British actors Emma Watson and her brother Alex, both known for their roles in the Harry Potter film franchise, are celebrating as their gin brand Renais enters the United States market.
The Watson siblings launched the gin in 2023 in the United Kingdom. The duo recently announced it is now available for purchase for $65 online across 40 states and select California retailers starting in July, according to a Thursday press release.
“Sustainably distilled from upcycled French wine pressed grapes and then tastefully married with all-natural botanicals, Renais is a deliciously exciting new spirit experience that’s inspired by the wine-making traditions and craft produce, people and provenance of Northern France,” the release read. “With an ABV of 40%, Renais is boldly infused with rare botanicals native to the region.”
To celebrate the expansion, Emma unveiled on Instagram to her 74.6 million followers an extended campaign for the brand that she directed and styled.
“I am very proud to share my director’s cut commercial for @renaisspirits to celebrate us heading to the U.S.,” Emma wrote in the Instagram post sharing the campaign. “The U.S. has been my second home since I first went to Brown in Rhode Island, so I am thrilled to be bringing Renais abroad and home again! Making this with friends and family has been one of the most rewarding, creative experiences I’ve ever had so, thank you @alex.s.watson. Bonus! I’ve turned some of my artwork into a limited edition sleeve — available only in the U.S. Thank you to everyone involved, enjoy and please drink responsibly.”
Emma and Alex founded Renais after being inspired by their family’s rich history in winemaking, according to the release. Over three decades ago, their father, Chris Watson, planted the family vineyards in Chablis, France. Chris is an award-winning winemaker and holds the highest title “Pilier” afforded within the wine-making community.
“Embracing decades of experience in the beverage industry, we’ve worked hard to turn Renais into a heartfelt tribute to the spirit of Burgundy,” Alex said in the release. “We’ve meticulously sourced the finest ingredients, embraced sustainable manufacturing practices and infused our family legacy into every detail possible. We couldn’t be more thrilled to introduce a distinctive and innovative gin to the U.S. market, one that welcomes everyone into our family, and launching within California’s long-standing heritage in wine-making feels perfect.”In addition to minimizing waste by using recycled grape skins, including the family’s winery surplus produce, Renais has amplified its commitment to sustainability with a solar-powered distillery and a carbon-neutral product status, according to the release.
