Charles Woodson’s ambition transcends the confines of football. As he stood in the underground barrel room of Robert Hall Winery, holding a glass of his own cabernet sauvignon, he reflected on a life dedicated to greatness. Woodson, now 48, is not focused on living forever in a physical sense, but rather on creating a legacy that outlasts him. His goal, much like his football career, is to be remembered for his contributions and to have his name mentioned among the greats in both sports and wine. Woodson’s approach to his wine brand mirrors the discipline and passion that defined his legendary career.
Woodson’s path to greatness began in Fremont, Ohio. He went on to win a national championship at the University of Michigan, making history as the first primarily defensive player to win the Heisman Trophy. Drafted as the No. 4 pick in the 1998 NFL Draft, Woodson’s career was marked by accolades: a defensive rookie of the year award with the Oakland Raiders, a defensive player of the year award with the Green Bay Packers, and a Super Bowl championship in 2010.
His nine Pro Bowl selections and Hall of Fame enshrinement in 2021 cemented his place in football history. Now, Woodson channels that same drive and ambition into his wine brand, Intercept Wines, aiming to create a legacy that will last long after his time.
A Growing Passion for Wine
Woodson’s interest in wine began during his time with the Oakland Raiders, when he was stationed in Napa Valley. He quickly fell in love with the culture of wine, where every meal seemed to feature a bottle of wine at the center. Although he initially admired merlot, his tastes shifted to cabernet sauvignon, which he believed was the perfect match for his palate.
In 2004, a connection with a friend at Robert Mondavi led to Woodson’s first venture into winemaking: a single barrel of 2001 merlot. This marked the beginning of his journey in the wine world, and eventually, he launched Twenty Four by Charles Woodson, which evolved into the Intercept brand.
Launched in 2019, Charles Woodson’s Intercept Wines became a reality in 2020, with its national introduction coinciding with the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the challenges of launching a business during such uncertain times, Intercept achieved impressive success, surpassing early goals and reaching its millionth bottle sold by 2022.
Woodson’s approach to winemaking was not just about slapping his name on a bottle; he wanted to be deeply involved, ensuring the quality of every product. This dedication has garnered praise from industry experts, including Mitch Frank of Wine Spectator, who commended Woodson for working with the highly regarded O’Neill Vintners & Distillers.
One of the most distinctive features of Intercept Wines is its bold branding. Each varietal features a different colored lion on its label, a motif inspired by a tattoo Woodson has of a lion on his left arm. For example, the chardonnay label is blue to honor the University of Michigan, while the cabernet sauvignon is gold, representing his time with the Green Bay Packers.
Woodson’s love of lions symbolizes strength, perseverance, and the relentless pursuit of greatness—qualities that resonate with his brand and its customers. The lion on each label serves as a metaphor for the brand’s hunger for success and its commitment to standing out in the crowded wine market.
The Wine’s Accessibility and Appeal
Woodson’s goal with Intercept Wines was not only to produce great wine but also to make it accessible. The brand offers excellent vintages at an affordable price, with bottles ranging from $20 to $30. Available in 48 states, Intercept can be found in a wide variety of locations, including liquor stores, grocery stores, hotels, and restaurants.
This accessibility, combined with the wine’s quality, has earned Woodson’s brand a positive reputation. Wine Spectator rated the 2020 Chardonnay a 90, calling it an outstanding wine at its price point. Woodson’s decision to produce wine in Paso Robles, a region with less expensive grapes compared to Napa Valley, allows for high-quality wine at an affordable cost.
Despite having no formal training in winemaking, Woodson immersed himself in the process. He worked closely with winemaker Amanda Gorter, a fifth-generation California agricultural expert, to develop a wine that matched his personal tastes.
Their close collaboration over six years helped Woodson refine his understanding of wine, with Gorter learning to cater to his preference for bold, fruity varietals. Woodson is particularly fond of wines aged in French oak barrels, which he believes adds to the California character of the wine. His meticulous attention to detail has played a significant role in the success of Intercept Wines.
Known for his confidence and individuality, Woodson has always marched to the beat of his own drum. This was evident when he first entered the NFL, where he became known for his distinctive fashion choices, such as wearing ascots. Teammates often found his bold style choices amusing, but Woodson’s confidence in his own uniqueness made him a standout both on and off the field. This sense of individuality has carried over into his post-football life, where he continues to embrace new ventures, such as his expanding whiskey line, which uses French oak barrels similar to those used in winemaking.
Although Woodson is a public figure, he remains a guarded man who has learned to control his narrative. While he speaks fondly of his family and credits his mother for instilling in him a strong work ethic, he keeps much of his personal life private. Woodson’s decision to protect his family’s privacy is part of a broader philosophy: to allow only what he wants people to know. His life has not been without challenges, including arrests in the early 2000s.
However, Woodson is quick to point out that everyone faces difficulties, and it’s how one handles those challenges that defines success. His focus is always on moving forward, putting in the work, and making things right without dwelling on past mistakes.
Woodson’s schedule is hectic, balancing his commitments to Intercept Wines, his role as a football analyst at Fox Sports, and his personal life. His weekends typically involve a whirlwind of travel, from visiting the winery in Paso Robles to shooting the “Fox NFL Kickoff” show in Los Angeles. Despite the constant movement, Woodson is dedicated to all of his ventures. He thrives in environments where hard work and discipline are paramount. Whether it’s analyzing football games, working with his winemaking team, or pursuing new business ventures like whiskey, Woodson’s commitment to excellence remains unwavering.
Charles Woodson’s journey is one of perseverance, passion, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. From his groundbreaking football career to his success in the wine and spirits industries, Woodson has proven that his drive for greatness knows no bounds. As he continues to build his legacy, his focus remains on creating something that will last beyond his own lifetime—whether it’s his wine, his football achievements, or the impact he leaves on those around him. In every endeavor, Woodson’s dedication to quality and success shines through, ensuring that his legacy will indeed live forever.