I Paid $110 for Meghan Duchess of Sussex’s Rosé, Was It Worth It?

So…I did a thing. And by “thing,” I mean I spent $110 on three bottles of rosé from As Ever, Meghan, Duchess of Sussex’s buzzy new lifestyle brand. It wasn’t exactly a spontaneous purchase. You can’t buy just one bottle. You must commit to the trio at the minimum (and toss in $20 for shipping). This rosé, like everything else she touches, sold out in a flash, thanks to a perfect storm of media frenzy, celebrity mystique, and, let’s be honest, people like me.

What I wanted was some apricot jam. What I got was three bottles of rosé.

Is this wine actually premium and delicious or did I just fall for some really expensive marketing? I popped open a bottle to find out. You can watch my full unboxing and first-sip review on my YouTube channel, Unboxing Dad (video embedded below), but here’s the TL;DR for my fellow wine-curious, royal-watching skeptics.

First Impressions: “Understated Luxury” Is the Vibe

Let’s set the scene: summer, my rooftop, almost golden hour, al fresco dining. The wine arrived in a practical-but-well-packed shipping box. Wrapped in branded tissue paper, each bottle came with a logo sticker, a “handwritten” note from Meghan, and a packing slip. The box wasn’t flashy, but it didn’t need to be. The wrapping gave just enough luxury without screaming about it.

The bottle itself is chef’s kiss: minimalist, elegant, and designed to star in someone’s dreamy summer Instagram story. Think white linen napkins, a rustic wood table, and a charcuterie board that cost more than your phone bill. If we’re judging by looks alone, it absolutely clears the $30 bar. (But let’s be honest, I’d never have dropped $30 per bottle without the royal magnetism.)

The Pour: Pale Pink and Pretty Intriguing

Poured into a glass, this wine checks the high-end rosé boxes: pale blush color, crystal clear, with those slow, elegant legs that hint at a heavier body or higher alcohol content. (Spoiler: it’s both.) Yes, I did some wine research to sound like a smart sommelier.

The aroma? Subtle and surprising. Instead of a blast of berries or watermelon (the California rosé default), this one leans soft and floral. I got hints of that white peach, a little apricot, and something floral. Is that the honeysuckle? It smells refined. Gentle. It smells like it doesn’t care if you like it. It knows it’s the fancy one in the room.

But let’s not forget: it all comes down to the first sip.

The Taste Test: A Rosé With Opinions

Okay, wow. This wine is really great. The stone fruit and citrus from the aroma follow through, but then an almost tropical richness hits. The flavor evolves with each sip.

It’s not a poolside, chill-and-guzzle kind of wine. This is a “let’s talk about what we’re tasting” wine. It invites conversation. It demands food. (I’m thinking grilled peach salad or a garlicky seafood and pasta in a light sauce.)

In short, this rosé is bold, complex, and delicious.

A Tasting by the Pool

At one of our latest pool days with friends, I brought along a bottle to share. While it was not a blind taste test, everyone seemed to love it. They all had one comment: refill, please!

The Internet Is Divided (Obviously)

Some critics loved it. In a blind taste test from the New York Post, sommeliers picked this as their favorite celeb wine, calling it “rich and complex.” On the other hand, the Daily Mail called it “bland” and “uncomfortable”. Which, frankly, just sounds like another Tuesday for Meghan.

Here’s the likely source of all the drama: the 14.5% ABV. That’s high for a rosé, and it explains the wine’s richness, body, and divisive reputation. People expecting something light and breezy will be confused. People expecting depth will be impressed. The wine has backbone. It’s serious. And it’s definitely not trying to please everyone, just the refined.

Final Verdict: Is It Worth the Hype?

It depends on what you’re buying it for.

• As a gift? Yes. The bottle is stunning. It feels fancy. It’ll impress at any dinner party (and open the room up for conversation).
• As a wine? Yes—if you’re into unexpected, layered, conversation-worthy rosé.
• As a bargain? Nope. You’re definitely paying for the exclusivity, the design, and the royal-celebrity backstory.

But if you’re a curious drinker who loves trying the next “it” bottle, this is worth the splurge at least once. It’s not just another celebrity vanity project. They clearly cared about making something original and well made.

Bottom Line: This Is Not Your Tuesday Night Rosé

You don’t drink As Ever while folding laundry. You drink it when you want to slow down, feel a little fancy, and maybe talk about it for ten minutes too long. It’s luxe. It’s extra. It’s a bit of a “delulu” purchase. And honestly? I kinda loved it.

And if you’re looking for a bottle, unfortunately, they’re sold out. However, their 2024 Rosé drops next week! Will you be buying?