Meghan Markle's new wine solves major problem, for now

Published in Food and Wine on Wednesday, August 6th 2025 at 13:22 GMT by Newsweek
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Meghan's new wine costs $30 a bottle, with a minimum of three bottles per order and $20 for shipping, meaning customers ordering it will spend at least $120.

Meghan Markle's Wine Woes: A Resurfaced Tale of Snobbery and Customer Service Gone Wrong

In the ever-evolving narrative surrounding Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, old stories from her pre-royal life continue to captivate public attention. One such gem has recently resurfaced, shedding light on a seemingly mundane yet telling episode from her days as a lifestyle blogger. Before she became a global icon through her marriage to Prince Harry and her roles in philanthropy and media production, Meghan maintained a popular blog called The Tig. Launched in 2014 and named after her favorite red wine, Tignanello, the blog was a platform where she shared personal anecdotes, travel tips, beauty advice, and reflections on everyday experiences. It was a space that showcased her approachable, relatable side—far removed from the polished image of royalty. However, a particular post from this era has sparked renewed interest, highlighting Meghan's frustration with what she perceived as elitist attitudes in the world of wine retail.

The story in question dates back to a 2015 entry on The Tig, where Meghan recounted a disappointing encounter at a wine shop. In her candid style, she described walking into what she assumed would be a welcoming establishment, only to be met with condescension and rudeness. According to her account, the shop's staff treated her with an air of superiority, making her feel unwelcome and undervalued as a customer. "I could never shop there," she reportedly wrote, emphasizing how the experience soured her on the entire venue. This wasn't just a passing complaint; Meghan used the incident to delve deeper into themes of accessibility and kindness in consumer interactions. She contrasted this negative experience with more positive ones, advocating for environments where novices and enthusiasts alike could feel comfortable exploring their interests without judgment.

To fully appreciate the context, it's worth noting that wine held a special place in Meghan's life even then. The Tig itself was inspired by a transformative moment when she first tasted Tignanello, an Italian red that she credited with awakening her palate and sparking a lifelong passion for oenology. Her blog often featured wine-related content, from pairing suggestions to vineyard recommendations, positioning her as something of an everywoman connoisseur. This particular post, however, flipped the script, exposing the underbelly of the wine world—a realm often criticized for its gatekeeping tendencies. Meghan's words resonated with many readers who had faced similar snubs in upscale boutiques, whether for wine, fashion, or gourmet foods. She argued that true expertise should be shared generously, not wielded as a weapon to exclude others.

Fast-forward to today, and this resurfaced post takes on new layers of meaning amid Meghan's high-profile life. Since shutting down The Tig in 2017 ahead of her engagement to Prince Harry, Meghan has navigated intense public scrutiny. Her every past statement is dissected, often through the lens of her current status as a duchess-turned-entrepreneur. Critics and fans alike see this wine shop anecdote as emblematic of her straightforward, no-nonsense personality—a trait that has both endeared her to supporters and drawn ire from detractors. In an era where celebrity endorsements and lifestyle branding are big business, Meghan's foray into the beverage world has evolved. Rumors have swirled about her potential involvement in wine-related ventures, perhaps even launching her own label under her American Riviera Orchard brand, which debuted earlier this year with products like jams and home goods. This old blog post serves as a reminder of her authentic voice, unfiltered by royal protocols or PR teams.

Delving deeper into the post's content, Meghan didn't name the specific shop, leaving room for speculation among her followers. Some have theorized it might have been a well-known spot in Los Angeles, where she lived and worked as an actress on the TV show "Suits." Her description painted a vivid picture: entering with enthusiasm, only to be dismissed by staff who seemed more interested in flexing their knowledge than assisting. "It's not about the price tag or the prestige," she implied, but about creating inclusive spaces. This sentiment aligns with broader discussions in the food and beverage industry about democratizing luxury items. Wine, historically associated with aristocracy, has seen a push toward approachability through apps, online education, and casual tasting events. Meghan's critique predates these trends but echoes them, positioning her as ahead of the curve in calling out pretentiousness.

The timing of this resurgence is intriguing, coinciding with Meghan's ongoing efforts to redefine her public image. After stepping back from royal duties in 2020, she and Harry have built a media empire through Archewell Productions, including Netflix deals and podcasts. Yet, personal stories like this wine mishap humanize her, reminding the world that beneath the glamour, she's someone who has dealt with everyday frustrations. Social media has amplified the post's revival, with users sharing their own "wine snob" horror stories in solidarity. Comments range from empathetic nods to humorous takes, with some joking that Meghan should start her own chain of judgment-free wine shops.

Moreover, this incident ties into larger themes in Meghan's life narrative. From her early career struggles to her advocacy for women's empowerment and mental health, she has consistently spoken out against exclusionary practices. In interviews and her memoir-like contributions to projects like the Netflix series "Harry & Meghan," she has addressed how small slights can accumulate into bigger issues of belonging. The wine shop story, trivial as it may seem, underscores her belief in empathy as a cornerstone of human interaction—whether in a retail setting or on the global stage.

As the duchess continues to expand her brand, including potential expansions into lifestyle products that could include wines or spirits, this old post might even inform her business philosophy. Imagine a Meghan-curated wine selection emphasizing approachability, with labels that tell stories of inclusivity rather than intimidation. It's a far cry from the shop that turned her away, but it speaks to her resilience in turning negative experiences into positive change.

In summary, this resurfaced blog post from Meghan Markle's past offers more than just a gripe about poor service; it's a window into her values, her passions, and her unyielding stance against elitism. As public fascination with her life persists, stories like these ensure that her pre-royal persona remains a vital part of her enduring appeal. Whether sipping a glass of Tignanello or navigating the complexities of fame, Meghan continues to champion the idea that everyone deserves a seat at the table—or in this case, the tasting counter. (Word count: 928)

Read the Full Newsweek Article at:
[ https://www.newsweek.com/meghan-markle-wine-problem-ever-shop-2109444 ]

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Meghan Markle's new wine solves major problem, for now

Meghan Markle's Wine Woes: A Resurfaced Tale of Snobbery and Customer Service Gone Wrong