In conversation with Kylie Minogue

Since launching a wine range in 2020, Kylie Minogue is loving life behind the scenes in the industry. Here, the singer sheds light on her eponymous label and a few of her favourite styles.

H. Was there a particular moment that made you fall in love with wine?
KM. My eyes were first opened to the world of wine in 1989, when my then-boyfriend and I went on a trip through the South of France and Italy. I was only 21 at the time and this was my first trip of this kind. Everything was new and exciting, glamorous, and intoxicating! It was during that trip that I fell in love with wine.

H. Do you have a favourite wine or style? 
KM. I’ve been enjoying rosé in the past few years, and I love sparkling wine in general. I’m very proud of the fact that the only time the Royal Albert Hall [in London] has ever run out of Champagne was when I performed my Christmas show there.

H. Do you have a favourite wine memory?
KM. One of my favourite experiences was during my trip to Nashville in the summer of 2017 when I recorded my album, Golden. It’s actually where I was inspired to create my own rosé. While dining outdoors one night, my manager Polly and I were drinking [Provencal rosé] Whispering Angel to cool down from the heat, which got me thinking about how great it would be to have my own. I love pale pink rosés and all the associations of the Mediterranean that go with them. 

H. Do you consider yourself a wine expert? 
KM. At my first meeting for Kylie Minogue Wines, I remember Paul Schaafsma from Benchmark Drinks saying we had a window of opportunity because some fruit had become available to buy. And I thought, fruit? What are you talking about?  



H. What other surprises have you found in the development process behind the range? 
KM. Every term in the wine glossary has been new to me! I never said this to Paul, but I did feel quite nervous and intimidated at the start. I told them I was going to ask all the dumb questions, but, of course, there are none. Benchmark Wines really held my hand, listened to me when I tried to find a way to express myself and it was really exciting. I certainly never expected to be drinking wine for research, or thinking anything other than, what is my response to this? Do I want another glass? These wines have become this other world, and it’s been a steep learning curve for me, but I’m enjoying every minute of it. 

H. Are there any wine regions you still want to visit?  
KM. The Gambellara region in Italy, where my Prosecco Rosé is made. It’s a really beautiful place, nestled in the heart of Veneto region on the picturesque valley and hillsides. There are 4000 hectares of vines producing arguably some of the best Proseccos in the world. That’s next on my bucket list! 

H. Have you found any similarities between wine and music?
KM. I believe the key to making both is creating something balanced and harmonious. With our Signature range, if I was to relate it to music, it’s like aiming for a smash hit – the song that has high rotation and is a dependable go-to. You might even call it quaffable wine. Then, with our Collection range, that’s like when you want to have those side projects; the remixes and special performances that are for super-fans and enthusiasts. When you go to a concert, you want to hear the hits, but you also like a surprise. I guess you could say that’s where the two ranges sit in the market.

For all stockist details, visit kylieminoguewines.com  

This is an edited extract of an article from issue #62 of Halliday magazine. Become a member to receive six editions a year, as well as gain access to more than 150,000 tasting notes online and other exclusive content.