From NBA Star to Winemaker: Channing Frye's Chosen Family Redefines What it Means to be a Winery

After a remarkable 15-year NBA career, Channing Frye hung up his sneakers in 2019 and ventured into a new arena that married his passion for people and wine. In 2020, Chosen Family Wines was born in Oregon, a project that goes beyond merely producing wine; it seeks to innovate the way it connects with communities and expand inclusion within the industry.

Chosen Family Wines isn't just a wine brand; it's a declaration of principles. Set in a region famed for its exceptional wine production, the company has embarked on a path few in the sector dare to explore: social commitment and strategic collaboration.

Frye has effectively transferred the ethos of high-level sports to the vineyard. From the beginning, Chosen Family Wines has focused on cultivating relationships both within and outside the wine industry. Through partnerships with established wineries and winemakers, the brand has not only managed to create high-quality products but also paved the way for new voices and talents in the wine world.

A recent collaboration with Lingua Franca and Thomas Savre exemplifies this philosophy. They crafted a 2021 Chardonnay that captures the essence of the volcanic soils of Eola-Amity Hills and the meticulous cellar work, spending ten months in French oak barrels and five months in tanks. This wine not only stands out for its freshness and floral and citrus notes but also represents the spirit of cooperation that Frye aims to instill in his brand.

More Than Wine, a Platform for Change

What truly sets Chosen Family Wines apart is its approach to inclusivity and diversity. Channing Frye and his team, including Tiquette Bramlett, who was appointed vice president, are dedicated to making the wine world a more welcoming space for everyone. Bramlett, known for being the first Black woman to lead a winery in a significant wine region, brings a valuable perspective that is shaping the future of Chosen Family.

Through partnerships with organizations like The Roots Fund and Our Legacy Harvested, Chosen Family aims not only to produce excellent wines but also to support and promote underrepresented talents in the industry. These collaborations are not seen merely as business alliances but as opportunities to effect positive change, broadening the reach and impact of the winery.

With each bottle and every new partnership, Chosen Family Wines is redefining what it means to be a winery in the 21st century. It's not just about growing grapes and producing wine but about cultivating relationships and building a community. Frye and his team's vision is clear: wine can be a bridge, a means to connect people, not just through taste but through shared values of fairness and progress.

This community-oriented and collaborative approach could well be the model for other businesses in the sector, demonstrating that success and sustainability can be achieved not only by respecting the land and tradition but also by embracing diversity and innovation. Chosen Family Wines is not only making a mark in the vineyards of Oregon but also in the lives of those who seek to change the wine industry for the better.