Emma Watson’s gin brand gets UK distributor

Actor Emma Watson’s luxury gin brand Renais has announces its partnership with British distributor Proof Drinks ahead of its US launch with Republic National Distributing Company (RNDC).

Established by the actor with her brother Alex in 2023, the brand is a craft gin from the family’s Domaine Watson vineyard in Chablis and Irancy.

Distilled in the UK, Renais co-founder & CEO Alex Watson created the spirit from the grapes salvaged from the winemaking process, with the addition of pressed grapes from production alongside a number of natural botanicals.

The small batch 40% ABV carbon-neutral gin uses organic Grand Cru grapes, which are handpicked and upcycled from French wine pressing from Domaine Watson in Burgundy along with botanicals including juniper, kimmeridgian stone and angelica root, linden flowers and acacia honey.

Ode to Chablis

Emma Watson, best known as Hermione Granger in the Harry Potter film series, said at the launch of the gin that it was “an ode to the sun-kissed vineyards of Chablis” where her family “has been making wine these past 30 years”.

The brand name Renais is, “derived from the French word for ‘rebirth,’ and is a nod to not only to reusing pressed grapes to create their spirit, but also to creating something modern that’s built on heritage and tradition,” said Alex Watson.

The gin can be bought at a number of on-trade venues such as Soho House, Gaucho, Scarfes Bar at The Rosewood Hotel, and Kwant.

Alex Watson said: “We are extremely excited to be partnering with Proof Drinks. In just under a year, we have established exceptional organic demand for Renais, building our impressive portfolio of accounts from the ground up.

Now, with Proof’s fantastic wealth of experience and established relationships, we look forward to building on our momentum and further accelerating Renais’ growth across London and the UK.”

Exciting chapter

Managing director of Proof Drinks, John Vider said: “Renais Gin joining our portfolio marks an exciting chapter for Proof Drinks, presenting a compelling growth opportunity within the super-premium gin market.

“With the visionary leadership of Emma and Alex Watson, their reach and influence add a unique dynamic that will undoubtedly amplify Renais’ presence here in the UK.

“Alongside the craftsmanship and dedication of the team behind the brand, we are thrilled to grow our gin portfolio to support customers at all levels as the landscape evolves.”