Old York Cellars partners with Run-DMC’s McDaniels on wine launch

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Run-DMC founder Darryl McDaniels and Old York Cellars in Ringoes are collaborating on a collection of wine, alongside local chocolates and baked goods curated by the legendary hip-hop artist.

DMC labeled wines, called Darryl Mack Cellars, launched Oct. 8 after McDaniels spent six months working with the sommelier and winemaker at Old York to select wines that tickled his fancy and to pair them with local treats from The Fudge Shoppe in Flemington and by BAM Desserts in Somerset.

The collection includes red, white and blush blends and is Old York’s first and only celebrity collaboration. Old York founder and owner David Wolin said it’s fitting for a number of reasons, including that McDaniels has been a New Jersey resident for a number of years.

“The other reason we’re particularly excited about is it’s been a big deal in the wine business to make the wine business more inclusive and diversify the customer base. We’ve been actually very successful with that, and I think this’ll help make the business more inclusive,” Wolin said.

“Darryl is truly an artist, both on stage and off. He knows his rhymes, and forming this partnership has been an absolute delight. We are thrilled to be announcing this partnership alongside an artist that has had such a significant impact on music, culture and the lives of many of our guests,” he said.

Wolin and McDaniels were introduced by comic book author and Old York club member Amy Chu, who’s the editor and writer of McDaniels’ Darryl Makes Comics comic book collection.

“Music and wine, like comic books, are cultures and cultures are a way of life. So we thought of doing something to bring people together, especially in this divided time of politics, people, and pandemic! It’s like what I did with Adidas and Aerosmith,” McDaniels told NJBIZ. “So my brand is capable of uniting many cultures and people. Rock ‘n roll, hip hop, fashion, comic books, cookies and wine!”

Darryl Mack Cellars is part of Old York Cellars’ charitable collection of wines, and a portion of the proceeds will go to the Felix Organization. McDaniels founded the Felix Organization in 2006 with Emmy Award-winning casting director Sheila Jaffe to provide opportunities and experiences to children in the foster care system.

McDaniels found out at age 35 that he had been adopted, and prior to that had been a foster child. He called it “a revelation,” and after struggling with depression and alcoholism, fellow-adoptee Jaffe suggested they start an organization together to improve the lives of foster kids.

Since founding the organization, McDaniels and Jaffe have served more than 12,600 children, from hosting summer camps, road trips, and garden programs, to providing gifts during the holidays and grants to support the kids’ goals.

DMC labeled wines will be available for purchase, alongside treats curated by McDaniels—”I have a very sweet tooth,” he said—at the Old York Cellars Vineyard and online.