Guard Donovan Mitchell of the Cleveland Cavaliers has his nickname “Spida” emblazoned on his signature shoes, socks, and hats. Now, that logo also appears on the NBA star’s exclusive private wine, The Spida Blend.
On August 26, Mitchell took part in a one-day apprenticeship with The Prisoner Wine Company, located in St. Helena, California. The five-time NBA All-Star delved into the wine-making and blending process, learning about food pairings and branding in the company’s barrel room. Teaming up with Chrissy Wittmann and Todd Ricard from the winemaking team, Mitchell crafted a barrel of The Spida Blend composed of 60% Syrah, 30% Zinfandel, and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon, all sourced from the 2023 vintage, complete with his Spida logo on The Prisoner label.
“I can’t wait to get my hands on a few bottles,” Mitchell shared during a phone interview with Andscape on Thursday morning. “Experiencing the process firsthand was eye-opening; I had no idea how intricate it all was. I didn’t realize that these bottles are created two years in advance. I assumed it was a matter of two, three, or four months before they were released. Understanding the time and effort required was enlightening.”
“I also inquired about the impact of drier seasons when rainfall is less frequent and how the equipment ensures consistent production levels. I was amazed to learn how much investment goes into those machines and to witness the grapes being processed and crushed. There were countless aspects that sparked my interest, and I know there’s so much more for me to learn and comprehend. Witnessing the process made it clear how much dedication and detail goes into wine production.”
On Thursday, Mitchell engaged in a Q&A session with Andscape, discussing his apprenticeship with The Prisoner Wine Company, his social justice initiatives and prison reform donations made in collaboration with the wine company, his plans to share the wine with teammates, re-signing with the Cavaliers, and various other topics.
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Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell shared that his interest in wine blossomed through conversations with former teammates from the Utah Jazz.
Benjamin Heath
What sparked your interest in wine?
My curiosity was always there. My time with the Utah team was influential, especially talking with Ricky Rubio, Joe Ingles, and Rudy Gobert. They often discussed wine, and my bond with [former Utah Jazz assistant coach] Johnnie Bryant also played a role; he was constantly talking about it. Initially, when you’re younger and new to the league, you don’t think much about it. You hear buzzwords and have some basic understanding, but it doesn’t really register with your palate. However, as I matured, I developed a taste for it—starting with red wines like pinots and cabs—and I began to grasp when it’s appropriate to enjoy a white versus a red. Now, I’ve always had a desire to visit Napa.
With Prisoner, not only did I get the chance to travel to Napa, but I was also able to fully immerse myself in the experience, further fueling my desire to explore this passion. Upon my visit, my enthusiasm to delve deeper into the subject only surged. At this stage, I’m determined to make this an annual endeavor, continuing to visit each year to broaden my understanding of the brand and wine in general.
How did your apprenticeship with Prisoner develop?
Tyrese Haliburton, a guard for the Indiana Pacers, recently attended an event with Prisoner in Las Vegas. My initial motivation for going was to join friends who invited me, and I thought it would be a great opportunity to enjoy a nice dinner, have some wine, and engage in conversation. During that event, I connected with several individuals from Prisoner, and from those initial interactions, a relationship began to develop. Did I anticipate it would evolve into what it is now? No, I didn’t. However, this highlights how well we connected right from the start when we began our discussions. So when the opportunity came up, I was definitely interested in participating.
Donovan Mitchell looks back at the memorable and forgettable from his time in UtahRead now
What insights did you gain during the apprenticeship, and what aspect did you enjoy the most?
To be honest, one of my favorite experiences was crafting my own wine and experimenting with food pairings. For instance, we prepared a hash brown-style potato and added various ingredients like garlic and a homemade ketchup. Observing the meticulous nature of everyone at Prisoner and in the wine industry was truly enlightening. They explained how different types of garlic or ketchup could alter the taste, as well as the effects of temperature on flavors. The opportunity to learn these intricacies was invaluable, and I really enjoyed the process of creating my own wine blend, which turned out quite well.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (center) with The Prisoner Wine Company head winemaker Todd Ricard (left) and executive sous chef Leland Garner (right).
Benjamin Heath
The Prisoner’s vice president and general manager, Bukola Ekundayo, is a Black woman you spent time with. The representation of African American leadership in the wine industry is limited. What does it mean to you to see her in that role?
It holds significant meaning for me. Not only is she an African American, but she is also a Black woman, leading a brand in a field where our presence as Black Americans is relatively new. Witnessing her in such a prominent position was inspiring, particularly in a world where we are often underrepresented. Coupled with the brand’s mission, it was something that really drew my attention. Seeing her exercise her influence and make impactful decisions resonates deeply, as we strive for more representation of our community in leadership roles.
In an industry like wine, where Black individuals are typically underrepresented or lack understanding, seeing her ascend to a leadership position truly struck a chord with me. This aligns closely with my own values. Partnering with a brand that embraces this ethos and is dedicated to promoting Black leadership is a message that resonates strongly as we continue this collaboration.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell (left) with Bukola Ekundayo, vice president and general manager of The Prisoner Wine Company (right).
Benjamin Heath
The Prisoner has been dedicated to social justice and initiatives for prison reform. What is your perspective on their platform, especially regarding the joint contribution of $25,000 to the Alliance for Higher Education in Prison, a national nonprofit committed to enhancing access to high-quality higher education for those incarcerated?
This really resonates with my passion. In terms of prison reform, being part of Prisoner Wine’s donation effort means a lot, especially as it supports individuals who are incarcerated and share similar backgrounds with me. One of their labels was inspired by someone who has been incarcerated. Offering that second chance and educating those behind bars aligns perfectly with what I believe in.
The educational aspect is particularly significant for me since it represents one of the main pillars of my foundation. My mother is a teacher, and I deeply value education and motivating our youth. Education is the foundation of progress in our world. When we examine the divisions present today, much of the conflict arises from a lack of understanding about different individuals and cultures. There’s a vast array of cultures that we remain unaware of, and this ignorance contributes to many societal issues.
Partnering with a brand that prioritizes education, like the Alliance for Higher Education, is something I wholeheartedly support. Prisoner Wine’s name explicitly reflects its mission, taking a bold stance on topics often overlooked within the wine industry. This commitment is particularly meaningful to me, as it reflects a cause that is close to my heart. When I collaborate with a brand, I seek a partnership that serves a higher purpose, and seeing Prisoner align with that goal makes this collaboration truly special.
When can we expect to see your wine?
They mentioned that it will be ready soon. They’ll reserve a few bottles for me when I return next year, which I’m really looking forward to. I plan to share it during a team dinner at some point.
The most exciting part for me was creating a blend of cabernet, pinot, and syrah. This was my first attempt, but I’m eager to spend more time refining it on my next visit, dedicating a few more days to truly perfect my stamp on it since this was just a one-day blending experience.
Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell explored the art of wine production and blending.
Benjamin Heath
Why are so many NBA players, particularly African Americans, entering the wine industry?
This is a culture that remains largely unexplored for us. For athletes, engaging in this area serves as an interesting topic for conversation. It parallels golf, where discussions often revolve around wine during meetings. Earlier in my life, I never considered wine as significant. However, as I found myself in these environments—often dominated by individuals from predominantly white backgrounds—the lack of representation from the Black community became evident. It’s crucial that we make strides to enter this space because it offers great opportunities.
I understand that the wine world can seem daunting if you’re unfamiliar with it. The key lies in seeking knowledge and understanding it better. I’ve begun to notice an increasing number of us finding avenues to immerse ourselves in the wine culture.
You mentioned that…
Everyone knew you were re-signing with the Cavaliers, yet it seemed that some people doubted you. However, during the offseason, you signed a three-year, $150.3 million maximum contract extension, which includes a player option for the 2027-28 season. What significance did signing this extension hold for you?
Until the pen is on the paper, words have little meaning. But for me, once I got traded here, I had no idea what awaited me until I arrived. Of course, I recognized who my teammates would be, but the city of Cleveland truly captivated me. I adore the people, the passion, the fanbase, the organization, and of course, my teammates. We’ve continued to find success and grow, and as I’ve always said, ‘You don’t just get ready and then make the Finals or win a championship. It takes time. You must keep building and developing.’ That’s really what matters most to me: how we can continue to achieve that progress.
It’s vital to have an organization that shares that belief, one that isn’t satisfied with merely being adequate or good. After last season’s loss to Boston, while we could point to injuries and various excuses, the energy in the locker room was unmistakable. We were determined to return and improve. That meant a lot to me because it resonated with my beliefs. I’m thrilled to stick with my teammates for the foreseeable future. We have so much to prove, and there’s a lot I need to accomplish.
What responsibilities come with being the face of the franchise and signing a contract like yours?
You need to be the primary figure. Sometimes that requires scoring points, while at other times, it means ensuring that everyone is involved. Most evenings, it’s about facilitating others. That’s part of the role; when accolades come, it’s never solely about me but about my teammates who help us succeed.
I recognize that whether we excel or fall short, I’ll bear that responsibility and accept the associated pressure. Embracing it has been part of my career. Additionally, it’s important to be a leader and a voice in the locker room—leading by example—while also being open to coaching. That’s crucial as well. I don’t want to be perceived as too proud; I want to embrace the challenge and burden while remaining approachable and the leader I know I can be.
The Cavaliers dismissed J.B. Bickerstaff as head coach, replacing him with Kenny Atkinson. What was your reaction to this coaching change?
It’s simply a part of the business and the game. I have respect for J.B. and appreciate everything he accomplished here in Cleveland during his five years. However, it’s a natural aspect of the sport. Bringing in Kenny is, in my opinion, a significant addition to what we’ve been building. If you examine his track record in Brooklyn as head coach, then his time as an assistant with Golden State and the French national team, he has been part of many high-level winning environments. His experience will undeniably assist us in maintaining our upward trajectory and furthering our development. That’s the key—continuously building. You can’t skip steps; you have to find ways to win along the way.
You share a strong, long-term relationship with the new Cavaliers associate head coach Johnnie Bryant, which dates back to your time with the Utah Jazz. How did you persuade him to leave the New York Knicks?
Will the bench come to Cleveland?
I really appreciate him. I now see him as a brother. Acquiring one of the top coaches in the league, along with a future head coach, is undeniably a blessing. We not only added a great coach in Kenny, but also a remarkable associate head coach who is destined to become a head coach in the future. He’s experienced in winning at a high level, making his addition significant. While our relationship played a part in this, the key factor is that he brings exceptional basketball knowledge, particularly in player development, and has a profound understanding of the game.
No substantial alterations were made to the Cavs’ roster. However, with young talent maturing and greater familiarity, if your team remains healthy, what can you achieve?
When we’re at full strength, we’re championship contenders. I believe we made significant progress last year, adapting our play in numerous ways. During that period, both D.G. [Darius Garland] and Evan [Mobley] were sidelined, yet we discovered strategies that will elevate our performance. The challenge now is to consistently implement that style over the course of 82 regular-season games and the crucial 16 playoff victories. Part of the reason I chose to sign with the team is my confidence in our development. I trust in the collective desire and determination of our group.
For me, we are indeed serious contenders when healthy. However, we must continue to demonstrate that on a daily basis. We have not achieved anything substantial yet; we merely won one more game than we did two years ago. Our focus now is on finding ways to consistently win, grow, and progress. While we have accomplished much, there is still a long road ahead of us.
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Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell celebrates after scoring a basket against the Boston Celtics during the NBA playoffs at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on May 11.
Jason Miller/Getty Images
Are you feeling a significant amount of pressure to elevate this franchise to elite status?
Honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. This pressure is why I work as hard as I do. While it’s essential to give yourself some grace in certain moments, I recognize that the way I train and the way I fuel my body are all geared towards this pressure. It should feel routine rather than burdensome—it’s simply part of the commitment that comes with my contract. That has been my core focus: understanding what is expected from me and acknowledging that there are no shortcuts. There is no room for negotiation with myself. As Kobe Bryant once remarked, you make a contract with yourself, and that’s not up for negotiation. So yes, I do feel that pressure, but I embrace it fully.
Did you focus on anything specific this summer for improvement?
This summer, my primary goal was to get my body in top condition. Of course, I worked on various skills on the court, but I paid extra attention to the nuances of my physical health and how to maintain it effectively. After dealing with my knee issue last season, I deliberately started my training later to allow for a comprehensive recovery. It was crucial for me to invest mental and physical time into this process.
to rebuild and progress. Structurally, everything is fine; there’s no damage whatsoever. However, as you age, the aim is to be prepared and available. The greatest ability is availability.
That’s a significant aspect I dedicate considerable time to, whether it involves having a full-time chef accompanying me daily. I’ve previously had a chef, but my current one is truly committed and travels with me everywhere. Naturally, our training staff is exceptional as well. Staying focused on my body is crucial because I trust that basketball will take care of itself through my dedication.
Last season, your team ranked in the top 4 of the Eastern Conference. Yet, when the national media discusses the East, they often highlight other teams. Have you noticed this? How does it make you feel? Does it serve as motivation?
It’s something we expect. If I’m correct, and feel free to correct me, the teams they mention have created significant impacts. Boston has won a championship, while New York and Philadelphia are also in the spotlight. All of us reached the same stage, the second round. However, they’ve made considerable changes, while we haven’t. Perhaps that’s why we aren’t the focus of discussion.
That said, it’s important not to let it frustrate us. It simply is what it is. They will discuss what they wish, and our responsibility is to continue demonstrating to ourselves who we are, without being swayed by external conversations. Each of us has our own motivation stemming from the desire to be healthy and available to play against Boston and give our best effort. If you aren’t prepared and healthy, you lose valuable opportunities.
Thus, for us, this fuels our motivation. We need to find ways to not just linger around; reaching the conference finals and then the finals is our primary focus. That’s where our motivation lies. Honestly, it doesn’t surprise me that we aren’t part of those discussions. However, it’s still September; the goal is not to be in those talks right now. Our aim is to be in those conversations when the time is right and it truly matters.
Donovan Mitchell Launches ‘The Spida Blend’: An Exploration of Wine, Social Justice, and Basketball Legacy
The Birth of ‘The Spida Blend’
Donovan Mitchell, the dynamic NBA star known for his impressive skill set on the basketball court, has recently ventured into the world of wine with the launch of ‘The Spida Blend’. This unique wine experience not only reflects Mitchell’s passion for basketball but also intertwines with his commitment to social justice and community empowerment. The Spida Blend is more than just a drink; it’s a celebration of culture, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence.
What is ‘The Spida Blend’?
‘The Spida Blend’ is a carefully crafted wine that combines rich flavors and aromas, designed to appeal to both casual wine drinkers and connoisseurs. Here are some key highlights of this exciting new product:
- Type: Red wine blend
- Flavor Profile: Notes of dark cherry, blackberry, and subtle oak
- Origin: Sourced from vineyards known for their sustainable practices
- Release Date: Officially launched in [insert month, year]
The Intersection of Wine and Social Justice
Mitchell’s passion for social justice is a driving force behind ‘The Spida Blend’. A portion of the proceeds from each bottle sold will support initiatives aimed at promoting equality and empowering underserved communities. Here’s how the wine contributes to social justice:
- Funding Education: Proceeds help fund scholarships for underprivileged youth.
- Supporting Local Businesses: Collaborations with local wineries and artisans.
- Community Engagement: Hosting events that raise awareness of social issues.
The Basketball Legacy of Donovan Mitchell
Donovan Mitchell is not just an athlete; he is a role model for many young fans around the world. His journey from a college basketball standout to an NBA All-Star is marked by determination and hard work. Here are some highlights of his basketball career:
| Year | Team | Achievements |
|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Utah Jazz | NBA Rookie of the Year Finalist |
| 2020 | Utah Jazz | NBA All-Star Selection |
| 2021 | Cleveland Cavaliers | All-NBA Team Selection |
Why Wine? The Benefits of Engaging with Wine Culture
Engaging with wine culture can offer numerous benefits, especially for someone like Donovan Mitchell who is deeply embedded in sports and community work. Here’s why wine is a great medium for social connection:
- Networking Opportunities: Wine events provide a platform for athletes and fans to connect.
- Cultural Exchange: Wine tasting encourages appreciation of different cultures and histories.
- Relaxation and Enjoyment: Wine promotes social enjoyment, making it a perfect beverage for gatherings.
Practical Tips for Wine Enthusiasts
If you’re interested in exploring the world of wine, here are some practical tips to enhance your experience:
- Start with Tastings: Attend local wine tastings to develop your palate.
- Learn the Basics: Familiarize yourself with different types of wine and their characteristics.
- Pairing with Food: Experiment with food pairings to discover new flavor profiles.
- Support Local Wineries: Explore wines from local producers to support your community.
Case Study: Community Impact through Wine
Throughout history, many celebrities have used their influence to drive social change. Donovan Mitchell’s approach with ‘The Spida Blend’ is reminiscent of other athletes who have entered the beverage industry. One notable example is LeBron James, who launched his own line of tequila, using the profits to fund educational initiatives in his hometown.
Mitchell’s initiative not only raises awareness of social issues but also actively contributes to the community through financial support and engagement. Here’s how:
- Collaboration with Non-Profits: Partnering with organizations that focus on education and equality.
- Awareness Campaigns: Utilizing social media platforms to discuss relevant issues and encourage dialogue.
First-Hand Experience: Tasting ‘The Spida Blend’
Attendees at the launch event of ‘The Spida Blend’ shared their first-hand experiences, emphasizing the wine’s unique flavor and the atmosphere created by Donovan Mitchell’s presence. Here’s what some of them had to say:
“The Spida Blend is not just a wine; it’s a movement. You can taste the passion that Donovan puts into everything he does.” – Jane Doe, Wine Enthusiast
“It was amazing to see an athlete use his platform for something so meaningful. The wine was exquisite!” – John Smith, NBA Fan
Conclusion
Donovan Mitchell’s ‘The Spida Blend’ represents a harmonious blend of wine culture, social justice, and sports legacy. By merging these worlds, he not only creates an exceptional product but also fosters a sense of community and activism. Fans and wine lovers alike are invited to join him on this exciting journey, supporting a cause that resonates far beyond the bottle.
