Tony Parker is dreaming big for his new property just outside of Avignon, with the retired NBA player and wine fan planning his first vintage and to open Château Saint Laurent for events.

The estate includes 40 hectares of vineyards planted with Syrah, Grenache, Cinsault, Viognier and Roussanne.

Belgium-born Parker, a four-time NBA champion who is now the president of French basketball club ASVEL Villeurbanne, plans to produce both wines blended from several varieties as well as a range of single varietals. 

The purchase price was not disclosed nor the identity of the previous owner of the Château, which dates back to the 14th century, specifically the Avignon Papacy when seven successive popes chose to reside in Avignon rather than Rome.

Underground passageway

The 2,000 sqm château features 22 rooms, a panoramic terrace and an underground passageway that stretches 10 kilometres to the Palais des Papes in central Avignon.

"I fell in love with Château Saint Laurent as soon as I saw it, and I am now fully committed to crafting some amazing wines while simultaneously making one of the most incredible reception venues in the South of France available for private use," Tony Parker said in a statement announcing the purchase.

It will open for private functions and conferences on 1 June 2023.

Organic & NFT tokens

The vineyard is in the process of being converted to organic. Parker plans to produce 3,000 bottles from his first vintage, 2022, which will be released in November next year.

To celebrate the launch, he has partnered with Club dVIN to sell 500 limited-edition NFT tokens in December 2022, each of which will give access to six bottles of the initial vintage plus a guaranteed allocation of six bottles from every future vintage.

The collectible NFT will also entitle the owner to attend an annual 'Pick up Party' with Parker at the estate, harvest events including overnight stays and virtual tastings with Parker.