Meghan Markle's 'vintage' rosé faces heat online ahead of launch

Meghan Markle’s latest announcement for her lifestyle brand, As Ever, has stirred excitement, and criticism, among royal fans.

The Duchess of Sussex revealed via the brand’s newsletter that a new wine is on the way: a 2024 Napa Valley rosé, following the rapid sell-out of her debut bottle last month. 

Described as a blend that “marries the same harmony of notes from our first and creates a medley of delicate yet memorable flavour,” the wine will be available next week.

As Ever also teased the launch on Instagram with the caption: “Oh, how we love seeing the world through rose coloured glasses. Rosé coloured glasses? Perhaps even better. Our new vintage of As Ever’s beloved rosé is available next week. Stay tuned for more details and timing.”

However, the use of the term “vintage” drew backlash from some social media users. Critics took to X, accusing the Duchess of marketing theatrics.

“Meghan Markle’s ‘new vintage’ rosé dropping next week? Her wine launches like a surprise merch drop,” one user posted. 

“A true vintage means the grapes were grown, harvested, fermented, bottled, & properly stabilized, a process that takes months at minimum. But only in Meghan’s world can wine skip the entire winemaking process.”

Another user quipped, “Of course, the next five boxes of 2029 vintage 'wine' are going to 'sell out.’”

“She really does love the performance of it all. The faux gravitas, the storytelling & now the 'exclusive vintage' gimmick,” one post read. “It’s less about wine and more about keeping herself in the headlines.”

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