Taraji P. Henson takes on new role as winemaker

Golden Globe-winning and Oscar-nominated actress Taraji Henson is also a New York Times bestselling author, entrepreneur and style icon. And after a recent trip to Italy, Henson decided to add winemaker to his biography by creating a new wine brand.

Known for his dramatic roles in films like “Hidden Figures” and the TV series “Empire,” Henson partnered with Terlato Wine Group on the existing Seven Daughters brand. It’s a smart partnership for both parties: Henson will give the existing brand a much-needed refresh, with a new bottle and logo, and Seven Daughters’ Moscato, originally launched in 2006, will benefit of the influence of the actor. The $15 Moscato expression comes from the Veneto region of northern Italy.

“Taraji is an extraordinary talent whose impact on culture and business is evident,” said Bill Terlato, President and CEO of Terlato Wine Group. “We are excited to realize the dynamic energy it will bring to the wine industry.”

“I’m excited to work with Bill and his team as we unveil the next generation of Seven Daughters,” says Henson. “I believe in celebrating every moment and never settling for less, so when it came time to team up with the brand, it was an easy decision, as they embody these same principles. The new design reflects no only our shared vision, but also celebrates the power of community and connection, and I can’t wait to reintroduce the world to Seven Daughters.

Henson recently took the time to chat with Wine spectator MaryAnn Worobiec, editor-in-chief and Napa bureau chief, talks about the role of wine in her life, her love of Italian wine and how the partnership came to be.

How did you get into wine? Was there wine on the table when you were growing up?

My relationship with wine has been shaped over many years, both professionally and personally. Growing up, wine was always part of the fabric of family meals, relaxing times with friends, or parties.

But my deeper connection with wine was reawakened after a recent trip to Italy. During my stay, I was able to interact with local wine experts and learn more about wine culture. This prompted me to dig a little deeper and discover more information about the many different wines, including Moscato, a wine I have enjoyed for years.

Tell us about the decision to work with Seven Daughters. What do you like about this brand?

I was attracted to Terlato Wine Group, a family business, because its values ​​are closely linked to mine: community, tradition and entrepreneurship. I was particularly excited to work with Seven Daughters because it felt like a blank canvas: a well-established and successful brand, with room for new energy and a renewed perspective.

Having enjoyed Moscato for years, this was the perfect opportunity to bring my passion for wine, as well as my consumer experience, to a brand that could evolve while honoring its roots. It was exciting to balance the brand’s tradition with new ideas and refreshed direction.

Aside from Seven Daughters, do you think the wine needs a refresh or spruce up? Could wine be more inviting to people? How?

One of the things that Terlato and I are excited about is the opportunity to not only revitalize the Moscato category, a category that has long been misunderstood, but also to attract a multi-generational audience with different experience levels in terms of wine. Starting with Moscato, we want to encourage both more experienced wine drinkers and beginners to simply appreciate the quality of the product, because it speaks for itself.

I think this approach can be taken across the board, and we’re seeing much of it come to life as other women and people of color, and generally people of diverse backgrounds and experiences, create new pathways in the wine industry.

How do you decide when it’s right for you to get involved in a business venture?

When I get involved with a business, it has to be related to something I love and already have a personal connection with. I don’t believe in selling things to sell them, and the community I’ve built over the years still expects nothing but honesty and authenticity from me, which I don’t take not for granted.

Community, traditions as well as inclusion are all extremely important priorities and values ​​that I look for when participating in anything, asking questions such as: What is the positive impact of this brand on people ? How does it defend specific cultural traditions that are important to honor? Is it inclusive and respectful of all? These are all important questions to consider.

Any advice for people intimidated by wine?

For all you wine newbies out there, I’m going to give you two key tips that have worked for me throughout my wine education journey: First, don’t be intimidated! The joy of wine is in the discovery, so don’t be afraid to try different types and learn your palate and what you prefer as it is also very personal.

Second, open yourself up to discovering the wines you try. Winemaking is an art and there are so many different parts to the whole thing, and it’s so fun for me to continue to learn more about what goes into each bottle.