enjoying wine more with dinner. My Elway’s restaurants were doing well and were in business for about 10 years at the time. This sparked my curiosity in exploring it more as a business endeavor, as it seemed to be a natural complement to my restaurants, my lifestyle, and my brand. I then teamed up with my longtime sports agent and friend, Jeff Sperbeck, who lived near Napa, and began the process of researching options. We partnered with OneHope Wine on the business side, and then with Rob Mondavi Jr as our winemaker. This began our journey into the world of wine, which has now been going on for six years.
OB: What are some of the greatest wines that you have tried throughout your lifetime?
JE: Chateau Lafite, Sassicaia, and Opus One. However, overall I prefer California wines the most which is why I started my family winery in CA.
OB: As a childhood Broncos fan I was able to see your first Super Bowl win in San Diego, a day I will never forget. What was it like winning your first Super Bowl?
JE: Just like you, it was a day that I’ll never forget. At first, the feeling was one of relief, having lost my three previous tries. But after the relief came the joy. At the time, it was the culmination of my professional career to have accomplished that one goal that mattered most. So, it still ranks as my number one professional highlight.
OB: You have had many successful businesses and how did you decide to start your winery, 7Cellars?
JE: I am selective about the businesses that I participate in, and even more so, the ones I associate my name with. The wine business came out of the success of my restaurants. Not only was I starting to enjoy wine more at the time, but I recognized the natural symbiotic relationship that exists between food and wine. So, when my longtime business manager, Jeff Sperbeck, came to me with the right opportunity and partnership with OneHope wine, we decided to pursue it. The results have been amazing thus far.
OB: I am sure you have a beautiful cellar and I'm wondering what are some of your favorite bottles?
JE: Domaine Romane Conti (DRC) 98, Petrus 01, and Chateaux Margaux
OB: Any new wines or regions you have been enjoying lately?
JE: It would be chic of me to point out other regions around the world, but to be honest, I’ve always been a fan of the Napa region. I’m sure it’s because of early exposure to it because of my Northern California ties to Stanford. I do enjoy Spanish red wines, and the New Zealand Sauvignon Blanc in the warmer months. But for me, it’s tough to beat the diversity of the California wines.