Regina King Honors Late Son With Launch Of Orange Wine Brand, MianU

Regina King, the award-winning actress and director, is stepping into a new role — winemaker. She is making her press rounds to introduce her new orange wine brand, MianU, a deeply personal project honoring her late son, Ian Alexander Jr.

Pronounced “me and you,” the brand reflects the special bond King shared with her only child. Its name carries Ian’s name at its center, symbolizing both their connection and the belief that two people are needed to form a lasting bond.

“There’s no wine experience more meaningful to me than when my son Ian introduced me to orange wine,” King told Wine Spectator. “Ian had this beautiful way of discovering something new and sharing it with me.”

Ian, who passed away in 2022 at age 26, had a passion for exploring different wine styles. King recalls their conversations, his curiosity, and even her first trip to a winery — Chimney Rock — where she saved two bottles for them to open together after he turned 21.

MianU is crafted through the fermentation of white grapes on their skins, creating an amber hue, depth, and body. The blend features 75% Gewürztraminer and 25% Chardonnay.

For King, the process has been more than just sipping and selecting flavors. “If I wanted to do this right, I had to learn how to navigate the industry — the logistics, the budgeting,” she explained. Though the venture required a business mindset, King emphasizes that the soul of MianU is rooted in Ian’s spirit.

“He continues to move through me and inspire me daily,” she said. “This wine isn’t just a product; it’s a continuation of his spirit.”

King believes that, like orange wine, Ian was unfiltered, bright, and unapologetically expressive. Through MianU, she hopes people not only taste quality wine but also feel a connection to her son’s essence.

“[It is] a way for people to feel something of him when they pour a glass and create their own moments together. That’s what MianU is.”