Cameron Diaz and Katherine Power

Who What Wear + Versed skincare founder Katherine Power, plus actress + wellness author Cameron Diaz, who both loved drinking wine… but didn’t love the news that some of their favorite bottles were full of additives like sugars, colors, and concentrates. But “when we started asking for clean or organic wines in grocery stores,” says Katherine, “all we got were eye-rolls.”

After obsessive research, trips to global vineyards, meetings with everyone from biologists to sommeliers, and more than a few taste tests, the California-based friends created Avaline’s rosé and white wines to be accessible ($24), transparent with their ingredients, and—obviously—great. (As in, our editorial director Faran took two bottles to her very small birthday lunch. They are now gone.) Here’s how Katherine and Cameron turned friendship into something even bigger.

What’s something you never knew about wine until you started making it?

Katherine: I never knew there were so many ingredients that could be added to wine… including colors and concentrates.

Cameron: There were so many things that I never considered about the winemaking process. I had always assumed it was just fermented grapes. But when we learned that there was—as in any other craft—a tool box that could be used to create the end product, it made me want to make sure I only consumed wines that I was certain had the least amount of those tools used.

What’s something you never knew about each other until you started working together?

Katherine: Cameron is an incredibly curious person who makes it her mission in life to learn about as many different things as possible. If you have a question about anything that’s going on in your life, or the world, you can call her and she will have a well-informed point of view on it. She is also incredibly detail-oriented. She does not miss a word or a beat, and has incredibly high standards. (Something we both share.)

Cameron: I already knew Katherine was an incredible entrepreneur, but to get to see her in action, I feel like I got a master class. She has such determination and drive, [and] once she sets her mind to something, she doesn’t stop until she’s figured out how to crack it. She’s a “never say never” kind of gal!

What makes you know an idea—whether it’s a website, a movie, or a wine—is ready to become a reality?

Katherine: The best business ideas usually start from a personal need. If I can’t stop thinking about something, that’s usually a sign.

Cameron: I am usually driven by my gut instincts. I know immediately if something resonates with me. If I have to question it, then I know I won’t be able to commit to it 100%.

What kinds of friends make the best business partners?

Katherine: I don’t think it’s a coincidence that I am in a partnership with two Virgos. I do think there is something to that compatibility. (I am a Taurus.) The best business partner is one that has a very different, but complementary, skill set, and shares the same vision and mission as you do.

Cameron: I agree with Katherine that complementary skill sets and sharing the same vision and mission are key. Plus, work shouldn’t be work; it should be passion and excitement, and I think you naturally want to be sharing that experience with a friend.

What’s something you learned from the other that’s made you better at your job?

Katherine: I can be impulsive, as I am used to making decisions very quickly. Cameron is extremely thoughtful and detailed, forcing us to really think things through.

Cameron: HA! I would have said the same thing about myself and Katherine respectively…

How do you disagree with a business partner—who’s also your friend—and still maintain the love?

Katherine: I’m not sure we have ever disagreed. I’ve found that in a successful partnership, if one person feels very strongly about something, even if you disagree, it’s your job to support them.

Cameron: I don’t think we’ve ever really disagreed. I find that we both kind of lean on one another to guide each other through our respective knowledge and experience. There are situations I have no real experience with that Katherine knows through and through, and vice versa. And we respect one another’s opinion and experience.

What’s your rule about drinking wine during a business brainstorm or creative meeting?

Katherine: Why do you think we went into this business?!

Cameron: Ha! What she said!

If Avaline had a theme song, what would it be?

Katherine: Apparently, it’s Enya’s Only Time. Our TikTok video has over 11M views!

Cameron: Apparently…

If Avaline had an official snack, what would it be?

Katherine: For sure, cheese and charcuterie.

Cameron: For sure a platter of cheese and charcuterie… and of course, a baguette.