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Taraji P. Henson with her new red moscato. Seven Daughters Taraji P. Henson’s journey to creating her own wine label didn’t began in Italy as any great wine jpuirney should. The Academy Award–nominated actor and entrepreneur credits her passion for winemaking to her first visit to the country years ago, where she realized that wine culture is ultimately about community, not exclusivity. That revelation led to a partnership with Terlato Wine Group, where Henson joined as strategic advisor and creative collaborator for Seven Daughters Wines. Her first move was to relaunch Moscato with packaging that reflects her personality—including nods to her favorite things, like her French bulldog. Now, Henson is expanding her wine portfolio with a new red blend sourced from family vineyards in Italy’s Veneto region. Speaking to Forbes from Italy, where she’s learning more about wine, Henson compares the blending process to developing a character: layering distinct elements to create something entirely new. Crafted from Marzemino, Corvina, and Merlot grapes, the expression bursts with wild berries and warm spice and is slightly bubbly. Henson recommends enjoying it chilled, no matter the time of year. When she’s not traveling for inspiration, you’ll likely find her in Los Angeles, savoring Greek cuisine with—of course—a great glass of wine in hand. Her travel essentials? TPH beauty products, a good book, and a bottle of Seven Daughters to gift or enjoy poolside. The star’s latest venture isn’t just about expanding her business—it’s about embracing la dolce vita, that Italian way of treating every gathering, big or small, as something worth toasting. MORE FOR YOU I caught up with the multihyphenate actor and businesswoman to talk all things wine, wellness, and what’s next. Was there a particular moment or place where you thought, 'I want to create my own wine?' Wine has always been a part of how I celebrate life's moments, big and small. When the opportunity came to collaborate with Terlato Wine Group, it felt like the perfect alignment of my passion for bringing people together and my love for good wine. I saw it as a chance to create something that embodies the brand’s philosophy of “celebrating it all,” with wines that don't just taste good, but facilitate meaningful connections and memories. How did your visit to Italy influence your vision for Seven Daughters - The Moscato and now the Red Wine? I was inspired during my first trip a few years ago - I came back to the States with an urge to learn more about wine and the opportunity to explore the wine business for myself came about organically with the Terlato Family. The Italian philosophy of wine being central to community and celebration also really resonated with me. I wanted Seven Daughters to capture that same warmth and authenticity, bringing that Italian spirit of togetherness to every bottle we create. I was thrilled with the reception to the Moscato and now our new Red Blend which just launched is getting that same love. I have been so inspired by how these elements of the wine come together to create something so bold and full of heart. The slightly effervescent quality and those vibrant notes of wild berries and warm spices - that's pure Veneto, and it's meant to be enjoyed chilled year-round, just like the Italians do. It's all about bringing people together and never settling for ordinary. Which wine regions have surprised you the most throughout your travels? I am actually in Italy right now for work. I love it here because there is so much more to discover when it comes to experiencing the depth and diversity of wines across the country. I’ve been to a few different cities, and what I’ve learned that has stuck with me the most is the familial approach to creating wine that so many producers prioritize. The way that family traditions have been preserved for generations while still innovating, and how the landscape influences the flavor profiles is truly inspiring. It's taught me that great wine isn't just about the grape - it's about the soil, the climate, and the people who pour their hearts into it - and the people you get to enjoy the wine with at the end of the day. What surprised you most about the wine creation process, and how did it compare to developing a character or writing your book? Were there any 'aha' moments that changed how you think about flavor, tradition, or Italian winemaking? The blending process was my biggest surprise - it's so much like character development where you're layering different elements to create something new. My 'aha' moment came when I realized that winemaking, like acting and writing, is about storytelling - every grape and bottle has its own story which varies greatly depending on who is consuming it. What did you learn about wine culture throughout this process? I learned that wine culture is fundamentally about community and shared experiences, not pretension or exclusivity. It reinforced my belief that we should celebrate every moment, not just save the good stuff for special occasions - that's the heart of Seven Daughters. What is one souvenir from the Veneto region that you would take with you? I'd take the spirit of "la dolce vita" - that sweet life philosophy where every meal, every glass of wine, every gathering is treated as something special. What is your favorite wine bar at home and why? I consider LA home now and like 1010 Wine and Events. It’s Inglewood's first wine bar that offers a selection of black-owned wines. Do you have a favorite wine bar in the world and why? No favorite wine bar, but I am in the process of finding one! What is your favorite restaurant at home and why? I often frequent Avra. The Greek cuisine is so good. It’s very fresh, delicious and they have great wine. What's your favorite dish to pair with both the Moscato and this new Red Blend? With the Moscato, I love pairing it with spicy food - Thai or Indian cuisine - because that slight sweetness balances the heat beautifully. For the Red Blend, give me a good charcuterie board or pasta with a rich ragu - those bold, fruity notes with a hint of spice complement heartier dishes perfectly. Both wines are versatile enough to enjoy with whatever you're craving, from brunch to late-night conversations with friends. Travel essentials - check in or carry on? Both?! Carry on for all my essentials that I need with me at all times like my TPH products and a good book. My checked luggage is a must for all of the day to night looks and yes, I might have a bottle of Seven Daughters Moscato or Red Blend for wherever I’m headed so I can gift a friend or enjoy it poolside. Editorial StandardsReprints & Permissions
