When discussing his passion for wine, American actor Kyle MacLachlan shares that about half of his cellar comprises wines from Washington, where he actively participates in winemaking. He particularly enjoys Cabernet, often keeping a selection from winemaker Daniel Wampfler, who also crafts wine at Abeja. MacLachlan has recently been drawn to Pinot Noir from California’s Aubert and special older vintages from Howell Mountain, believing every night is a good opportunity to enjoy good wine.
Initially, MacLachlan’s interest in wine was sparked by his high school girlfriend’s family, who dined with wine, making him feel sophisticated. His relationship with director David Lynch deepened this passion, as Lynch introduced him to Bordeaux wines during their work on Dune. This experience led to him meeting winemaker Ann Colgin and eventually establishing his own wine label, Pursued by Bear.
Reflecting on notable wine experiences, he recalls a memorable Cabernet shared with Colgin during a Chinese New Year celebration, which was extraordinary and captivating. He admits an aspiration to taste the legendary ’47 Cheval Blanc, humorously inquiring if any bottles still exist.
One of his most cherished memories involving wine is a moment shared with Lynch. Upon arriving in Hollywood for a screen test, Lynch had left a bottle of wine in MacLachlan’s hotel room, signifying their shared common ground in wine appreciation. Another significant moment occurred at the Cannes Film Festival in 2017 during the premiere of Twin Peaks, where a simple glass of house red became a treasured memory.
MacLachlan enjoys pairing Cabernet with steak and finds his personal Baby Bear Syrah complements barbecue perfectly. He sources his wines from establishments like Astor Wines in New York and The Thief in Walla Walla. For casual snacking while watching himself on TV, he prefers French whites like Chablis or Sancerre, while for celebrations, his wife favors Champagne, particularly Ruinart Blanc de Blancs.
When hosting dinner parties, MacLachlan excels at preparing lasagna and prefers pairing it with a Sangiovese from Leonetti Cellar. If he could choose a character to share a glass of wine with from his acting repertoire, it would be Paul Atreides from Dune, imagining a fun pairing with Bionic Frog wine.
For further insights into the wines Kyle MacLachlan has crafted, visit Pursued by Bear. For those curious about the legendary Château Cheval Blanc, read more here.