Uncle Nearest Cognac represents an ambitious expansion by Uncle Nearest, Inc., a Tennessee-based whiskey brand renowned for honoring Nathan “Nearest” Green, the first known African-American master distiller who mentored Jack Daniel. In October 2023, the company, led by founder and CEO Fawn Weaver, acquired Domaine Saint Martin, a historic 100-acre estate along the Charente River in Cognac, France, featuring 50 acres of coveted Grande Champagne vineyards—the most prestigious cru in the region. This purchase, finalized in 2024, marks Uncle Nearest as the largest Grande Champagne vineyard owner in the city of Cognac, blending American innovation with French tradition. The Cognac, produced from Ugni Blanc grapes and crafted with the estate’s distillery and cooperage, will launch under a new name—distinct from the Uncle Nearest whiskey brand—aiming to echo the company’s ethos of heritage, quality, and storytelling. With a team led by spirits veteran Adrian Parker and a short film narrated by Jeffrey Wright unveiling Cognac’s global rise, this venture positions Uncle Nearest to redefine the category while honoring its roots in authenticity and legacy.
