Regina King launches MianU wine label inspired by her late son’s passion for discovery

Regina King, known for her long career in film and television and her Academy Award-winning performance in "If Beale Street Could Talk," has entered the wine industry with the launch of her own label, MianU. The project began with the release of an orange wine made from grapes grown in Mendocino County, California. King says the name MianU, pronounced “me and you,” reflects her desire to create connections through shared experiences.

The inspiration for the wine comes from King’s late son, Ian Desduné, who passed away in 2022 at age 26. King credits Ian with introducing her to orange wine and sparking her interest in exploring different wine styles. She recalls that Ian had a talent for making everyday moments special by sharing new discoveries with her, whether it was a bottle of wine or a favorite song. The name MianU also includes a reference to Ian’s name.

King describes how she and Ian would teach each other about wine, often focusing on the stories behind each bottle. She remembers saving bottles from her first winery visit at Chimney Rock to share with him when he turned 21. Later, Ian introduced her to The Prisoner, a wine that she says helped her understand how a bottle can tell a story beyond its taste.

The first release from MianU is a blend of Gewürztraminer and Chardonnay. The Gewürztraminer makes up most of the blend and is fermented on its skins, which gives the wine its copper color. The Chardonnay is pressed before fermentation to add freshness. The wine is aged for six months in neutral oak barrels before blending and bottling. Only 500 cases were produced for this initial release.

The grapes come from two organic vineyards in Mendocino County: McFadden Family Vineyard & Farm in Potter Valley provides the Gewürztraminer, while Hawkeye Ranch in Redwood Valley supplies the Chardonnay. King says that sourcing from organic vineyards was important to her as she wanted to ensure quality and sustainability.

King has taken an active role in every part of the winemaking process, learning about logistics, budgeting, and industry operations. She says that while MianU is now a business venture, its heart remains with Ian’s memory. For King, the wine is more than just a product; it is a tribute to her son’s spirit—unfiltered, expressive, and bright.

She hopes that those who drink MianU will feel something of Ian’s presence and use the wine as a way to create their own meaningful moments with others. King believes that sharing a glass can be an act of connection and remembrance, which is what she wants MianU to represent as she continues this new chapter in her career.