Is your favourite sports star a winemaker?

From Lionel Messi to Nick Faldo and from Wayne Gretzky to Arnold Palmer, many sports stars love wine.

Whether it is putting their name on a bottle to help raise funds for a foundation or making an investment in a vineyard, many different sporting stars have become involved in the world of wine.

Lionel Messi has released a number of wines in his native Argentina, while Nick Faldo’s wines are made in Australia and sold around the world.

American football stars, basketballers and motor racing drivers line up alongside footballers, golfers and ice hockey stars in our wine starting team.

So which other sporting stars have become involved in wine and vineyards? Look through these pictures and find out if there is a sporting wine that you would like to try.

Lionel Messi

The three-time world footballer of the year has launched his own wines with Argentinian vineyard Bodega Valentin Bianchi, with all the profits going to the Lionel Messi Foundation. Three styles are available – a white blend called Torrontés, plus two red varieties: Malbec and Malbec Premium.

Wayne Gretzky

Ice hockey great Wayne Gretzky teamed up with Creekside Estate winery in 2009 to launch the Wayne Gretsky Estate wine label. Although the Gretsky vineyard is now closed there are still a number of Gretsky wines available including Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Noir and the Canadian speciality, a Shiraz icewine.

Yao Ming

Former NBA superstar Yao Ming launched the Yao Family wines in China in November 2011; the wine then launched in the US in 2012. The brand uses Napa Valley grapes for its two Cabernet Sauvignons, the Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon and the Family Reserve Cabernet Sauvignon.

Greg Norman

It is perhaps not surprising that a man born in Australia, who has spent a huge amount of time in the US, has developed a love for wines from both countries. Golfing great Greg Norman took that love to another level by investing in Australian and Californian vineyards. The Greg Norman Wine Estates now offer a range of 14 wines from both countries.

Andrea Pirlo

Juventus midfielder and chief tormentor of England at the European Championships in the summer, Andrea Pirlo is another sporting superstar with a wine connection. Pirlo has actually bought a vineyard, producing a white from Trebbiano grapes, while also having Merlot and Sangiovese.

Victor Green

Former American football star Victor Green has recently moved into the world of wine. Green’s Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc is called 21 Blitz, which is a nod to his playing number and aggressive defensive style of play.

Nick Faldo

In 2000 the six-time golfing major winner, Nick Faldo, teamed up with Katnook Estate, in Australia’s Coonawarra region to create a selection of wines. Although crafted in Australia, Faldo’s Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz and Sauvignon Blanc are not available in the country and are primarily sold in the UK and US.

Mario Andretti

Motor racing legend Mario Andretti’s vineyard in the Napa Valley promises visitors, “a blend of award-winning wines and racing history, with the flavour of Italy radiating throughout”. That sounds like it has something for everyone. The 42-acre estate offers a wide variety of wines including Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay, Sangiovese, Pinot Noir, Syrah, Merlot and Zinfandel.

Ernie Els

In 1999 South African golfer Ernie Els decided to indulge his passion for fine wines and opened a winery in Stellenbosch. Ernie Els wines now produces six South African red wines and last year added two white wines to its portfolio.

Dan Marino

Former American football superstar Dan Marino put his name to a number of wines to help raise money for his children’s foundation. Marino Estates vintage 13 are available in Merlot, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon.

David Ginola

After retiring from football in 2002, French star David Ginola decided to invest in a vineyard in Provence. In 2008 Ginola received a silver medal at the International Wine Challenge for a Coste Brulade rosé wine produced at his vineyard.

Arnold Palmer

In 2003 golf legend Arnold Palmer decided to team up with Mike Moone, the founder of Luna Vineyards and the pair came up with Arnold Palmer Wines. Two years later a California Cabernet Sauvignon and a Chardonnay were released and these two grapes are still the mainstays of the Arnold Palmer collection.