Chef Fabio Viviani, a popular contestant on the reality competition TV show “Top Chef,” has teamed with Sipp for the new Fabio Viviani wine collection.

Viviani's licensing agent, the Joester Loria Group, negotiated the deal.

Viviani is the executive chef at several acclaimed restaurants, a New York Times best-selling cookbook author and was named Fan Favorite on season five of  “Top Chef.” He can currently can be seen on Food Network’s “Cutthroat Kitchen: Superstar Sabotage.”

“Growing up in Italy, wine was always on the dinner table. It’s a passion of mine that symbolizes family and culture and is an important part of every meal,” says Viviani. “As a chef, part of my job is making people happy through food, and with this new venture we’ve been able to apply the same mindset and skillset to create a delicious wine.”

The line will make its debut exclusively at Chicago grocer Mariano’s this month with an initial line that includes a 2012 Cabernet Sauvignon and 2012 Chardonnay. The collection will expand with distribution across the U.S. and additional varietals beginning in early 2015.

“Our approach is simple. We focused on finding the best grapes and using the best winemaking practices, not on fancy gimmicks,” says Carlos Quimbo, Sipp. “We’re committed to making the best possible wine for all wine drinkers at a fair price.”

For more on the Fabio Viviani licensing program, check out License! Global's June feature Cookin' Up Something New.