Author: Sarah Kelling

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.

Johnson Brothers today announced the expansion of its partnership with Stoller Wine Group, adding distribution across nine markets effective April 1.

Under the expanded agreement, Johnson Brothers will represent Stoller Wine Group’s full portfolio in Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. The partnership builds on a long-standing relationship in Minnesota, where the two companies first partnered and have continued to grow together.

“Stoller Wine Group has built an exceptional portfolio of brands with strong consumer recognition and momentum,” said Yale Johnson, President of Sales, Johnson Brothers. “We’re proud to expand our partnership across these markets and look forward to continuing to grow the business together through disciplined execution and strong in-market support.”

“As we continue to grow the Stoller Wine Group and integrate Elouan into our family of brands, having the right partners in place matters,” said Gary Mortensen, President, Stoller Wine Group. “Johnson Brothers shares our mindset, and together we’re positioned to outpace the competition.”

Johnson Brothers, a leading family-owned distributor of wine, spirits, and beer, has announced the appointment of James Damico as Chief Financial Officer.

Damico joins Johnson Brothers with more than two decades of finance leadership experience in the global consumer packaged goods industry at Kellogg Company (now part of Mars Snacking), where he held a range of senior roles across supply chain, sales, innovation, financial planning and analysis, treasury, and strategic planning.

Throughout his career, Damico has led finance organizations across complex, multi-market environments in both domestic and international settings. His experience includes serving as Controller for Kellogg Europe, CFO for the UK & Ireland and High-Growth Markets, and most recently as European CFO, where he oversaw financial strategy and performance across diverse global markets.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance from Michigan State University, as well as an MBA and a Master of Science in Finance from Indiana University.

“James brings a depth of financial expertise and a proven ability to lead across complex organizations,” said Mark Hubler, Chief Executive Officer, Johnson Brothers. “He understands how to translate strategy into performance, and that discipline will continue to strengthen how we operate and grow across our markets.”

Damico succeeds Doug Peters, who retired from Johnson Brothers on April 1, following nearly nine years of service as Chief Financial Officer. Peters played a key role in guiding the company through a period of significant growth and transformation.

In his role, Damico will partner closely with Johnson Brothers’ leadership team to support long-term growth, enhance financial discipline, and help drive continued performance across the company’s national footprint.

Johnson Brothers, family-owned and operated since 1953, today announced the expansion of its partnership with Napa Valley’s Cliff Lede Vineyards to Colorado, Nevada, and Texas. The portfolio will be managed by the Johnson Brothers Maverick and Oxford Street Merchants divisions.

Cliff Lede wines have been represented in Arizona for more than 20 years by Maverick Beverage Company, which Johnson Brothers acquired in 2025. The expanded agreement builds on that long-standing relationship and brings the acclaimed Napa Valley portfolio to additional Johnson Brothers markets.

Founded in 2002 and located in Napa Valley’s renowned Stag’s Leap District, Cliff Lede Vineyards is known for producing expressive, site-driven wines that reflect the character of the region. The winery’s portfolio includes acclaimed Cabernet Sauvignon and Bordeaux-style blends recognized by critics and consumers alike.

“Cliff Lede Vineyards has been a valued partner for more than two decades, and we are proud to continue growing our relationship,” said Ryan Schwartz, President of Luxury, Johnson Brothers. “Their commitment to quality and their strong reputation within Napa Valley make them an outstanding addition to our portfolio in these additional markets.”

“We’re excited to continue working with Johnson Brothers Maverick to introduce our wines to more consumers across Colorado, Texas, and Nevada,” says Jason Lede, Chief Operating Officer & General Manager of Cliff Lede Vineyards. “Our wines have a strong following in these states, and we look forward to building upon our successful partnership.”

Johnson Brothers, a leading family-owned distributor of wine, spirits, and beer, today announced a new partnership with Winebow, adding the company’s full global portfolio in Arizona and Texas. The portfolio will be managed by our Johnson Brothers Maverick selling division.

Winebow is a leading importer of fine wine and spirits, originally rooted in Italy and now spanning premier wine regions across Europe, South America, Australia, and beyond. Founded in 1980 with a vision to bring high-quality Italian wines to the U.S., the company has grown into a national leader through decades of expansion, strategic acquisitions, and a continued focus on fine wine and spirits. The collection today includes a diverse range of acclaimed producers, offering both heritage and innovation across primarily wine, with select spirits.

“We are excited to partner with Johnson Brothers to expand our presence in Arizona and Texas,” said Ian Downey, Executive Vice President, National Sales and Marketing, Winebow. “Their strong market capabilities, commitment to execution, and investment in dedicated sales resources make them an ideal partner to represent our portfolio. We are confident in their ability to build our brands and deliver meaningful growth in these markets.”

To support the addition of Winebow across Arizona and Texas, Johnson Brothers is expanding its sales teams and investing in dedicated resources to deliver disciplined, high-level execution from day one.

“This is a prestigious, globally recognized portfolio that represents some of the finest vineyards in the world,” said Ryan Schwartz, President of Luxury, Johnson Brothers. “It aligns seamlessly with our luxury strategy, and our team is built for this—bringing focus, discipline, and the right resources to deliver results for Winebow and our customers.”

Johnson Brothers announced today that its luxury selling division, Oxford Street Merchants, is expanding its partnership with Kobrand Fine Wine & Spirits into Hawaii, further strengthening a relationship that already spans Virginia and West Virginia.

The expansion brings Kobrand’s portfolio of globally recognized wine, spirit, and sake producers to the Hawaii market, supported by Oxford Street Merchants’ dedicated luxury sales and execution model.

“Kobrand represents one of the most complete and renowned portfolios in the wine industry,” said Yale Johnson, President of Sales, Johnson Brothers. “Expanding our collaboration is a testament to what our teams have built with Oxford Street Merchants. Our focus on excellence in execution, accountability, and long-term sustainable growth continues to resonate with leading suppliers, and we are proud to expand this partnership into Hawaii.”

Kobrand’s portfolio includes a range of iconic producers, such as Cakebread Cellars, Maison Louis Jadot, Champagne Taittinger, The Fladgate Partnership, San Guido, St. Francis, AIX, Craggy Range, Domaine Carneros, Michele Chiarlo, Joto Sake, and many more globally recognized producers. These brands reflect the heritage, quality, and consistency that define the luxury wine category and align closely with Oxford Street Merchants’ premium-focused strategy.

“Johnson Brothers and Oxford Street Merchants have demonstrated a strong ability to build and elevate luxury wine brands in competitive markets,” said Marcelo Aguero, President and CEO of Kobrand Fine Wines & Spirits. “Their disciplined approach to execution and brand stewardship made them the right partner as we expand into Hawaii, and we’re confident in their ability to represent our portfolio at the highest level across this important luxury marketplace.”

Johnson Brothers, a family-owned distributor of wine, spirits, and beer, today announced the expansion of its partnership with Pernod Ricard USA, the world’s second-largest supplier.

Through this expanded agreement, Johnson Brothers will assume distribution of the full Pernod Ricard portfolio in Indiana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota – representing a meaningful step forward in key markets. This builds on an existing relationship, as Johnson Brothers currently represents Pernod Ricard’s GEM portfolio across Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas, Virginia, and West Virginia.

The new agreement significantly deepens the partnership between the two companies and reflects commitment to growth, disciplined execution, and accountability in delivering results for supplier partners.

“Pernod Ricard represents one of the most respected and comprehensive portfolios in the industry,” said Mark Hubler, Chief Executive Officer, Johnson Brothers. “We’re proud to expand our partnership and bring their full portfolio to these additional markets.”

“Johnson Brothers has been a trusted partner for our business, particularly in markets where they already distribute our GEM portfolio,” said Conor McQuaid, Chief Executive Officer, Pernod Ricard USA. “We’re excited to continue and deepen that partnership in these key states, where their strong local capabilities and alignment with our portfolio position us well for consistent execution and growth.” 

Johnson Brothers, family-owned and operated since 1953, is pleased to announce the expansion of its partnership with Copper Cane Wines & Spirits into Indiana. The state joins Johnson Brothers’ existing Copper Cane markets in Hawaii, Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, Rhode Island, South Dakota, and West Virginia.

Founded in 2014 by fifth-generation Napa Valley vintner Joe Wagner, Copper Cane has quickly become one of the most recognizable names in modern American wine. Known for its bold, expressive wines, the portfolio includes standout brands such as Belle Glos, Böen, Quilt, and Threadcount.

Since its founding, both the Copper Cane portfolio and Wagner’s reputation as a winemaker have continued to grow. In addition to crafting acclaimed wines, Wagner has built a strong digital following through his podcast, Go With Your Palate, and social platforms, where he brings an approachable and engaging voice to the world of wine for a new generation of consumers.

“At Copper Cane, we partner with distributors who share our passion for craftsmanship, storytelling, and bringing exceptional wines to consumers,” said Joe Wagner, Founder and Winemaker of Copper Cane Wines & Spirits. “Johnson Brothers has been an outstanding partner across several markets, and we’re excited to expand our collaboration into Indiana as we continue growing these brands together.”

One of the fastest-growing luxury wine suppliers in the industry, the Copper Cane portfolio will be managed by Johnson Brothers’ luxury wine division, Oxford Street Merchants, whose dedicated teams focus on premium wine execution and supplier partnership across key markets.

“We are delighted to expand our successful partnership with Copper Cane,” said Yale Johnson, President of Sales, Johnson Brothers & Oxford Street Merchants. “The portfolio features some of the most dynamic and fastest-growing brands in the luxury wine space today, and we are confident our relentless commitment to executional excellence will drive lasting results.”

Johnson Brothers announced today the expansion of its longstanding partnership with Maisons Marques & Domaines, the U.S. subsidiary of Champagne Louis Roederer, into the state of Colorado through its Johnson Brothers Maverick team.

With the addition of Colorado, Johnson Brothers now represents the Maisons Marques & Domaines portfolio across eight states, including Indiana, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

“Colorado is a key market for our portfolio, and Johnson Brothers Maverick is the right partner to develop it,” said Frédéric Bernabeu, Vice President of Sales, Maisons Marques & Domaines. “Their expertise, established relationships, and commitment to the fine wine segment make them well-suited to represent our brands in the region.”

The expansion reflects a shared commitment to disciplined market development and long-term brand building. Through continued investment in the fine wine category, Johnson Brothers provides dedicated luxury sales expertise and focused execution designed to elevate premium portfolios in competitive markets.

“We are proud to continue expanding our strategic partnership with Maisons Marques & Domaines,” said Yale Johnson, President of Sales, Johnson Brothers. “Our focus remains consistent: excellence in execution, meaningful supplier collaboration, and delivering long-term value for the brands and customers we serve. This is truly a world class luxury portfolio and our shared commitment to relentless execution will yield tremendous results.”