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From Gridiron to Grapevines: The Evolution of Drew Bledsoe’s Doubleback Winery
The transition from professional sports to a second career often presents unique challenges for retired athletes. While many former players pursue broadcasting, coaching, or business ventures outside of sports, some find their calling in entirely different industries. For former NFL quarterback Drew Bledsoe, that second chapter took root in the fertile soil of Washington State, transforming a mid-career investment into a thriving agricultural and winemaking enterprise known as Doubleback winery.
Gridiron Roots to Agricultural Ambitions
Long before hanging up his cleats for good, Drew Bledsoe began laying the groundwork for his future outside of football. In 2003, while actively under contract as the starting quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, he made a significant investment by purchasing 80 acres of vineyard land in Walla Walla, Washington.
This strategic land acquisition signaled a clear long-term interest in viticulture, turning a personal passion into a tangible business asset years before his playing days concluded.
Balancing the high-pressure demands of professional football with the meticulous planning required for vineyard development demanded careful dedication. While directing offenses on the gridiron on Sundays, Drew Bledsoe was simultaneously engaging with the wine community and agricultural potential of his home region in the Pacific Northwest. This foundational period allowed the future vineyard owner to understand the nuances of the local terroir and build relationships within the agricultural sector.
Following the 2003 land purchase, Drew Bledsoe continued his professional football career for several more seasons before officially retiring from the NFL in 2007. Stepping away from the gridiron provided the opportunity to shift his full attention and competitive drive toward cultivating his burgeoning wine venture, setting the stage for substantial commercial expansion in the years that followed.
Scaling Production and Leadership
In the years following his retirement from professional sports, the initial 80-acre property evolved into a much larger commercial operation. Today, Doubleback winery encompasses a substantial footprint of 450 acres dedicated to viticulture and wine production, reflecting significant growth from its modest origins during Drew Bledsoe’s playing career.
Managing a commercial agricultural enterprise of this scale requires specialized expertise and dedicated leadership. To guide the winemaking and production processes at Doubleback, Drew Bledsoe brought in winemaker Josh McDaniels to lead production. Under this operational leadership, the brand has continued to refine its craft while expanding its presence in the Washington wine industry.
To support this expanded acreage and ongoing production demands, the business has also grown its internal workforce. Doubleback currently employs a dedicated team of 70 full-time employees, transforming a singular athlete’s land investment into a robust local employer and a recognized fixture in Walla Walla winemaking.