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From the Court to the Vineyard: A Unique Legacy
In the heart of Sacramento, where the energy of the Golden 1 Center pulses through the city, Kings’ star Domantas Sabonis has been building something extraordinary off the court — something that blends family, heritage, and passion.
Together with his wife, Shashana, Sabonis has launched a new chapter in his life through Ones by Sabonis, a family wine label that celebrates both his Lithuanian roots and his commitment to the Sacramento community.
While fans know Sabonis for his dominance in the paint and his triple-double performances, there’s another side of the All-Star — one that values slowing down, creating, and connecting.
Through winemaking, he’s planting new roots, ones that speak not only to his personal growth but also to his desire to make Sacramento home.
Family Tradition Meets Modern Flavor
Wine has long been part of the Sabonis family story. Though Lithuania isn’t known globally for its vineyards, the country has deep traditions around craftsmanship, family gatherings, and the slow enjoyment of food and drink — values that align perfectly with the art of winemaking.
For Sabonis, this venture isn’t a celebrity side project. It’s a heartfelt expression of where he comes from and what he hopes to pass on.
When asked what drew him to winemaking, Sabonis told KCRA that he fell in love with the process itself — “being able to pick the grapes, doing the smashing… you see the hard work, you see how much goes into wine.”
His wife, Shashana, recalled the moment they found out he’d been traded to the Sacramento Kings: “The second that we heard, ‘You’re a King,’ I said, ‘Okay, and we’re moving to Napa.’ We absolutely love it here.”
That love of Northern California’s wine country is now bottled and labeled for the world to taste. Their debut — a 2024 Pinot Noir from Napa Valley — reflects both elegance and authenticity, mirroring the couple’s shared philosophy: that good things take time, attention, and heart.
The Emotional Connection of Winemaking
If basketball is about adrenaline and precision, winemaking is about patience and reflection. Yet Sabonis sees a common thread — both require focus, teamwork, and a deep respect for process. The result is something that speaks to the soul.
In an interview, Sabonis shared that he finds peace in the vineyard — a contrast to the intensity of NBA competition. It’s a chance to decompress, reconnect with nature, and appreciate the craft.
As Shashana described it, “This has been a project we get to do together and grow together. It’s also a great way to decompress from the stress of a basketball game.”
Each bottle they produce represents far more than a business venture. It’s the story of a couple building a life together, finding balance between two demanding worlds — one of athletic excellence and the other of creative artistry.
A Blossoming Relationship with the Community
Sabonis’ choice to establish his roots in Sacramento through this wine label sends a powerful message: he’s not just playing for the city — he’s becoming part of it.
By investing locally and collaborating with California winemakers, Sabonis and Shashana are strengthening their ties to the community that has embraced them.
Their wine launch wasn’t a flashy Hollywood event. It was a down-to-earth celebration filled with genuine warmth — Sacramento media, friends, and local supporters gathered to taste the first vintage and hear the couple speak about what the project means to them. It reflected Sacramento’s values of authenticity and connection.
For a city that prides itself on its farm-to-fork culture, Sabonis’ entry into the wine world feels like a natural extension. His brand adds to the growing mosaic of local makers who care about quality, sustainability, and community storytelling.
The Wellness Side of Wine
In a time when wellness is often associated with smoothies and spin classes, it’s easy to forget that wine — in moderation — has long been part of a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
Studies have linked moderate red wine consumption with heart health benefits, longevity, and improved social well-being. But beyond the science, it’s the ritual of sharing a glass — the laughter, the connection, the presence — that contributes most to well-being.
Sabonis’ approach embodies this philosophy. It’s not about overindulgence or fame; it’s about mindfulness. The slow, deliberate nature of winemaking mirrors the kind of intentional living Sacramento residents increasingly value.
Whether enjoyed at a local tasting event or shared over dinner, Ones by Sabonis represents community, calm, and connection.
Future Trends: Sacramento’s Wine Scene on the Rise
Sacramento has long been known for its food culture, but its wine scene is rapidly gaining momentum — and Sabonis’ involvement could amplify that growth.
With the city just a short drive from Napa, Sonoma, and Amador County, local wine tourism is beginning to thrive. More winemakers are hosting events, creating tasting experiences, and building relationships with local chefs and markets.
Sabonis and Shashana’s label fits right into this evolution. Their early success hints at what’s next — possible new varietals like Sauvignon Blanc, community tasting events, and charitable collaborations that tie wine with wellness initiatives in the region.
If Sacramento continues nurturing projects like this, it could position itself as not just a farm-to-fork destination, but a vine-to-glass city — where local flavor and global quality meet.
A Shared Legacy: From Hardwood to Harvest
For Sabonis, this venture represents something larger than a business or hobby. It’s about building a legacy — one that bridges his family’s history with his present and future in Sacramento.
It’s also about partnership. Together, he and Shashana embody the idea that success isn’t just measured in points or profits, but in purpose.
When you think about the dedication required to perfect a jump shot, it’s not all that different from the precision needed to produce an exceptional wine. Both demand patience, repetition, and respect for timing. Both require the humility to learn and the curiosity to experiment.
Come Together: Experience the Sabonis Legacy
As Domantas and Shashana Sabonis take this new step in their journey, they invite Sacramento to share in it.
Whether you’re a longtime wine enthusiast or someone curious to learn more, Ones by Sabonis offers more than just a tasting — it offers a story. A story about culture, craftsmanship, and community.
Their winery represents what Sacramento does best: blending creativity, tradition, and heart. It’s a toast to roots — both literal and figurative — and a reminder that greatness doesn’t just happen in the spotlight.
Sometimes, it’s cultivated quietly, between the rows of a vineyard, where the reward comes not from applause, but from the joy of sharing something meaningful.
So next time you raise a glass, think of the hands that crafted it — the athlete who traded a basketball for a grape cluster, the couple who chose to grow together, and the city that continues to inspire them.
Cheers to Sacramento, to legacy, and to new beginnings — from the court to the vineyard.
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