Media Release

Johnson Brothers, a leading wine, beer, and spirits distributor, today announced the appointment of Russell Motz as General Manager for Johnson Brothers Maverick of Texas. In this role, Motz will lead the Texas market, overseeing commercial execution and operations while driving growth and strengthening customer and supplier partnerships across the state.

Motz most recently served as General Manager of the Brown-Forman Division for Johnson Brothers Maverick of Texas, where he played an instrumental role in launching and building the Brown-Forman business following Johnson Brothers’ expanded partnership with the supplier in the Texas market in 2025. Under his leadership, the team established a strong foundation for the portfolio, strengthened the Brown-Forman partnership, and positioned the business for continued growth.

“Russell has made an immediate impact on our Texas business through his leadership, industry expertise, and ability to develop strong teams and relationships,” said Michael Johnson, Chairman, Johnson Brothers. “Texas is an important growth market for Johnson Brothers, and Russell’s experience and collaborative approach will help us build on the momentum we’ve established and position our business for long-term success.”

Motz brings extensive leadership experience across both distributor and supplier organizations. He began his career as a Sales Representative with Block Distributing Company in San Antonio and went on to spend many years with RNDC, ultimately serving as Corporate Executive Vice President of Business Development. He later held executive leadership roles as Senior Vice President of Sales for Ste. Michelle Wine Estates and Chief Revenue Officer at Mexcor International.

Johnson Brothers, a leading family-owned distributor of wine, spirits, and beer, today announced the expansion of its partnership with William Grant & Sons, bringing the company’s award-winning portfolio of premium spirits to Indiana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

William Grant & Sons is one of the world’s most respected premium spirits companies, with a portfolio that includes globally recognized brands such as Glenfiddich, The Balvenie, Hendrick’s Gin, Monkey Shoulder, Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Whiskey, Milagro Tequila, and Sailor Jerry Spiced Rum. The family-owned company has remained independent since its founding in 1887 and is recognized throughout the industry for its commitment to innovation, craftsmanship, and long-term brand building.

“This expanded partnership reflects the strength of our relationship with William Grant & Sons and our shared commitment to building superior brands for long-term success,” said Yale Johnson, President of Sales, Johnson Brothers. “Their portfolio features some of the most iconic and sought-after spirits in the world, and we are excited to bring our sales expertise, market knowledge, and executional excellence to support continued growth across these markets.”

The addition of William Grant & Sons further strengthens Johnson Brothers’ luxury spirits portfolio, creating new opportunities for retailers and consumers. Industry-leading brands including Glenfiddich and The Balvenie continue to define the luxury single malt Scotch whisky category, while Hendrick’s Gin remains one of the world’s leading gin brands. Together, these brands provide customers with a portfolio well positioned to meet continued consumer demand for premium and super-premium spirits.

“Johnson Brothers has consistently demonstrated the market expertise, customer relationships, and executional excellence needed to grow premium and luxury spirits brands,” said Melanie Batchelor, President, William Grant & Sons USA. “As we expand our partnership across these markets, we are confident in Johnson Brothers’ ability to represent our portfolio and continue building brands the right way—for customers, consumers, and future generations.”

Johnson Brothers, a leading family-owned distributor of wine, spirits, and beer, today announced a new partnership with Edrington, strengthening its luxury spirits portfolio across Indiana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota with some of the world’s most renowned premium spirits brands.

The partnership brings globally recognized brands, including The Macallan, Highland Park, and The Glenrothes, to Johnson Brothers’ portfolio, reinforcing the company’s position in the premium and ultra-premium spirits category.

“Edrington has built an extraordinary portfolio defined by craftsmanship, heritage, and enduring consumer appeal,” said Yale Johnson, President of Sales, Johnson Brothers. “We are proud to partner with a company that shares our long-term approach to building brands, investing in relationships, and delivering exceptional execution in the marketplace. As consumer demand for premium and ultra-premium spirits continues to grow, this partnership further strengthens our luxury portfolio and reflects our commitment to delivering best-in-class execution for world-class suppliers.”

An independent company founded in Scotland in 1861, Edrington has established itself as one of the world’s leading ultra-premium spirits businesses, crafting some of the industry’s most respected brands. The company is also distinguished by its unique ownership structure, with its principal shareholder, The Robertson Trust, Scotland’s largest private grant-making trust.

The new partnership reflects both companies’ shared commitment to premiumization and positions them to meet growing consumer demand for authentic spirits brands of the highest quality.  

“Strong distributor partnerships are essential for building sustainable growth,” said Juan Campos, Edrington Americas’ Senior Vice President, Commercial for USA & Canada. “Johnson Brothers brings the market expertise, customer focus and local insight needed to further grow our ultra-premium portfolio, including The Macallan, the world’s number one Single Malt Scotch Whisky by value. We are excited about the opportunities ahead and the value we can create together.”

Johnson Brothers, a leading family-owned distributor of wine, spirits, and beer, today announced the expansion of its partnership with Bogle Family Wine Collection into Indiana, Nebraska, and South Dakota, further strengthening a relationship built on shared principles and a mutual commitment to bringing exceptional wines to more consumers.

Effective August 1, the expansion builds upon an already successful partnership across Iowa, Minnesota, Nevada, North Dakota, and Virginia, where Bogle Family Wine Collection has consistently delivered strong results and gained market share through Johnson Brothers’ commitment to execution and the portfolio’s broad consumer appeal.

Founded in 1968 and still owned and operated by the Bogle family, Bogle Family Wine Collection has earned a reputation for producing exceptional wines that overdeliver on value. Today, siblings Warren Bogle, Jody Bogle, and Ryan Bogle continue the family’s legacy, combining generations of farming expertise with innovative winemaking practices and a state-of-the-art production facility designed to support sustainable growth and operational excellence.

“One of the things we appreciate most about Bogle is their commitment to the same long-term principles that have guided Johnson Brothers for generations,” said George Marsden, Chief Commercial Officer, Johnson Brothers. “The Bogle family has built an exceptional company defined by integrity, stewardship, and a relentless work ethic. Their portfolio continues to resonate with consumers and outperform within the wine category, and we are excited to expand our partnership and bring their outstanding wines to more customers across our network.”

Bogle Family Wine Collection’s portfolio has demonstrated consistent growth across Johnson Brothers markets, driven by strong consumer demand, trusted quality, and outstanding performance across both retail and on-premise channels.

“We are proud to deepen our partnership with Johnson Brothers, a company that shares our values and understands the importance of building relationships,” said Warren Bogle, President, Bogle Family Wine Collection. “Their commitment to our brands has driven success in our existing markets across the country, and we’re excited to build on that momentum. Together, we look forward to introducing even more consumers to the quality, craftsmanship, and family values that define Bogle Family Wine Collection.”

Johnson Brothers, a leading family-owned distributor of wine, spirits, and beer, today announced a new partnership with Sovereign Brands across Indiana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. 

Founded in 1999, Sovereign Brands is a family-owned company that has built a reputation for developing distinctive, culture-driven wine and spirits brands with enduring consumer appeal and global recognition. Their portfolio includes Luc Belaire sparkling wine; Bumbu, the world’s #1 selling super premium rum brand*; 
The Deacon Scotch whisky; McQueen and the Violet Fog Brazilian gin, and Villon, a French spiced liqueur. 

“Adding Sovereign Brands to our portfolio represents an exciting opportunity to continue building momentum in premium wine and spirits,” said Yale Johnson, President of Sales, Johnson Brothers. “These brands have developed strong consumer followings and complement our existing portfolio exceptionally well. We look forward to growing the business together across Indiana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.” 

“Johnson Brothers has an impressive track record of growing premium brands and creating value in the markets they serve, making them an ideal partner for us,” said Brian Berish, Chief Operating Officer, Sovereign Brands. “We’re excited to work alongside their team to unlock more opportunity for us across pivotal markets.” 

Johnson Brothers today announced the expansion of its partnership with Round Pond Estate into additional markets across the country, further strengthening the winery’s national reach and continued growth momentum.

Johnson Brothers currently represents Round Pond Estate in Iowa and Minnesota, with the expanded agreement now including Arizona, Colorado, Florida, Indiana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, and Texas.

The partnership includes the acclaimed Round Pond Estate portfolio, along with Kith & Kin, the winery’s approachable Cabernet Sauvignon and Chardonnay recognized for their quality and everyday appeal.

“We are excited to continue growing our partnership with Round Pond Estate and expanding these exceptional brands across additional Johnson Brothers markets,” said Ryan Schwartz, President of Luxury, Johnson Brothers. “Round Pond and Kith & Kin continue to resonate with consumers, and we look forward to building on the strong momentum behind both portfolios.”

Founded by the MacDonnell family, Round Pond Estate is recognized for its estate-grown wines and dedication to sustainable farming and premium winemaking in the heart of Rutherford, Napa Valley. Kith & Kin has quickly become a standout brand for consumers seeking approachable luxury and everyday Napa Valley enjoyment.

“We are thrilled to begin this new chapter with Johnson Brothers and Johnson Brothers/Maverick,” said Miles MacDonnell, Second-Generation Owner, Round Pond Estate. “As a family-owned winery, it was important to find a like-minded distributor whose goals and values aligned with ours. In the Johnson Brothers family, we found a partner who understands the importance of building and evolving a multi-generational business while maintaining our original tenets of quality and sustainability. Their stellar reputation for high-touch service and deep market expertise makes them the ideal partner to champion our wines and drive our growth nationwide.” 

This expansion reflects Johnson Brothers’ continued focus on building premium wine partnerships and delivering strong execution for suppliers across its national network.

Johnson Brothers, a leading family-owned distributor of wine, spirits, and beer, today announced an expansion of its partnership with Jackson Family Wines, one of the most respected family-owned wine companies in the world. Effective June 1, Johnson Brothers will represent the full Jackson Family Wines portfolio in Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota, building on its existing partnerships in Minnesota, Virginia, and West Virginia.

This expansion marks a significant step forward in the relationship between the two organizations and reflects a shared commitment to long-term growth, disciplined execution, and delivering exceptional results in the marketplace.

Jackson Family Wines’ portfolio includes iconic American wineries such as Kendall-Jackson, La Crema, Cambria, Freemark Abbey, Matanzas Creek, and Penner-Ash, alongside acclaimed international estates, including Tenuta di Arceno in Italy and Giant Steps in Australia. With a longstanding reputation for quality, innovation, and intentional brand building, the company has established itself as a leader across multiple wine categories and consumer segments.

“Jackson Family Wines represents the very best of family ownership, with an unwavering focus on quality, long-term brand building, and doing things the right way,” said Yale Johnson, President of Sales, Johnson Brothers. “The strength and diversity of their portfolio, combined with their disciplined approach to growing brands, makes them an exceptional partner. We’re proud to expand our relationship and look forward to building on our shared momentum across these markets.”

The addition of the full portfolio in these states further strengthens Johnson Brothers’ premium wine offering and reinforces the company’s continued focus on partnering with like-minded suppliers who value performance, accountability, and strong customer relationships.

“Johnson Brothers has been a strong partner, and we’re pleased to expand our relationship into Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota,” said J.J. McCabe, Senior Vice President of U.S. Sales, Jackson Family Wines. “They have a solid track record of building brands thoughtfully and investing in long-term growth, and we look forward to continuing that work together in these markets.”

Johnson Brothers today announced an expanded partnership with J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, one of California’s most respected and enduring family-owned wineries. Effective June 1, Johnson Brothers will represent the J. Lohr portfolio across Indiana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota, joining existing collaborations in North Carolina and West Virginia.

This addition marks a meaningful milestone for Johnson Brothers as the company continues to strengthen and elevate its wine portfolio with highly regarded, consumer-relevant brands. The partnership reflects a shared commitment to quality, long-term growth, and disciplined execution in the marketplace.

“J. Lohr is a benchmark producer with a strong track record of building brands through consistency, quality, and a deep understanding of the consumer. We see a tremendous opportunity to build on that foundation across these markets,” said Mark Hubler, CEO, Johnson Brothers. “Our teams are aligned around delivering disciplined execution, investing behind the portfolio from day one, and creating meaningful, long-term growth together.”

Founded in the early 1970s, J. Lohr has built a reputation for producing consistently exceptional wines from sustainably farmed estate vineyards in Paso Robles, Monterey County, and Napa Valley, California. Known for its craftsmanship, innovation, and strong national presence, the winery brings a dynamic and proven portfolio that complements Johnson Brothers’ focus on delivering premium offerings to customers.

“We are very happy to expand our relationship with Johnson Brothers by joining them in the Midwest,” said Steve Lohr, President & CEO, J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines. “Johnson Brothers has the same family values, work ethic, and integrity that we prize when we seek enduring distributor relationships. Our father, Founder Jerry Lohr, grew up in South Dakota, so we understand and appreciate their Midwest heritage.”

Johnson Brothers, a leading family-owned distributor of wine, spirits, and beer, today announced an expansion of its partnership with Brown-Forman through the Johnson Brothers Collective. Effective June 1, Brown-Forman will join Johnson Brothers Collective across eight control states: Idaho, Iowa, Montana, North Carolina, Oregon, Utah, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

This expansion builds on the strong foundation between the two organizations and reflects a shared commitment to delivering best-in-class execution in control markets, where coordination, partnership, and local expertise are critical to success.

“Brown-Forman is an exceptional partner, and this expansion reflects the strength of our relationship and the results we’re delivering together,” said Mark Hubler, CEO, Johnson Brothers. “The Johnson Brothers Collective is purpose-built for control states, and we’re proud to bring a model that prioritizes accountability, execution, and strong collaboration with state agencies.”

The Johnson Brothers Collective is a stand-alone brokerage model purpose-built for control states, delivering strong early results and positive feedback from supplier partners and state liquor control boards since launching in 2025. The model continues to gain momentum as Johnson Brothers builds toward a best-in-class platform for control-state execution.

“Brown-Forman is extremely pleased to further deepen our relationship with Johnson Brothers,” said Robinson Brown IV, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, USA & Canada, Brown-Forman. “By leveraging their commercial execution and local expertise, we are confident we will drive growth and connect even more consumers with our iconic brands. We have seen great success with our expanded partnership this year, and we are excited to continue building on this momentum in the years ahead.”

The addition of Brown-Forman further strengthens the Johnson Brothers Collective’s growing portfolio and underscores the value of a disciplined, execution-driven approach in these highly regulated environments.