ESPN Highlights the Life of the “Other” Greg Popovich in a Lighthearted Piece About Mistaken Identity

— In a feature article published by ESPN.com reflecting on the legacy of recently retired San Antonio Spurs head coach Gregg Popovich, Castle Rock Winery’s Founder and President, Greg Popovich, found himself unexpectedly in the spotlight.

Tucked into ESPN’s retrospective on the five-time NBA champion is a humorous sidebar titled “The Life of the ‘Other’ Greg Popovich,” which chronicles the decades-long experience of Gregory Popovich frequently being mistaken for the Hall of Fame coach.

The story recounts a memorable evening at Spago in Beverly Hills, where Castle Rock’s Popovich landed a coveted reservation—thanks, perhaps, to the familiar name—only to be met with puzzled looks and polite disappointment when staff realized he wasn’t that Popovich.

“Although this article originally came out a few years ago, it still happens to me at least once a week,” said Greg Popovich, Founder and President of Castle Rock Winery. “I have to live in this guy’s shadow,” he jokes in the story.
“I always seem to get the best tables at restaurants and the best hotel rooms because my name is the same,” he adds with a laugh.
But with characteristic grace, he adds: “It’s an honor to share the name. I’ve never once heard a bad thing about Gregg Popovich… I owe him one.”
“At the end of the day, we both care about quality, whether it’s on the court or in the bottle,” Greg adds with a smile. “If sharing a name with a legend gets people talking about wine, I’ll take it.”
And when they ask his wife, Adriana Popovich, if she’s married to the Greg Popovich, she always nods yes with a smile. 

Interestingly, the two Popoviches might share more than just a name. “His grandfather was from Montenegro, and his grandmother from Croatia—same as my family,” Greg notes. “We were both raised as Serbians. Who knows—we might even be related!”

Castle Rock Winery—one of America’s leading independent wineries known for crafting premium-quality wines at exceptional value—has long been guided by Greg Popovich, a respected figure in the wine world, celebrated for his authenticity and commitment to excellence. In recent years, he has expanded Castle Rock’s reach with innovative new projects, including the launch of , a bold and playful brand that reflects the winery’s creative spirit and appeal to a new generation of wine drinkers.

While ESPN’s article offers a humorous anecdote, it also highlights the shared qualities of the two Popoviches: a love of food, wine, culture, and a deep dedication to their respective crafts. Although Coach Gregg Popovich has officially stepped down from head coaching duties, he remains actively involved with the Spurs organization, continuing to influence the franchise he helped shape into a dynasty.

http://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/26524600/secret-team-dinners-built-spurs-dynasty
Michelin restaurants and fabulous wines: Inside the secret team dinners that have built the Spurs’ dynasty – ESPN

Founded in 1994, Castle Rock Winery is one of the nation’s top producers of premium value wine. With a diverse portfolio of varietals sourced from California, Oregon, and Washington, Castle Rock wines consistently earn national accolades and are widely available in retail stores and restaurants throughout the United States. In 2025, the company introduced Kosmic Kitty Wines, a fun, accessible brand designed to bring high-quality wines to adventurous, curious consumers at an everyday price point.