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Johnson Brothers, a leading wine, beer, and spirits distributor, today announced the expansion of its partnership with Silver Oak Cellars, one of the most iconic names in American fine wine. Johnson Brothers will represent Silver Oak in eight additional markets—Minnesota, Iowa, Hawaii, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and West Virginia—through Oxford Street Merchants, its dedicated luxury wine division. This expansion builds on Johnson Brothers’ successful relationship with Silver Oak in North Carolina and brings the partnership to a total of nine markets nationwide.

“Silver Oak Cellars represents the very best in luxury wine and shares our commitment to quality, integrity, and partnership,” said Yale Johnson, President of Sales, Johnson Brothers. “We are honored to deepen our relationship and introduce Silver Oak to more customers through Oxford Street Merchants, our dedicated luxury division.”

Founded in 1972, Silver Oak is renowned for its focus on crafting exceptional Cabernet Sauvignon and has earned global recognition as a leader in the fine wine category. As a family-owned winery with deep roots in sustainability and craftsmanship, Silver Oak’s values align closely with Johnson Brothers’ mission to build enduring partnerships and deliver exceptional brands to customers.

“Our partnership with Johnson Brothers is founded on shared values and a long-term vision, said David Duncan, Proprietor & Executive Chairman, Silver Oak Cellars. “Together, we are committed to driving sustainable growth by investing in our brands with intention, care, and conviction. Johnson Brothers leads with integrity and embodies the principles of building enduring brands that earn the trust of both consumers and trade partners.”

Since the launch of Oxford Street Merchants, Johnson Brothers has focused on building the strongest luxury wine portfolio in the industry, representing family-owned wineries and iconic brands that resonate with discerning consumers. The addition of Silver Oak across these markets reinforces the company’s long-term investment in the fine wine category and its dedication to serving the next generation of luxury wine enthusiasts.

Johnson Brothers, a leading wine, beer, and spirits distributor, today announced the expansion of its partnership with St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery, 100% estate-grown Napa Valley winery. Johnson Brothers will now represent St. Supéry in six additional markets—Hawaii, Minnesota, Nevada, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin—through Oxford Street Merchants, its dedicated luxury wine division. This expansion builds on the company’s existing relationship in Iowa, Nebraska, North Carolina, and West Virginia, bringing the total to ten markets nationwide.

“St. Supéry exemplifies what we look for in a long-term partner—exceptional quality, estate integrity, and a vision for growth,” said Yale Johnson, President of Sales, Johnson Brothers. “We’re honored to expand our representation of the brand and bring their remarkable wines to more customers through Oxford Street Merchants, our dedicated luxury division.”

Founded in 1982 and acquired by CHANEL, Inc. in 2015, St. Supéry is one of the few 100% estate-grown producers in Napa Valley. With over 576 acres of sustainably farmed vineyards at its Dollarhide Estate and two Rutherford Estates, the winery is renowned for Sauvignon Blanc, Cabernet Sauvignon, and elegant Bordeaux varietals. As a Certified Napa Green Winery and Vineyard, and a Silver Member of International Wineries for Climate Action, St. Supéry is a leader in environmental stewardship and sustainability in the wine industry.

“We’re excited to expand our partnership with Johnson Brothers into these additional markets,” said Stephen Bei, Vice President, National Sales, St. Supéry Estate Vineyards & Winery. “Their strategic, market-by-market approach and commitment to luxury wine make them a valued partner as we continue growing our presence and sharing the St. Supéry story with more trade and consumers across the country.”

The addition of St. Supéry across these six new states underscores Johnson Brothers’ continued investment in the fine wine category and its commitment to representing family-owned, sustainably focused producers that resonate with today’s discerning consumers.

Johnson Brothers is pleased to announce the promotion of Jason Lemansky to General Manager of its Rhode Island operations. With nearly 30 years of beverage alcohol industry experience, Lemansky assumes this role following the retirement of Harold McGovern.

Lemansky brings deep market knowledge, proven leadership, and a strong track record of commercial success to the role. He began his career with Johnson Brothers of Florida in 1995 as a Sales Consultant and District Manager before joining Gallo. He returned to Johnson Brothers in 1999 and has since held a series of progressive leadership roles, including Area Manager, Sales Manager, General Sales Manager, and Vice President. He also served as General Manager for Johnson Brothers of North Carolina prior to the company’s acquisition of Mutual Distributing in 2018.

During his tenure, Lemansky has consistently delivered strong commercial results while deepening supplier partnerships and cultivating high-performing, results-driven teams. He also played a pivotal role in the acquisition and integration of four North Carolina-based Gallo wholesalers—efforts that significantly enhanced Johnson Brothers’ footprint and capabilities in a key strategic market.

“Jason is a strategic leader with a deep understanding of our business and a commitment to excellence in execution,” said George Marsden, Chief Commercial Officer, Johnson Brothers. “His leadership will be instrumental as we continue to grow and evolve in Rhode Island.”

Johnson Brothers is pleased to announce the expansion of its partnership with Brown-Forman, becoming the exclusive distributor for their premium portfolio in six key states: Indiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Texas.

This partnership enhances Johnson Brothers’ position as a leading distributor in the U.S., bringing iconic brands like Jack Daniel’s, Woodford Reserve, and Old Forester to an even broader consumer base. The new agreement is a significant milestone in Johnson Brothers’ continued growth and commitment to delivering high-quality products to consumers.

“We are excited to deepen our partnership with Brown-Forman,” said Yale Johnson, President of Sales, Johnson Brothers. “Their portfolio of premium brands aligns with our mission to deliver exceptional products and service across key markets, and we look forward to driving continued growth together.”

Johnson Brothers, a leading wine, beer, and spirits distributor, is pleased to announce the promotion of Matt Galligan to General Manager of North Carolina.

Galligan most recently served as General Manager for Johnson Brothers of Iowa. Under his leadership, the Iowa market saw strengthened supplier and customer partnerships, enhanced operational execution, and a strong culture of collaboration and accountability.

“Matt’s leadership in Iowa has been exceptional,” said George Marsden, Chief Commercial Officer of Johnson Brothers. “His ability to lead high-performing teams, drive results, and build strong relationships has had a lasting impact. We’re excited to have him bring that same energy and vision to our North Carolina business.”

Since joining Johnson Brothers in 2015, Galligan has held several key leadership roles, including Sales Manager, Brand Manager, and Chain Manager. Prior to Johnson Brothers, he gained valuable experience in retail management with Target and Total Wine & More.

Galligan will continue to support the Iowa market during a transition period until a successor is named.

Johnson Brothers today announced its entry into the Texas market through the signing of a purchase agreement to acquire the Texas, Arizona, Colorado, and Florida operations of Maverick Beverage Company, a leading distributor of fine wine and spirits.

As part of the acquisition, approximately 400 Maverick team members will join the Johnson Brothers family, where the companies’ aligned values of executional excellence and business-friendly practices will continue to drive growth with new and exciting opportunities.

“Like Johnson Brothers, Maverick has a phenomenal reputation for building premium portfolios with execution and accountability,” said Michael Johnson, Chairman of Johnson Brothers. “We are excited to welcome their talented team and begin serving the great suppliers they work with today. The Maverick acquisition is a priority for our long-term growth, and we look forward to building on their outstanding success.”

“This partnership marks an exciting chapter for Maverick and the suppliers we are proud to represent,” said Ryan Schwartz, CEO of Maverick Beverage Company. “Johnson Brothers shares our values and our commitment to doing what is right for the suppliers and customers we serve. We are confident this transition will benefit our team, our partners, and the continued momentum we have built.”

Maverick’s Minnesota and Illinois operations are not included in the transaction.

Johnson Brothers is proud to announce its recognition by Newsweek as one of the 2025 Most Trustworthy Companies in America—marking an exceptional three consecutive years on this prestigious list.

This recognition, based on a nationwide survey of 25,000 U.S. residents and analysis of over 300,000 online mentions, reflects the confidence our customers, partners, and team members place in us every day. Johnson Brothers was once again the only wine, beer, and spirits distributor recognized among 50 winners in the food and beverage category, standing alongside global household names such as Gallo, PepsiCo, Campbell’s, Coca-Cola, Molson Coors, and Boston Beer.

“This continued recognition is a reflection of our unwavering commitment to doing business the right way,” said Mark Hubler, CEO of Johnson Brothers. “Trust has been at the core of our family-owned company since 1953—trust in our people, our partners, and the promise we make every day to deliver exceptional service.”

As a family-led organization operating in 17 states, Johnson Brothers has built a reputation for exceptional execution, long-standing supplier relationships, and a culture of integrity that differentiates it from others in the wholesale distribution space.

View the full list of Newsweek’s 2025 Most Trustworthy Companies in America here.

Johnson Brothers is pleased to announce the appointment of Nate Schmitt as Vice President of National Accounts and Category Management.

Schmitt brings over two decades of commercial experience in the beverage alcohol industry, with a strong record of leading national account teams, driving sustainable sales growth, and fostering retail partnerships. He joins Johnson Brothers from the Kirin-owned New Belgium Brewing, the world’s largest craft brewer, where he most recently served as Vice President of Sales, National Accounts—On- and Off-Premise. In this role, he led high-performing teams, oversaw multimillion-dollar trade investments, and expanded retail presence across key channels.

Before New Belgium, Schmitt spent more than a decade at Diageo North America in roles of increasing responsibility, ultimately serving as National Accounts Sales Director. His early career in Category Management provided a deep expertise in shopper insights, data analytics, and market strategy—critical skills that have informed his success in aligning supplier objectives with customer growth.

“Nate brings a high level of commercial acumen and national account expertise that will strengthen our customer partnerships and enhance our capabilities,” said George Marsden, Chief Commercial Officer at Johnson Brothers. “His leadership will be instrumental as we continue to evolve our category approach and deliver long-term value to our supplier and retail partners.”