The former model—who owns her own vegan, organic wine brand, Bellissima—sat poolside in a classic black belted swimsuit and beige long-sleeve coverup, toasting a crystal glass of rosé as she flashed her pearly whites for the cover. “The zero-sugar sparkling wine was a runaway hit and a personal favorite of mine,” the entrepreneur said, crediting both her sugarless wine and “true gratitude” for her youthful appearance. “I love the idea that I can enjoy a glass of wine and stick to my healthy lifestyle.” A three-time cover model for Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, the National Lampoon’s Vacation actress is no newcomer to posing in beachwear. For another magazine shot, she appears in a plum purple plunging cutout one-piece, as she playfully engages in a game of ping-pong. “You know a lot of people ask me: ‘Why are you always smiling? Why do you seem so happy no matter what?’” she said in the interview. “I really think at the root of everything is true gratitude.” Brinkley continued to explain her secret to remaining so positive over the years. “Gratitude is what works for me, and I start every day by counting all the reasons I have to be grateful,” she said, adding, “By the end of the list how can I not be happy? Counting my blessings is truly the secret to happiness and being full of energy and life.” The model later shared a behind-the-scenes video on Instagram, which she revealed was filmed in her backyard during the shoot. In the joyful clip, she showcased a few of her throwback magazine covers and danced around in the sunshine. “Thank you to my whole team for making me feel like Anita Ekberg in La Dolce Vita‼️ It was so fun‼️🇮🇹😘💚❤️,” she wrote in her caption. In addition, Brinkley divulged the one “handsome celebrity” she’d bring on a desert island is British adventurer Bear Grylls, noting that “he would take good care of us.” Aside from the cover shoot, she is set to host Social Life’s first polo tournament in the Hamptons on July 23. Next, Christie Brinkley on Her Dogs and Aging Gracefully
