Yao Ming to Start Wine Business

Yao Ming

Post-retirement from basketball, Yao Ming has a new career by opening a wine factory. Now, the former NBA star from China that has launched its first wine product with his own label.

By using grapes from the estate in Napa Valley, United States, Yao Ming, released Cabernet Sauvignon 2009 on Monday (27/11) ago.

A total of 5000 boxes of wine have been produced but currently only available in the country, China. This wine sells for 289 U.S. dollars per bottle.

The wine will begin to be marketed in the United States in 2012 at a price of 170 dollars.

"I believe that wine can bring people together and make our lives more enjoyable," said former Houston Rockets player.

"Basketball gave me the opportunity to live in the United States and found many wonderful things in America. Now I'm looking forward to bringing this wine from California to the Chinese people," he added.

Prior to this business initiative, Yao NBA career as a basketball player with the Rockets defense for eight seasons. But earlier this year, a man with two feet posture was forced to retire early due to a prolonged chronic injury.

Now Yao continued his education at a university in Shanghai in addition to taking care of the basketball club he has, the Shanghai Sharks.