Wine and dandy: Mary J. Blige on her newpinot, VP-elect and holidays
For Mary J. Blige, wine has been a ray of sunshine during the pandemic. In fact, she recently launched her own wine company, Sun Goddess.
It’s a collaboration with Fantinel, a northern Italian producer, and showcases a pinot grigio, one of her favorites, and a sauvignon blanc. Both retail for $19.99.
Blige has long been a wine lover, and named her company for her love of the sun’s warmth and energy.
Her venture comes at a time when alcohol sales are surging. According to Nielsen’s market data, total alcohol sales outside of bars and restaurants have increased nearly 24 percent during the pandemic.
“I’ve always really enjoyed wine, and since I’m lucky enough to travel for work, I’ve had a unique opportunity to be able to taste different wines from all over the world,” Blige said. “It still is crazy to think that I now have my own pinot grigio, and other people are hopefully enjoying it as much as I do.”
Blige’s career has spanned nearly 30 years since her debut album, “What’s the 411,” in 1992. She has nine Grammy Awards, two Academy Award nominations (for “MudBound” on Netflix), two Golden Globe nominations and has sold more than 50 million albums.
She also has a jewelry line, “Sister Love,” with longtime friend Simone I. Smith, and the “Love Me” lipstick line with M.A.C. Cosmetics.
Blige talked with the Houston Chronicle about her wines, her holiday plans and, of course, music.
Q: Have your wine tastes changed over the years?
A: No, it really hasn’t. I’ve always loved pinot grigio. Throughout the years, I’ve tried and have come to love all different types of red and white wines and, of course, rosé, (but) especially now my Pinot Grigio Romato.
Q: If you had to pair wine with your music, what you what would you pair with your two to three favorite songs?
A: Music sets the mood, so when I drink my wine I always try to pair it with something that is fun and upbeat. You want to have a great time and just feel happy.
The three songs of mine I would choose would be “Family Affair,” “Be Happy” and “Just Fine.”
Q: What are your holiday favorite food-and-wine pairings?
A: Some of my personal favorite holiday foods that I will be pairing both wines with will be lamb chops, all different types of seafood, including sea bass, appetizers and more.
Q: In addition to people drinking more wine during this pandemic, there seem to be more labels owned and represented by Black people —
Snoop Dogg has wine, the McBride Sisters with Black Girl Magic wine and yours. Do you think it’s coincidental, or is there an awakening in the wine industry?
A: It’s crazy howmuch has changed over the last year. More and more, slowly, I think most industries are recognizing the power of representation and diversity. I hope and do think we’ll be able to name more than a
few Black-owned wine labels in the near future.
Q: How do you plan to celebrate the holidays during this crazy time?
A: I will be spending it with just my immediate family, taking all precautions necessary. Thankfully, we have Zoom, Facetime and Skype to be able to check in on our neighbors, friends and all those who may need a little extra love this holiday season. As for what I’ll be drinking, I’m always partial to the Sun Goddess Pinot Grigio Romato.
Q: Do you have any plans to add reds to your brand?
A: There have definitely been discussions on what’s next for Sun Goddess, but you’ll just have to wait and see.
Q: What did you think about Vice President-elect Kamala Harris entering the victory stage to your hit “Work That?”
A: I wasn’t aware that she even knew my song until right after she walked out to it at the Democratic National Convention (in August)
and my phone blew up. It’s obviously an extreme honor to be the smallest part of such a monumental moment in our country’s history. From all the songs she could have chosen, I was just surprised and overwhelmed by the fact that she used one of mine, and continues to use it.
Q: What has the pandemic taught you about yourself?
A: Times like these really force you to recognize that you need to be everything for yourself. You need to step up to be strong, be resilient, be your greatest joy and loudest cheerleader. Because when you’re alone in your house for a long period of time, the only person you can rely on is yourself.
Q: What has brought you the most joy during this time?
A: This season has just really put into perspective what matters. When I was finally able to safely see my mom, my sister, my family for the first time after several months, nowthat’s joy.