Regina King, award-winning actress and director, is making her press rounds in promotion of her new orange wine brand, MianU, which honors her late son, Ian Alexander Jr.
‘MianU’, pronounced me and you, marks the star’s debut in the wine industry.
It is billed as a personal tribute to Alexander with “Ian” in the middle. The brand’s message is focused on the belief that it takes two people 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 passed away in 2022 at age 26.
King says they taught each other about different styles of wines. “Ian has always been endlessly curious,” she said. “He loved uncovering the narrative behind a bottle and sharing it.” She remembers her first visit to a winery, Chimney Rock, and saving two bottles for them to share together after he turned 21.
MianU is made by fermenting white grapes on their skins to give it depth, body, and a amber hue. It’s comprised of 75% Gewürztraminer and 25% Chardonnay.
King says making wine has been a hands-on process in more ways than just tasting it. “If I wanted to do this right, I had to learn how to navigate the industry—the logistics, the budgeting.”
Although it eventually became about business, she says the soul of MianU remains Ian. “He continues to move through me and inspire me daily.” King believes MianU is something he would love. “This wine isn’t just a product; it’s a continuation of his spirit.” She feels that, like orange wine, he was unfiltered, bright and unapologetically expressive. “[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 about.