When you think of Jon Bon Jovi, rock and roll anthems and sold-out arenas likely come to mind. However, alongside his son, Jesse Bongiovi, the legendary musician has made waves in the wine industry with HAMPTON WATER, a premium rosé brand that has quickly become a major player in the luxury wine market.

Who is Jon Bon Jovi

Jon Bon Jovi is an American singer, songwriter, guitarist, and actor, best known as the founder and frontman of the rock band Bon Jovi, formed in 1983. Born John Francis Bongiovi Jr. on March 2, 1962, in Perth Amboy, New Jersey, he's known for hits like: Livin' on a Prayer, You Give Love a Bad Name, It's My Life, Always.

Over the decades, Bon Jovi has sold more than 100 million records worldwide and is regarded as one of the best-selling music artists of all time. He’s also been inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with his band.

Beyond music, Jon Bon Jovi is a philanthropist and entrepreneur. In addition to co-founding HAMPTON WATER with his son Jesse Bongiovi, he’s involved in various charitable efforts, including affordable housing through the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation.

The idea for HAMPTON WATER was conceived by Jesse Bongiovi during his time at the University of Notre Dame. Growing up, he and his friends referred to rosé as “Hampton Water,” inspired by summers spent in the Hamptons, where drinking rosé was a lifestyle staple. Recognizing a gap in the market for an aspirational yet accessible rosé brand, Jesse pitched the concept to his father, Jon Bon Jovi. Intrigued by the business potential and the cultural appeal of rosé, Jon partnered with Jesse to turn the idea into reality.

From Rock Star to Rosé Star: Why Jon Bon Jovi Entered the Wine World

While Jon Bon Jovi is known globally for his music career, his journey into the wine industry was motivated by more than just curiosity. He saw the opportunity to expand his influence and legacy beyond the stage. A few key reasons stood out:

• Belief in His Son’s Vision:
  Jesse saw how rosé was growing in popularity, especially in the Hamptons, and coined the term “Hampton Water.” Jon admired the idea and jumped in, not just as a father, but as a strategic partner. Jon was genuinely impressed by Jesse's entrepreneurial mindset and the clarity of the brand concept. Supporting his son's ambition gave him both a personal and professional incentive to get involved.
• Identifying a Market Gap: Together, they recognized the growing popularity of rosé and the lack of lifestyle-focused premium brands with strong narratives. They aimed to fill that space with a wine that blended French sophistication with American charm. They saw an opportunity for a premium rosé that combined French winemaking tradition with an American coastal lifestyle brand. It was chic, aspirational, and yet laid-back — a sweet spot not many wine brands had captured.
• Commitment to Quality: Jon insisted that if they were going to do this, the wine needed to be exceptional. This led them to partner with renowned French winemaker Gérard Bertrand, ensuring that HAMPTON WATER would stand up to critical and consumer scrutiny. Jon wasn’t interested in a vanity project. That’s why they teamed up with acclaimed French winemaker Gérard Bertrand. He wanted to ensure the wine had real credibility and not just a celebrity label.
• New Challenge, Same Passion: Jon once said that launching HAMPTON WATER gave him “the same feeling” he had when he released his first album. It was something fresh, exciting, and risky — the kind of energy that fuels an artist and an entrepreneur alike.
• Creative Energy: Bon Jovi has compared launching HAMPTON WATER to the release of his debut album—exciting, risky, and incredibly rewarding. The wine business offered a new avenue for storytelling and creativity, areas he's passionate about.

While Jon Bon Jovi is first and foremost a rock legend, he's always had an eye for opportunity and reinvention — traits that naturally align with entrepreneurship. A few key motivators behind his business ventures include:

1. Longevity and Legacy:
   Even as a successful artist, Bon Jovi recognized that careers in entertainment can have ups and downs. Diversifying into business gave him a way to extend his influence beyond music.
2. Creative Control:
   As someone who built a career writing music and producing albums, Bon Jovi thrives on creative freedom. Entrepreneurship gave him another outlet to shape something from the ground up — but this time, it wasn’t a song, it was a brand.
3. Passion for Lifestyle and Branding:
   He understands the power of branding and storytelling — both of which are crucial in the wine and lifestyle industries. His celebrity status gave him leverage, but his business acumen kept things sustainable.

HAMPTON WATER is more than just a wine—it's a carefully crafted lifestyle brand born from a unique collaboration and a clear vision. Here are the standout features that define this premium wine:

Strategic Partnerships and Brand Positioning

HAMPTON WATER is the result of a partnership between legendary rock star Jon Bon Jovi, his son Jesse Bongiovi, and esteemed French winemaker Gérard Bertrand. This trio combined their expertise in culture, business, and winemaking to produce a rosé that bridges American flair with French tradition. 

To ensure the wine met high-quality standards, the duo teamed up with acclaimed French winemaker Gérard Bertrand. Based in the Languedoc region of France, Bertrand is known for producing exceptional wines and brought his expertise to create HAMPTON WATER’s signature blend. The result is a crisp, fresh, and dry rosé made from Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, and Syrah grapes, capturing the essence of the South of France.

HAMPTON WATER quickly positioned itself as more than just another rosé—it became a lifestyle brand. Through smart marketing, social media engagement, and leveraging Jon Bon Jovi’s star power, the brand cultivated an aspirational yet approachable image. The sleek bottle design, featuring a diving woman, further reinforced the brand’s association with luxury, leisure, and the coastal lifestyle.

Region

The wine is produced in the Languedoc-Roussillon region of southern France, a coastal area known for its warm Mediterranean climate and ideal conditions for growing quality rosé grapes. This region provides the perfect terroir for crafting vibrant and expressive wines.

Grape Varieties

HAMPTON WATER is made primarily from a blend of: Grenache. Cinsault. Mourvèdre. Syrah.

These varietals are classic to the region and are known for their ability to create well-balanced, aromatic, and food-friendly rosé wines.

Style

The wine is a dry and fruity rosé, characterized by its elegance and refined structure. It has a slender texture with a crisp and clean finish, making it highly enjoyable and versatile.

Flavor Profile

Tasting notes often describe HAMPTON WATER as having: Strawberry and white cherry. Hints of melon. Subtle minerality.

The flavors are vibrant yet delicate, offering a refreshing experience that pairs well with summer meals or can be enjoyed on its own.

Label Design

The bottle features a stylish, modern label with an image of a diving woman, inspired by the carefree, luxurious spirit of the Hamptons. The design reinforces the brand's message of leisure, elegance, and coastal living.

Awards and Recognition

Since its debut, HAMPTON WATER has earned critical acclaim:

• Frequently rated above 90 points by Wine Spectator
• Named one of the top rosés on the market
• Praised for its consistent quality, branding, and storytelling

This combination of strong partnerships, premium sourcing, and strategic branding has made HAMPTON WATER a standout product in the competitive world of wine.

Hampton Water Product Line

• Type: Still Rosé Wine
• Origin: Languedoc-Roussillon, South of France
• Grape Varieties: Grenache, Cinsault, Mourvèdre, and Syrah
• Alcohol Content: Approximately 13% ABV
• Flavor Profile: Bright red fruit flavors such as cherries, strawberries, and watermelon, balanced acidity, a touch of minerality, and a long, dry, refreshing finish
• Packaging: 750ml bottle featuring the iconic diving woman label
• Accolades: Consistently rated above 90 points by Wine Spectator, Wine Enthusiast, and Decanter​ 

• Type: Sparkling Rosé Wine
• Origin: South of France
• Grape Varieties: 47% Pinot Noir, 30% Grenache, 23% Chardonnay
• Sugar Content: Less than 5 grams per liter
• Flavor Profile: Pale pink color with complex aromas of red fruit, citrus, and floral notes; crisp, well-balanced palate with fine, persistent bubbles
• Packaging: 750ml bottle featuring the brand’s iconic diver on the cap and unique design elements like “surprise & delight” messages under the muselet cage
• Launch Date: October 2024​

Since its launch in 2018, HAMPTON WATER has received widespread acclaim. It was named the top-ranked rosé by Wine Spectator and has consistently earned high ratings from wine critics. The brand has expanded its presence across the U.S. and internationally, making its way into high-end restaurants, exclusive events, and major retailers.

The success of HAMPTON WATER highlights a key trend in the wine industry—celebrity-backed brands that are not just gimmicks but offer quality and authenticity. By blending star power with strategic partnerships and high-quality production, Jesse Bongiovi and Jon Bon Jovi have created a rosé that stands out in a crowded market.

The Future of HAMPTON WATER

As the brand continues to grow, expansion into new markets and product diversification could be on the horizon. With the global rosé market thriving, HAMPTON WATER is well-positioned to remain a dominant force in the luxury wine segment.

HAMPTON WATER isn’t just a wine—it’s a lifestyle, a movement, and a testament to how innovative branding and passion can turn an idea into a thriving business. Whether you're a wine enthusiast or a casual drinker, it’s clear that HAMPTON WATER is here to stay.

Sources: hamptonwaterwine, Gerard-bertrand, winespectator, forbes, decanter, winemag, people