Chillin’ With Leah Van Dale

By Chilled Magazine

WWE megastar, entrepreneur and television personality, Leah Van Dale, is well known for her fierce attitude and stunning physique.

Before making a name for herself in WWE, she was a cheerleader in both the NFL and NBA (New England Patriots and Lakers.) Leah landed her first WWE role as the final pick in the 2016 SmackDown LIVE’s Women’s division draft. From that point on, Leah’s track record quickly became accustomed to victory. She won the first-ever Women’s Money in the Bank Match (and the second), defeated Charlotte Flair to win the SmackDown Women’s Championship, and won the second-ever WrestleMania Women’s Battle Royale. From the field to the court, to the ring, and beyond-Leah constantly proves that there isn’t anything she can’t accomplish. She most recently expanded her career as a successful businesswoman with her wine brand, Capa Cagna. Loosely translating to “Boss Bitch” in Italian, she describes a Capa Cagna as “a strong, successful, and independent woman.”

One of Leah’s top priorities is to inspire women to feel strong, empowered, and unapologetically themselves. Additionally, she co-hosts her own podcast, Bare With Us, alongside her boyfriend, Matt Polinsky. The podcast tackles relationship issues that people are usually not willing to discuss openly. It exposes their real daily struggles that gets masked by their seemingly perfect lives on social media. The goal of the podcast is to normalize some “taboo” topics, all while navigating their own relationship. Leah’s career is a testament to hard work, perseverance and making the most of every opportunity that presents itself.

Chilled got to chat with Van Dale regarding her wine business, Capa Cagna, (the company formerly known as Capo Cagna). The wine quickly gained popularity for being a high-end wine option at an affordable price with the tag line, “bougie on a budget.” Capa Cagna relaunches with a new rose varietal which join the family of Leah’s wine.

Since its inception just over two years ago, Capa Cagna’s cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay has habitually sold out within days of being made available to the public. The cabernet line received an impressive 86 rating from Wine Magazine, with both wines being covered by a slew of wine critics.

Chillin' With Leah Van Dale

Chillin’ With Leah Van Dale

Photo by Mario Barberio

Tell us about what you’re doing right now.

I just launched a Rosé with my wine Capa Cagna. It’s fruit-forward and an easy drinking Rosé that appeals to most pale?es. Capa Cagna is a brand I created in 2018 that is all about embracing your inner Boss Babe. It’s a high-quality wine at an affordable price. We are an inclusive brand meant for everyone, except wine snobs. I also have a relaKonship podcast with my boyfriend, Ma? Polinsky. It’s called “Bare With Us” and we speak candidly about our relaKonship and issues everyone has but are oQen too afraid to talk about.

What do you do with your downtime?

When I have downtime I’m spending it at home on my couch with my pets. I love being home with a glass of wine minding my own business.

When you go out to eat, where do you like to dine?

I love trying new restaurants and I love a good steakhouse. Give me all the carbs! I also really enjoy a margarita with chips and guac.

Chillin' With Leah Van Dale

Chillin’ With Leah Van Dale

Photo by Mario Barberio

What types of dishes do you typically order?

When I’m at a steakhouse I usually get a filet mignon with all of the potatoes; mashed, whipped, baked, scalloped, etc. So good! Being from New England, I also love seafood! Shrimp cocktail is always a must.

Any favorite bars?

I’m always on the road so I’ve found quite a few favorite dives over the years. A few of my go-to’s are the Alibi in New Orleans, The Dirt Bar in Houston, and the Golden Gopher in LA.

What drinks do you order when out?

I’m more of a wine gal, but if I am ordering a cocktail it’s got to be a lychee Martini.

Chillin' With Leah Van Dale

Chillin’ With Leah Van Dale

Photo by Mario Barberio

Do you prepare drinks at home?

I’ve been known to make a hell of a skinny Margarita and I have a killer sangria.

Tell us about your home bar. What is it stocked with?

My at-home bar is stocked. We have anything and everything you can imagine. My boyfriend is a big bourbon guy, so that’s my favorite giQ to give him. We currently have some Pappy Van Winkle and Angels Envy CollecKon No 2 that we’ve been chipping away at.

Have you ever been a bartender?

I bartended for three weeks at the club Avalon in LA when I was 22. I had zero experience whatsoever so I just made everything up as I went. My drinks were so bad and I quit three weeks later.

If you could share a drink with anyone, who would it be?

Cher or Dolly Parton!

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