Golden Globe–winning and Academy Award–nominated actress Taraji Henson is also a New York Times best-selling author, entrepreneur and style icon. And after a recent trip to Italy, Henson decided to add vintner to her bio by starting a new wine brand.
Known for dramatic roles in movies like Hidden Figures and the TV series Empire, Henson partnered with the Terlato Wine Group on the existing brand Seven Daughters. It’s a clever partnership for both sides—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 from the actor’s clout. The $15 expression of Moscato is from the Veneto region in northern Italy.
“Taraji is an extraordinary talent whose impact on both culture and business is apparent,” says Bill Terlato, president and CEO of Terlato Wine Group. “We are thrilled to realize the vibrant energy she will bring to the wine industry.”
“I am excited to be working 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, this was an easy decision, because they embody those same principles. The new design reflects not 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 time to chat with Wine Spectator senior editor and Napa bureau chief MaryAnn Worobiec about wine’s role in her life, falling in love with Italian wine and how the partnership came about.
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 with friends or celebrating.
But, my deeper connection to wine was sparked after a recent trip to Italy. While I was there, I was able to engage with local wine experts and learn more about the culture of wine. It inspired me to go a bit deeper and uncover more information on the many different wines, including Moscato, a wine I’ve enjoyed for years.
Tell us about the decision to work with Seven Daughters. What about that brand appeals to you?
I was drawn to Terlato Wine Group, a family-run company, because its values align closely with mine: community, tradition and an entrepreneurial spirit. I was particularly excited to work with Seven Daughters because it felt like a blank canvas—an established, top-selling brand with room for fresh energy and a renewed perspective.
Having enjoyed Moscato for years, it felt like the perfect opportunity to bring my passion for wine, along with my consumer experience, to a brand that could evolve while still honoring its roots. It’s been exciting to balance the tradition of the brand with new ideas and a refreshed direction.
Outside of Seven Daughters, do you think wine needs a refresh or glow up? Could wine be more inviting to people? How?
One of the things we—myself and Terlato—are super excited about is the opportunity to not only revitalize the Moscato category, one that’s been long misunderstood, but also appeal to a multi-generational audience with different experience levels when it comes to wine. Starting with Moscato, we’re wanting to encourage the most experienced to novice wine drinkers alike to just enjoy the quality of the product—because it speaks for itself.
I think this approach can be taken across the board, and we’re seeing so much of that come to life as other women and people of color, and generally people of various backgrounds and experiences, create new lanes in the wine industry.
How do you decide when it's a good fit for you to become involved in business ventures?
When I become involved in a business, it has to be connected to something I love and already have a personal connection to. I don’t believe in just selling things to sell them, and the community I’ve built over the years always expects nothing but honesty and authenticity from me, which I do not take for granted.
Community, traditions, as well as inclusion are all deeply important priorities and values I look to when entering anything, asking questions like: How does this brand positively impact people? How does it uphold specific cultural traditions that are important to honor? Is it inclusive and considerate of all? These are all important questions to consider.
Any advice for people who are intimidated by wine?
For all of the wine beginners, I’ll give you two key tips that have worked for me along my wine education journey—one, don’t be intimidated! The fun in wine is in discovery, so don’t be afraid to try different types and learn your palate and what you like best because it is also very personal.
Two, open yourself up to learning about these wines you’re trying. Winemaking is an art and there are so many different parts to the whole, and it's been so fun for me to continue to learn more about what goes into each bottle.
