WNBA superstar Elena Delle Donne is no stranger to being “first.” As an Olympic gold medalist and the first woman to join NBA stars like Steph Curry and Steve Nash in the 50/40/90 club, Delle Donne has built an impressive resume. Known for her dominance on the court—and activism off of it—Delle Donne is adding Deldon Wines to her growing list of “firsts” to further solidify her legacy beyond the game.
A partnership with Los Angeles-based wine concept DD Project Wines, Deldon Wines is not just a vehicle for the WNBA powerhouse to express her creativity and family-driven love for wine, but it is also yet another charitable venture.
The DD Project, like Delle Donne, has Delaware roots. Founded by music industry entrepreneur David Britz, the project was created in loving memory of Britz’s mother, Diane Rizzo (Dickerson), co-founder of the Capriotti’s Sandwich Franchise, whose trailblazing entrepreneurial spirit is the brand’s north star. Since 2022, The DD Entrepreneurial Foundation has issued $40,000 in grants supporting female-owned small businesses in Delaware and beyond.
“Launching Deldon Wines is a dream come true for me because it ticks so many boxes in terms of my values,” says Delle Donne. “I knew my next project would be a wine brand because wine has always been part of my connection with my family—and anyone who knows my story knows how much family means to me. Being able to share this family connection with the world while also supporting charitable causes that are deeply meaningful to me makes me so excited to launch Deldon Wines.”
Delle Donne is also the creator of Nike’s most inclusive sneaker, the Air Deldon, which has features that are accessible to those with disabilities – a nod to her sister’s dual diagnoses of cerebral palsy and autism, as well as Delle Donne’s own battle with Lyme disease, both of which inspired the creation of her charitable foundation and Deldon Wines.
Proceeds from the sale of the brand’s first wine, 2021 Deldon Willamette Valley Pinot Noir, will be split between Delle Donne’s namesake foundation, which benefits Lyme disease research and special needs programs, and the DD Entrepreneurial Foundation, which provides start-up capital to support women’s entrepreneurship.
The Deldon pinot noir retails for $59.99 and is available exclusively online and at FranksWine in Wilmington. It’s described as “vibrant but balanced on the palate” and includes notes of fresh blueberry, cola, baking spice, candied fruit (notably cherry) and sweet tobacco.
Source: Delaware Today
