Memory: Uncle Nearest Achieves Prominence as a Leading Owner of Grande Champagne Vineyard in Cognac

The Super Premium Whiskey Brand Achieves Historic Milestone with Acquisition of a 1669 Property Commissioned by the Lord Mayor of Cognac, Home to 40% of the Most Sought-After Cru in the City of Cognac

In a historic move, Uncle Nearest, the most-awarded Bourbon and American Whiskey company for four consecutive years (2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022), announced its acquisition of Domaine Saint Martin, a prestigious cognac estate with a lineage dating back over 350 years. Nestled along the scenic Charente River in the city of Cognac, this property boasts a rich history that weaves through the centuries, from its origins commissioned by the Lord Mayor of Cognac, Philippe Fé de Ségeville, to its custodianship by renowned cognac-making luminaries like the Martell family.

Encompassing over 100 acres, including riverfront access and a unique island, Domaine Saint Martin is an estate of exceptional significance. It houses substantial cooperage facilities, expansive cellars, and a distillery, making it a true gem in the heart of Cognac. Moreover, it features 50 acres dedicated to Grande Champagne vineyards, a prized component of the Cognac region, which stands as the most sought-after cru.

“The Uncle Nearest brand thrives on its profound story of love, honor, respect, and heritage. Our mission in Cognac echoes this essence,” remarked Fawn Weaver, Uncle Nearest Founder and CEO.

Over the past year, Weaver and her team, which includes key figures in the spirits industry, have immersed themselves in Cognac’s roots, unearthing insights that promise to captivate audiences worldwide.

“Our brand strategy deviates from the ordinary. We will unveil a short film at various film festivals before launching the brand,” teased Weaver, hinting at an exploration of Cognac’s history that exceeds even Uncle Nearest’s meticulous research standards. Similar to “The Story of Nearest Green,” this cinematic portrayal of Cognac’s journey across America, Europe, and Asia will be narrated by award-winning actor Jeffrey Wright, with filming set to begin in the upcoming spring.

Heading this new venture is spirits industry stalwart, Adrian Parker, who takes the role of President. While it is owned by Uncle Nearest, Inc., this venture will not share the same brand name. Parker is joined by seasoned spirits professionals, including Brielle Caruso, Chief Marketing Officer, and Chauncey Hamlett from The Formulation Group, who leads innovation.

“Under Fawn’s guidance and innovative approach, the Uncle Nearest team has created a playbook for independent spirits that has never been seen before,” said Adrian Parker. “In four years, they have grown Nearest Green Distillery to the seventh most visited distillery in the world. 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.”

Parker, Caruso, Hamlett, and the Cognac team are entrusted with building upon Uncle Nearest’s successful blueprint. According to Weaver, the strategic roadmap involved exhaustive historical research as the foundation, collaborating with a globally renowned artist to amplify the story, assembling a top-tier team finely attuned to the discerning Cognac consumer’s desires, and securing a well-known historic property as provenance.

While the full details of this venture will be unveiled in 2024, Weaver has extended an invitation to her vast community on Instagram to join her and the Uncle Nearest team on this exhilarating journey.

Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey pays tribute to the world’s first-known African American master distiller, Nearest Green. It was the pioneer spirits brand to bear the name of a Black American. The brand’s portfolio boasts the Most Awarded Bourbon and American Whiskey titles for the years 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022, amassing over 900 awards and accolades since its launch in 2017. This includes an impressive 581 Gold medals or higher, which includes 97 Best in Class honors and an average critic’s score of 92. Uncle Nearest is currently available in all 50 US states and 26 countries, with a presence in more than 30,000 stores, bars, hotels, and restaurants. Uncle Nearest is also available at its 432-acre Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, Tenn., now the seventh most visited distillery in the world.