Rock and roll has been a hard liquor game from the very start, but perhaps the tides are changing. As bands continue to explore the world of unconventional merch, they're dipping their toes into… a big barrel of grapes?
PHOTOS: The Wines l Behind the Scenes at Our Tasting
From classic rockers like the Rolling Stones and the Grateful Dead to gnarlier acts like Motorhead and AC/DC and plenty of hair metal, branded wines are all the rage. With their album-art branding, there's no doubt these wines -- many from the Wines that Rock line -- are aimed at the fans. But are they any good? We put together a tasting at New York's City Winery and invited a panel of experts -- three winos and Billboard's own editorial director, who puts it all in musical perspective -- to sound off on 12 artist-branded wines. Watch videos and read our ratings to see which wine rocked the most, and check out behind the scenes photos from our tasting. -- Jillian Mapes
The Panel
Michael Dorf, owner of City Winery & founder of the Knitting Factory
Robert Haynes-Peterson, wine & spirits journalist (Beverage Media, Vegas Magazine, etc.)
Matt Weiss, professional sommelier (formerly of BLT Prime)
Bill Werde, Billboard's editorial director
The Wines
(Click below for individual videos)
The Rolling Stones "Forty Licks" Merlot
Train "Drops of Jupiter" Petite Sirah
The Police "Synchronicity" Red Blend
Warrant "Cherry Pie" Red Blend
Pink Floyd "Dark Side Of The Moon" Cabernet Sauvignon
Grateful Dead "Steal Your Face" Red Blend
AC/DC "You Shook Me All Night Long" Moscato
Up for Discussion