NFL Hall of Fame coach promotes ‘great wine’ at tasting in Greenville
Watch Dick Vermeil talk about his award winning wines
Dick Vermeil, owner of Vermeil Wines, talks about his award winning wines at Hotel Hartness in Greenville, S.C. Wednesday, August 20, 2025
A passion for wine and the strength of good friendship brought NFL Hall of Fame and Super Bowl XXXIV-winning coach Dick Vermeil back to Greenville for the second time in as many years.
On August 20, the head coach of “The Greatest Show on Turf” returned to Greenville in promotion for a wine tasting event at Hotel Hartness by Vermeil Wines and in support of Michael Grozier, a longtime friend and CEO of Trueline Greenville, an upcoming West End entertainment venue.
In a room of nearly 150 guests at the event, Vermeil spoke about his time in the NFL, his love for bottling quality wine, and the Southern charm of Greenville County.
“I never got into the wine business to make money. I did it to make great wine,” said Coach Vermeil. “It’s a tough business, but I didn’t go into it for that… we do not make any money, just enough to pay our bills.
“We want to create experiences and a great wine for people to enjoy.”
Winemaking has always been part of the Vermeil family bloodline, as their French lineage and proximity to Napa Valley influenced that love. Vermeil’s passion continued alongside friends from Napa Valley, as initially a hobby turned into a full-fledged business in 2008 that now produces between 1,600 and 1,900 cases of wine per year from the Frediani Vineyards in California.
Beyond the depths and inner workings of his wine business, here is more about Dick Vermeil, and his visit and connection to Greenville:
What is Dick Vermeil’s tie to Greenville, and what does he think of Upstate South Carolina?
“I think he’s a very special man,” said Michael Grozier, CEO of Trueline Brands of Vermeil, about their friendship. “He’s had an amazing life and career, he makes great wine, and he’s been a hero of mine since I was a kid.”
Grozier, 64, was able to bring Vermeil to Greenville on the strength of their friendship, which began during his time at Villanova University, as classmates with Vermeil’s children, and evolved through the Hall of Fame coach’s NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles, St. Louis Rams, and Kansas City Chiefs.
Because of that connection, Grozier has been able to showcase the beauty, history, and growing culture of Greenville to an NFL Hall of Fame-level coach.
“This city is beautiful and filled with charm,” said Dick Vermeil of Greenville. “It’s one of the best mid-sized cities I’ve experienced, and the hospitality has been nothing short of fantastic. I’ve enjoyed every second of my time here.”
Vermeil’s brief stay in Greenville allowed the Super Bowl-winning coach to experience small pockets within the county, including Falls Park on the Reedy River, downtown Greenville, Greenville’s eastside at Hotel Hartness, and an overnight stay at the Grand Bohemian Lodge.
“I grew up watching the Eagles alongside my dad,” said Patrick Ives, 61, of Greenville, who attended the Wednesday evening event. “If he were alive, he’d be thrilled over the moon that I was here drinking wine with Dick Vermeil.
“I think it’s really cool that a legend of his stature is in Greenville,” he added.
Where can you purchase Dick Vermeil Brand wines?
While Dick Vermeil’s Brand wine collection is not sold in local retail shops, it can be purchased on the company website by the bottle, case, or in incremental shipments through a club membership.
Vermeil’s complete line of wines consists of reds and whites, including Sauvignon Blanc, 100-percent Cabernet options, Chardonnay, Zinfandel, and more, as his brand uses recycled wine barrels from previous fermentations to assist in blending old and new flavors.
Pricing for Vermeil Brand Wines can range between $45 to $1,000 per bottle and up to $1,500 in a signature series club membership.
For more information, visit: www.vermeilwines.com
– A.J. Jackson covers business, the food & dining scene, and downtown culture for The Greenville News. Contact him by email at ajackson@gannett.com, and follow him on X (formerly Twitter) @ajhappened. This coverage is only possible with support from our readers. Sign up today for a digital subscription.