This year, Carmelo Anthony will begin in his new role as an analyst. Not to forget, he is part of the NBC network that employed Michael Jordan as “a special contributor.” So, a potential sharing of space for Melo with his GOAT is not out of the picture. Plus, this year will also confirm his Hall of Fame induction, that to a first-ballot one. His son will also begin his collegiate career with Syracuse. A lot of positive news for the Knicks legend, then why the retirement plans?

Those plans are not immediate, let’s get that clear. However, a few years down the line, that could become the reality. For now, the focus is on building the empire, especially the wine brand. “Well, I’ve always liked wine, been interested in wine, but when I started looking at who was making the wine and who was being marketed to, I ain’t see no one that looked like me.” Lack of representation was one of the main reasons why Melo jumped into the industry, which is projected to reach USD 462.2 billion by 2030. But he couldn’t do it all alone.

“There was a gap in the marketplace, so my business partner Asani and I decided to create our own wine and actually tap it to the underserved market. We called it VII(N) The Seventh Estate.” Asani Swann and Carmelo Anthony co-founded VII(N) The Seventh Estate in 2019, blending their love for storytelling and fine wine. For the love of wine, the Knicks legend is ready to spend his retirement life away from New York.

“To be honest, I really love what I’m doing now. But as far as real retirement goes, it’s always been my dream to buy a chateau in Bordeaux or a villa in Tuscany and just spend my days making and drinking wine.” On Rabid Fans’ YouTube channel, Melo got real about spending time in places that have special significance to wine. For context, Bordeaux has dedicated 80% of its land to wine production. It’s considered the most renowned wine region in the world.

Apart from this, ‘le petit Paris’ (little Paris) also fits the description, as it seems to be built in the same gorgeous Parisian style. So it’s either France or Italy for Anthony. Tuscany is a region in central Italy, but is famous for its Sangiovese-based red wines. If Melo has plans for wedding, then an Italian vineyard wedding is something special and unforgettable.

Carmelo Anthony’s current focus on growing the wine brand

VII(N) The Seventh Estate debuted with a bold 2017 Chteauneuf-du-Pape called Oath of Fidelity. Together with Stéphane Usseglio, Melo and Asani Swann launched nine international bottlings—from France to Spain to California—each with its own narrative. VII(N) teamed up with Madison Square Garden to sell its Sovereign and Echoes of Earth labels. But that’s not all.

Carmelo Anthony is working on a ‘World Cup’ of wines. “I take my experience from USA basketball and traveling. So, I’m trying to create the World Cup of Wines, in a sense.” In a conversation with Boardroom, Melo listed places like France, Chile, China, Australia, Portugal, and South Africa as potential opportunities. Already a hit among the masses, Melo’s wine brand will reach a new level if he executes the idea he wants to.

Which is why the conversation about retirement is not at the forefront. Growing business, doing an analyst role and plus to see his kid make it to the NBA. These are the current plans for Melo. Probably, once they are complete, he will think about moving to places famous for wine production.