In the music industry, few artists have achieved the level of success and versatility that Darius Rucker has. From his multi-platinum music career adorned with Grammys and CMAs to his philanthropic endeavors, authorship, sports entrepreneurship and advocacy for public education, Rucker has proven time and again that he’s a man of many talents. Now, the country music star is embarking on a new adventure that might surprise some of his fans: winemaking.
We had a chance to catch up with Rucker regarding his newest endeavor into winemaking. Rucker’s latest venture sees him partnering with AS ONE CRU, a winery led by vintner Chris Radomski. You may be asking yourself, what would drive a successful musician to dive into the world of wine? For Rucker, the answer lies in the parallels he sees between music and winemaking, and the potential for both to bring people together. “Wine has been a part of my life for a long time now,” Rucker explains. “It’s something I’ve grown to appreciate over the years—the history, the art, the stories.” He draws a comparison between his passion for music and his interest in winemaking, noting that both are fundamentally about connection. “I think I was drawn to winemaking for similar reasons that pulled me to music. Both are about connection, and they’re both things that bring people together.”
This idea of connection is at the heart of Rucker’s partnership with AS ONE CRU. When he met Radomski and the team at AS ONE CRU, Rucker felt an instant kinship. “Chris has this passion for winemaking that just shines through, and he’s got a talent that can elevate what wine can mean to people,” Rucker says. Their shared belief that wine is more than just a drink, but an experience and a moment, cemented their partnership.
For Rucker, the parallels between making music and making wine run deep. He sees a creative energy in both that’s hard to define but impossible to ignore. “In songwriting, you start with an idea, a feeling, and turn that into something people can feel, too,” he explains. “Wine’s a lot like that. From the soil, the grapes, the aging process—it all becomes something greater than the sum of its parts, something people can sit with and savor.” He also draws comparisons between the experience of enjoying wine and performing live music. Both, he argues, are about being in the moment and sharing something real. “Having a great glass of wine or playing live for fans, those are moments of connection that can’t be replicated,” Rucker says.
Working with a storied vintner like Radomski might seem daunting to some, but Rucker finds it comforting. He describes Radomski as a knowledgeable guide who leaves room for creativity while providing invaluable expertise. “It’s been a blast learning from him, sharing ideas, and just soaking up everything he knows,” Rucker raves.
As he embarks on this new chapter as a winemaker, Rucker’s goals remain consistent with his approach to music. “Really, I hope to bring people together in a way that maybe they didn’t expect,” he says. “Music’s done that for me in ways I never could have imagined, and I think wine has the same power.” His vision for AS ONE CRU wines is clear: he wants people to enjoy the wine, make memories with it, and simply have a good time.
This focus on creating memorable experiences is deeply personal for Rucker. When asked about a time when wine, music, and friends created an unforgettable experience, he doesn’t recount a wild night or a star-studded party.
Instead, he speaks of quieter, more intimate moments at home with family and friends. “Honestly, it’s the moments at home with family and friends that stand out more than some crazy story,” Rucker shares. “Especially now that my kids are adults, being able to enjoy a glass of wine together has made for some really special nights at the house.” He describes these evenings with a palpable warmth, painting a picture of relaxed laughter, shared stories, and a sense of connection that wine helps to foster. “There’s something about those moments when everyone’s relaxed, laughing, sharing stories—and wine brings out that sense of connection,” he explains. “That’s what it’s all about, those memories that you carry with you. That’s what I hope AS ONE CRU wines can give people.”
As Rucker steps into the world of winemaking, he brings with him the same passion, creativity and desire for connection that has defined his music career. His partnership with AS ONE CRU isn’t just about producing another celebrity-branded product; it’s about creating something meaningful, something that can bring people together and create lasting memories. For fans of Rucker’s music, this new venture offers a different way to connect with the artist. It’s an opportunity to share in something he’s passionate about, to be part of the moments and memories he hopes to create. And for wine enthusiasts, it’s a chance to experience a product born from the collaboration between a passionate musician and an equally passionate vintner.
As Darius Rucker continues to expand his already impressive portfolio of achievements, his foray into winemaking stands as a testament to his enduring creativity and his commitment to bringing people together. Whether through the strums of a guitar or the pour of a glass, Rucker’s mission remains the same: to create moments of connection, joy and shared experience. With AS ONE CRU, he’s bottling that mission.
Asonecruwines.com
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