Sipping On Success: Mary J. Blige’s Thriving Venture In The Wine And Spirits Industry

While Gen Z may have great taste in music, most may not be too familiar with the OG queen of hip-hop soul, Mary J. Blige. She is one of the most iconic singers of the ’90s, making a name for herself through early hits like, “You Remind Me” and “Real Love,” to name a few. 

Along with being a Grammy-winning singer, Blige has diversified her portfolio by venturing into the wine and spirits industry. Here is a breakdown on her wine brand, Sun Goddess. 

The Bronx native launched her Italian wine brand, Sun Goddess, in 2020 in partnership with Fantinel Winery. She described this new venture as a labor of love, noting that not everything is done for money. 

“The wine was out of this world… I knew it was going to be a labor of love,” the entrepreneur told Wine Enthusiast.

The name Sun Goddess was created by the singer’s sister, Tanya, who was inspired by Blige’s love for the warmth and energy of the sun. The wines are available in four variations — Italian Pinot Grigio Ramato, Sauvignon Blanc, Merlot, and Prosecco. They are described as fruity, fresh, and light whites that are perfect for summer pairings. For instance, the Sauvignon Blanc has tropical flavors. 

Although the brand is still relatively new, Sun Goddess Wines has gained recognition for its quality and authenticity. She continues promoting her wine label through various channels, such as hosting wine-tasting events in collaboration with GrapeStars, which is a platform for celebrity wine and wine enthusiasts. 

She may have yet to win any awards, but the positive reviews and interest her collection receives indicate that Sun Goddess Wines has made a mark in the market.

Her most noteworthy influence in the liquor industry is her involvement in the Spirited Change Initiative (SCI) as an investor. The initiative aims to support minority and women-owned brands and businesses in the wine and spirits industry.  

The initiative has committed over $5 million through 2024 to provide consumer and trader exposure to the business. 

“I feel very close to the work of SCI because I understand what it’s like wanting to have your voice heard when people won’t listen,” the entrepreneur told Rolling Stone about joining the initiative.

Blige is also utilizing a few skills from her music career to help make her business venture a hit — collaborations. Her collaboration with renowned winery Fantinel Winery was pivotal to the success of Sun Goddess. The partnership birthed a unique wine collection, which has become a household name in the wine market. Besides that, the brand has helped raise awareness of Italian wines, particularly from the Friuli Venezia Giulia region. 

Blige is an incredibly talented artist, and it is inspiring to see her succeed in fields separate from music. However, her involvement in the alcohol industry is not just out of love, but also to increase consumer awareness of the need for diversity within the wine industry.

Although her winery business is still in its early stages, Sun Goddess is working to cement its status as a key player in the industry.

The author’s content and opinions have not been pre-reviewed, approved or endorsed by Discover.