Uncle Nearest continues its winning streak by announcing this week that it has secured ownership of Domaine Saint Martin — making the whiskey brand the largest grande champagne vineyard owner in Cognac.
The expansive vineyard, sprawling across over 100 acres, is nestled along the scenic Charente River in Cognac, France. Its lineage traces back 350 years, first to the Lord Mayor of Cognac, Philippe Fé de Ségeville. To be labeled Cognac, the spirit must be solely produced in the Cognac region of France, according to the press release.
“The Uncle Nearest brand thrives on its profound story of love, honor, respect, and heritage. Our mission in Cognac echoes this essence,” Fawn Weaver, Uncle Nearest Founder and CEO, said in a statement.
Adrian Parker, the former vice president of global marketing for Patrón Tequila, has been tapped as president of this new venture.
“Under Fawn’s guidance and innovative approach, the Uncle Nearest team has created a playbook for independent spirits that has never before been seen,” said Adrian Parker. “In four years, they have grown Nearest Green Distillery to the seventh most visited distillery in the world. While there recently, I observed cars backed up for 1.5 miles each way trying to get in, with more than 14,000 visiting that weekend. The Uncle Nearest team went from distribution in one state to all 50 states in less than two years and their sales now rank them in the top 10 of all ultra-premium American whiskey companies, the only independent company in that ranking.”
Though Uncle Nearest will own the Cognac brand, it plans to go by a different name. More details surrounding the new line will be released in 2024.
Uncle Nearest is taking the liquor industry by storm.
In April, the brand made history by becoming the best-selling African American-owned and founded spirit brand, selling nearly 1.5 million bottles.
