Jessica Biel’s journey into the wine world mirrors her successful Hollywood career — it all starts with a compelling story and a talented team.
Her childhood friend, Jesse Katz of Aperture Cellars, plays a key role. Known for high scores and a record-breaking $1 million sale of a bottle at auction, Jesse brings passion and expertise. When Jessica married Justin Timberlake, Jesse created a special vintage to celebrate. He also did the same for Biel’s brother, Justin, and his wife, Rose.
Realizing their potential, they collaborated to launch the wine brand ‘Prophet & Poet’ — inspired by Rose’s shamanic healing and Justin’s poetry.
The team also includes Chris & Ariel Jackson from Jackson Family Wines, who sourced grapes from their esteemed Sonoma vineyards. The first vintage, from 2021, is limited to only 900 cases, featuring three reds and two whites.
I spoke with Jessica Biel about her new wine brand, how she discovered her love for wine, and her plans for her next detective series.
When did you start enjoying wine?
My parents weren’t big wine drinkers, so wine wasn’t part of my childhood. I began exploring wine in my mid-20s — when I had my own money and could choose bottles for myself. I wanted to learn about different varieties and flavors.
Traveling around the world also sparked my interest.
I also met my husband, Justin Timberlake, in my mid-20s. His parents enjoyed wine every night, especially big, bold reds like Barolos. Through them, I was introduced to many different wines.
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Jessica Biel in Sonoma: Her Journey into Wine
First Memorable Bottle
Jessica Biel recalls her first memorable wine experience with Tignanello, a bold Super Tuscan. This wine played a key role in her understanding passion for wine and what makes it so special.
From Wine Lover to Wine Creator
Her transition from enthusiast to wine label founder began nearly 13 years ago. Jesse Katz, her childhood friend, crafted a wedding wine as a gift. Later, they created wine for her brother’s wedding, at Jesse’s kitchen table — before he had his winery.
As the wine matured, it kept improving. Jessica thought, “Why not share it?” She wanted to turn their family’s special celebration wines into something for everyone.
Authenticity Matters
Jessica mentions, “If it was anyone else or a story I wasn’t involved in from the start, I wouldn’t do it.” Her connection to Jesse and the personal story behind the wine made her say “yes”. This was more than just a business — it was about family, tradition, and authenticity.
Surprising Insights about Winemaking
Jessica highlights the complexity of making wine — from soil and farmers to grapes and weather. She recalls talking to Jesse during harvest, when he decided to leave grapes on the vine longer.
She initially thought, “Does a few extra hours really matter?” But Jesse explained, “Yes!” Timing, blending, and tasting are true art forms. Jessica admits she didn’t fully understand Jesse’s craft until she got involved.
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Prophet & Poet
When you first created the wedding wine was there any direction you gave to Jesse about what you wanted?
We wanted something red, beautiful and bold. And we were getting married in Puglia so it would make sense to have that kind of wine. Interestingly enough — we didn’t actually drink that wine at our wedding because it was too hard to bring it over. But we’ve enjoyed that wine at so many other moments in our life.
Do you enjoy spirits and cocktails as well?
I like tequila. And I also really like a Vesper martini. I’m a vodka martini straight-up-with-a-twist kind of person. I don’t like it dirty.
Have you ever had a drink with one of your idols?
I’ve had a few cool experiences having a glass of wine and a meal with Jane Fonda. I met her years ago at an amazing event her organization does annually for reproductive rights for teenagers in Georgia. And we have stayed friends and we talk and text and email. It’s so cool. I saw her after an event one year and asked her how she has stayed looking so beautiful and fit and so healthy and vibrant. What is the secret? And she said ‘posture!’ And all of us at the table stood up so much straighter.
(L to R) Chris Jackson, Jesse Katz, Rose Biel, Jessica Biel, Ariel Jackson
You’re co-starring in a new series with Elizabeth Banks called ‘The Better Sister.’ She also has her own wine label. Did she give you any advice?
I didn’t even know that for a long time. She does so many things. I wouldn’t be surprised if she has ten other companies I don’t know about. She’s not the kind of person who makes a big deal about what she’s got going on in her life. It just kind of shows up all of sudden and you’re like ‘wait, that’s yours?’
We did get to have a drink together a couple of times. She’s amazing. What you see is what you get with her. She’s funny. She’s so smart. And she’s just lovely. We had this natural sister-level comfort about us right away.
You produced and starred in another series called ‘The Sinner.’ How did that come to life?
It’s based on a German book. My producing partner brought it to me and we fell for it right away. We thought ‘this is pushing a lot of boundaries and is not anything we’ve seen on television.’ And it was material I had never had the opportunity to do. ‘I’m scared of it, but this one’s mine. And I’m going to hang onto it real tight.’
Did you see Bill Pullman in the detective role right away?
He was on the top of our list because he felt unexpected. The character has a lot of darkness and intricacies and in real life he’s so sweet, lovable and charming.
Would you ever want to act with your husband in a mystery?
Yes. I’d like to be the murderer this time though.
What role would he play?
He should be the detective. He should want to find me.