From Blood to Booze — The Lexington Line

In 2009, the CW took the TV world by storm by creating the popular teen sci-fi show The Vampire Diaries. The sci-fi teen romance series was nominated for 66 different awards and won 36 while its time on the air, 2009-2017. If you’ve watched the show and enjoyed it as much as I have-which I’m sure you did-you would understand why the show was nominated for so many awards. Nina Dobrev, who plays Elena Gilbert, Katherine Pierce and Tatia, Ian Somerhalder, who plays Damon Salvatore, & Paul Wesley, who plays Stefan Salvatore, Silas and Tom Avery, embody their characters perfectly, have amazing on-screen chemistry, and go down in history as one of, if not the best, teenage love triangle.

When the show came to an end and CW turned its attention to the show’s spinoff The Originals, fans hoped to see Nina, Ian & Paul together on a new project. Unfortunately for fans, this love triangle has stepped away from the spotlight to release its own lines of alcohol. Nina has launched a wine company with her celebrity best friend Julianne Hough, and Ian and Paul have partnered together to launch a bourbon company together.

Fresh Vine Wine

Fresh Vine was launched in 2021 by Nina Dobrev & Julianne Hough with the idea of finding a balance of staying active while enjoying life at the same time. The company describes their wines as a “unique collection of bold, crisp, and creamy wines that embody health, warmth, and a deeper connection to wellness and an active lifestyle.”

Their collection features a California Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, California Rosé, and a Limited Reserve Napa Cabernet. These celebrity best friends focused on flavor, as well as being inclusive for all health preferences. The wines are all low calorie, low carb, low sugar, gluten-free, keto-friendly, vegan friendly, and are made with high-quality ingredients.

Brothers Bond Bourbon

Brother’s Bond Bourbon was launched in 2021 by on-screen brothers, and off-screen best friends Ian Somerhalder & Paul Wesley. It is clear to any The Vampire Diaries fan that this company is inspired by the show and their former roles. On the show, they played vampire brothers who only drank bourbon, and of course, blood. Additionally, the best friends say that the bonds of our friendship strengthened while drinking bourbon which points to their time building their friendship on and off set.

The bourbon has a “smooth, complex, and balanced taste with a touch of sweetness and spice.” You can either drink the bourbon straight or mixed with other beverages. Brothers Bond Bourbon provides some recipe ideas including Mystic Charmer & Bond Fire as well as many more. For every sale, a percentage is given to support regenerative farming practices in order to reverse climate change.

If you are not of legal age to drink don’t worry both Fresh Vines and Brothers Bond Bourbon offers merchandise. Some of my favorites from Fresh Vines are their Wine Bottle Cooler and FV x Nike cap. From Brothers Bond Bourbon my favorites are the Brothers Bond Rocks Glasses, and Brothers Bond Scoop T-Shirt.

Although they are not working together as a trio on one project, it is interesting how they all ended up in the same industry once again. A part of me will always hope to see Nina, Ian & Paul work on another vampire-themed project. However, I am excited to try the wines & the bourbon—only once I turn 21 though!