Taraji P. Henson raises a toast to the growth of her Seven Daughters spirit brand

Written by Janeé Bolden Taraji P. Henson is celebrating another major step in her entrepreneurial journey. The Academy Award-nominated actress has partnered with Terlato Wine Group to launch Seven Daughters Sparkling Brut, the third wine in the brand’s lineup since its relaunch in 2024.

The new sparkling wine joins Seven Daughters’ well-loved Moscato and Red Blend, giving consumers another option just in time for the holiday season. For Henson, who serves as a strategic advisor and creative collaborator for Seven Daughters, this latest addition is about more than simply growing the product line. She hopes it will also help wine drinkers broaden their palates.

“If you’re growing a wine base, people that are new to wine, we want to elevate their palate a little bit,” Henson told BLACK ENTERPRISE in an exclusive interview. “We launched with the sweeter, you know, easier for the palate and new wine drinkers, and now it’s time to elevate.” The new Sparkling Brut, priced at $15.99, is crafted from Glera, Chardonnay, and Pinot Noir grapes grown in Italy’s Veneto region. It offers notes of green apple, pear, and citrus, along with a crisp, dry finish.

The launch comes during a period of strong growth for Seven Daughters. According to Terlato Wine Group, the brand’s Moscato is now the fastest-growing Moscato priced above $10 in sales, based on Nielsen data, and the top-selling Moscato in U.S. restaurants and other on-premise establishments, according to Somm.ai.

Henson has a simpler explanation for its success. “I mean, literally, it’s good. I think it’s just really good,” she said.

Although celebrity partnerships in wine and spirits are nothing new, Henson says she was drawn to Seven Daughters because of her real love for wine and her desire to help more people discover it. “I just like wine. I’ve always liked wine,” she said.

“For me, it wasn’t about another celebrity with an alcohol or spirit. With me, the intention was to grow a wine community.” Rather than positioning herself as an expert, Henson wants consumers to feel like they’re learning right alongside her. “I’m not a sommelier, I don’t pretend to be one,” she said.

“They’re learning about wine in real time with me as we grow and launch new grapes and new bottles.” Her role with Seven Daughters goes beyond promotion. Henson has been deeply involved in product development, and the bottles include illustrated touches that reflect her personality, such as her beloved bulldogs, a purse, and theatrical masks that honor her Broadway performance in August Wilson’s Joe Turner’s Come and Gone. The partnership is one of several business ventures Henson has taken on outside of acting, but she says her approach to entrepreneurship has never been about simply using her fame for profit.

“There’s always a reason; it’s always grounded in a truth or a reason, a passion,” she said. Henson believes consumers can tell when a celebrity-backed business lacks authenticity. “Consumers are smart; they know a money grab when they see one,” she said.

“Just because you’re a celebrity, just because you put your name on something doesn’t mean it’s gonna sell. We’ve seen lots of celebrities’ business ventures tank.” Her TPH haircare brand is a perfect example of a company built out of personal need. Henson launched the line after realizing there was a gap in products and education centered on scalp health.

“I started TPH as a necessity for me, out of something that I didn’t see in the industry that I needed,” she explained. “No one was talking about scalp care.” Henson, who recently took full ownership of TPH, says one of the most important lessons she has learned in business is how crucial it is to choose the right partners. “It is very important who you do business with,” she said.

Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to prepare for obstacles instead of letting them shake their confidence. “Starting businesses, expect hardships. Expect it,” she said.

“That way you’re never surprised.” In her view, treating setbacks as part of the process makes it easier to keep going. “Fall down and get back up, because you’re the only person in your way,” Henson said. “I don’t care how hard it looks, you’re the only person that can stop you from making whatever that dream is come true.” Henson’s dedication to creating opportunities reaches beyond her business ventures.

Through the Boris Lawrence Henson Foundation, which she founded in honor of her late father, she continues to advocate for greater access to mental health care in Black communities. She also expressed concern about the effects of funding cuts on organizations already struggling to meet the growing demand for mental health services. “All the mental health nonprofits are feeling it.

Some have had to shut down,” she said. “Thank God we haven’t.” As Henson continues to expand her business interests, she is also preparing for the release of her upcoming Netflix film Give Me Some Sugah, which tells the true story of Chicago baker Lenore Lindsey and her long-delayed pursuit of an entrepreneurial dream. The film is set to premiere on Dec.

16. When asked how her definition of success has evolved over the years, Henson pointed to her ability to create opportunities for others. “What success means for me is — my name alone being able to greenlight projects, or me being able to produce and not be in a project,” she said.

“I’m in a position where I can hire people and give people jobs. That feels really good.” RELATED CONTENT: ABFF Ambassador Taraji Henson Wins Critic’s Choice