King of Rock Finds a New Throne

Photo Courtesy Old York Cellars

The King of Rock is now making his mark as the King of the Vine.

Darryl 'DMC' McDaniels, the legendary co-founder of Run-DMC, has always been a pioneer. Whether he was rocking stages in the 1980s or kicking down barriers for hip-hop to cross into mainstream culture, he was never content to stay in one lane. Now, the hip-hop icon is making waves in a different space: the wine industry. Since 2020, McDaniels has been crafting his own path in winemaking, staying true to what he’s always done — connecting people, creating culture, and making an impact.

For some, McDaniels' journey into wine might seem like a departure from his roots, but it’s really an evolution.

Run-DMC changed hip-hop forever. They were the first hip-hop group to go platinum, the first on MTV, and the first to bring the raw, street energy of hip-hop to mainstream America with tracks like “Walk This Way,” “It’s Tricky” and “King of Rock.” They were the bridge between genres, collaborating with Aerosmith and redefining what hip-hop could be. That same boundary-pushing spirit led McDaniels to venture into winemaking.

The 2022 King DMC Reserve Wine Collection, which will officially launch at Old York Cellars in Ringoes, N.J., on Nov. 30, is McDaniels’ latest chapter in this journey. The collection features two wines: a Reserve Red — a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Syrah — and a Reserve White, made from Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Vidal Blanc.

This marks the third vintage under the Darryl Mack Cellars label, a collaboration that began as a creative experiment but has since grown into a respected brand that reflects McDaniels’ signature style —authentic, impactful and made for everyone.

“Darryl views wine and food as part of his bigger vision of bringing people together,” David Wolin, owner of Old York Cellars, said in a release announcing the new vintages. That sentiment echoes what McDaniels has always been about — breaking down barriers, uniting people, and celebrating culture.

A portion of sales from the King DMC Reserve Collection benefits the Felix Organization, a non-profit that McDaniels co-founded in 2006 alongside Emmy-winning casting director Sheila Jaffe. The Felix Organization provides enriching opportunities for children in foster care—a cause close to McDaniels’ heart, as he himself was adopted. “The heart of this collection came from Darryl's passion for philanthropy,” Wolin said, implying that this venture isn’t just about bottles on a shelf; it’s about creating a legacy and giving back.

McDaniels has never been one to shy away from using his platform for more than entertainment. He’s been vocal about mental health, sharing his own struggles in his memoir and speaking publicly to encourage others to seek help. He’s also been an advocate for adoption, using his voice to support children in foster care and to raise awareness about the importance of family and community. His work with Old York Cellars is a continuation of that commitment—a blending of creativity, passion, and social impact.

For more information about Darryl Mack Cellars and the upcoming event, visit oldyorkcellars.com.