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Avril Lavigne to Release First Official Wine 'Complicated' with Banshee Named After One of Her 'Greatest Hits' (Exclusive)

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  Published in Food and Wine on Tuesday, September 16th 2025 at 14:35 GMT by People
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Avril Lavigne Launches Her First Official Wine, “Complicated,” in a Banshee Exclusive

In a move that blends pop‑punk swagger with fine‑grained sophistication, pop icon Avril Lavigne is officially entering the world of wine. The singer‑songwriter, whose debut single “Complicated” catapulted her to global fame in 2002, will release a limited‑edition vintage that bears her own name: “Complicated.” The wine is being produced in partnership with boutique California winery Banshee, a brand known for its artisanal approach and a penchant for “cool” collaborations. While the idea of a rockstar and a vineyard might seem an unlikely pairing, the project taps into a growing trend of celebrities who have turned to wine as a creative and entrepreneurial outlet.

A Wine That Matches the Music

The “Complicated” bottle is a 0.75‑liter glass of Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. According to Banshee’s winemaker, the varietal was chosen for its “complex palate and robust structure,” qualities that Lavigne says mirror her own musical evolution. “I want people to feel the same mix of sweet and edgy when they take a sip,” she told People in a statement released on the day of the announcement. “Just like my music, it should start off simple and then grow deeper with every taste.”

The wine carries a subtle, yet striking label design that nods to Lavigne’s early 2000s aesthetic. The front features a black background with a stylized, hand‑drawn silhouette of the artist’s iconic hair and eyeliner, surrounded by a thin gold border. The word “Complicated” is rendered in a vintage‑style typeface that recalls the 2002 album’s typography. Back of the label, a short biography of Lavigne—“From “Sk8er Boi” to Grammy‑winning artist, a trailblazer in both music and fashion”—serves as a conversation starter. Banshee’s co‑founder, James Hart, noted that the design was “crafted to appeal to the millennial and Gen Z market, which both respects nostalgia and values authenticity.”

The Wine’s Tasting Profile

If you’re curious about what “Complicated” tastes like, the winery offers a succinct description: “A bold, medium‑body Cabernet with notes of dark cherry, black currant, and a hint of cedar.” The wine is aged in French oak barrels for 18 months, which contributes to a slightly smoky undertone and a velvety finish. The finish is described as “long, with a lingering touch of vanilla and a whisper of chocolate.” For those who appreciate a little complexity, the wine’s 12.5% ABV and slightly tannic structure should deliver the “complicated” character Lavigne promised.

Banshee claims that the wine’s production is “hand‑crafted” and “small‑batch,” with only 1,000 bottles worldwide. Each bottle is numbered and stamped with a serial number, giving it a collectible aura. “We’re limited to a few thousand bottles because we want to preserve the integrity of the wine and keep it a true artisanal experience,” says Hart.

A Strategic Partnership

The partnership with Banshee is as much a marketing move as it is a creative venture. Lavigne’s social media accounts have begun teasing the release, posting close‑up shots of the bottle’s label alongside a vintage‑style filter. “I’m excited to see people talk about it on Instagram, TikTok, and Reddit,” she commented. “I think a limited edition product like this can create a buzz that spans music fans and wine lovers alike.”

Banshee’s marketing team says that the collaboration leverages both brands’ audiences. “Avril’s fan base is passionate and engaged,” says Hart. “We’ve seen a significant overlap between the music and wine communities, especially in the 25‑45 age range. By aligning with an artist who embodies authenticity and creativity, we’re able to tap into that energy and create something special.”

The wine will be available through Banshee’s own website and select high‑end retailers in Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco. In addition, the winery has arranged a pop‑up tasting event in Napa Valley that will run from July 10 to July 15. Fans who can get a reservation are promised a chance to meet Lavigne and Banshee’s winemaker, and to enjoy a tasting of the “Complicated” wine paired with artisanal cheeses.

Why This Matters

Avril Lavigne’s venture into wine is part of a larger cultural shift. In recent years, musicians and celebrities have increasingly turned to the wine business as a way to diversify their brand portfolio and engage fans in new ways. From Beyoncé’s partnership with a vineyard in California to Rihanna’s “D'USSÉ” champagne line, the intersection of pop culture and oenology is proving to be a lucrative one.

Lavigne’s decision to name the wine after her breakout single further underscores her savvy understanding of branding. “Complicated” was a defining moment in her career, and the wine’s name invokes the same sense of curiosity and intrigue. By pairing the concept with a high‑quality Cabernet, she is essentially saying that “Complicated” can also be refined, sophisticated, and enjoyable beyond the initial surprise.

A Look Ahead

While the “Complicated” wine is set for a limited run, Lavigne hinted that the venture might not be a one‑off. “This is just the beginning,” she says. “I’ve always loved wine, and there are a lot of stories to tell.” The singer’s creative partnership with Banshee suggests a possibility of future releases, perhaps in other varietals or themed around other milestones in her career.

For now, the world can enjoy a small, elegant bottle of Cabernet that captures a bit of pop‑punk history in a glass. Whether you’re a diehard Avril fan or a wine connoisseur looking for the next unique tasting experience, the “Complicated” wine is poised to be a conversation piece in any collection. Its launch is more than just a product release; it’s a testament to the evolving relationship between pop culture and the wine industry, a fusion that may well become the norm in the coming years.