Uncle Nearest, a Black-owned American premium whiskey company, has announced it has purchased a historic property — Domaine Saint Martin — that will be used to make cognac in France.

Located near the Charente River in Cognac, France, the estate spans over 100 acres and includes a significant cooperage, expansive cellars, and a distillery. It also has 50 acres dedicated to Grande Champagne vineyards.

“The Uncle Nearest brand thrives on its profound story of love, honour, respect, and heritage. Our mission in cognac echoes this essence,” Fawn Weaver, Uncle Nearest founder and CEO, said in a statement, adding that the property was purchased by a French subsidiary that Uncle Nearest, Inc. owns. The amount was undisclosed.

As the company plans to expand its offerings from whiskey and bourbon, it sees the city of Cognac as a critical strategic acquisition to help it expand globally in 2024. Weaver said that she and her team spent the last year learning about the region, its history, and cognac’s roots to produce the best product possible.

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To be labelled a cognac, the spirit must be exclusively produced in the Cognac region of France, which comprises six distinct crus. The Grande Champagne Cru stands out as the most sought-after, a statement reads. Home first to the lord mayor of Cognac, Philippe Fé de Ségeville, and subsequently to various cognac-making luminaries, including the Martell family, its four-generation custodian, the property has historical ties.

“Our brand strategy pivots from the norm. We are unveiling a short film first at several film festivals, then launching the brand,” Weaver said in a statement. “Similar to The Story of Nearest Green, this cinematic portrayal of cognac’s ascent across America, Europe, and Asia will be narrated by award-winning actor Jeffrey Wright, with filming commencing this spring.

Spirits industry expert Adrian Parker will serve as president for the new venture. While it will be owned by Uncle Nearest, the company’s cognac brand will not share the same name.

Weaver has also recruited Brielle Caruso, chief marketing officer, and Chauncey Hamlett from The Formulation Group, who heads innovation.

“Under Fawn’s guidance and innovative approach, the Uncle Nearest team has created a playbook for independent spirits that has never before been seen,” Adrian Parker said. “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.”

In December 2022, Uncle Nearest announced it had surpassed $100 million in sales. In March, It opened The Humble Baron, featuring a first-of-its-kind, 19-station, 525-foot-long showpiece bar that wraps around an indoor stage. In May 2023, the company officially expanded its Lynchburg, Tennessee, to more than 745 acres.