Author: Sarah Oslund

Johnson Brothers Expands Relationship with Domain HWH

Johnson Brothers, family-owned and operated since 1953, is excited to announce the expansion of its partnership with Domain HWH through the introduction of The Mascot into four new markets: Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, and West Virginia. These states will join existing partnerships in Minnesota and North Carolina.

The Mascot is a Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon made with fruit sourced from multiple Harlan family-owned properties across Napa Valley, including Harlan Estate, BOND, and Promontory. It initially started as a small project shared among family, friends, and the winemaking team, and the first release was the 2008 vintage in 2013.

The wine’s label, which bears an engraving of a white English bull terrier, was inspired by two sources: the classic tale, The Bar Sinister, which tells the story of a white English bull terrier named Kid (a Harlan family favorite) and an image of a white English bull terrier named Prince that the Farmers Deposit National Bank of Pittsburgh commissioned to illustrate its stock certificates and checks.

“The Mascot began as an experimental project which was blended from our young vines and shared with close family and friends,” said Mollie Maisch, Director of The Mascot. “It was introduced by Will Harlan and inspired by his desire to create a wine we could share a bit more widely with folks who were curious about our unique hillside vineyards. With its approachable character, The Mascot continues to offer a friendly glimpse into the Harlan family Domain. We are excited to deepen our partnership with Johnson Brothers and to share our efforts with new friends across Iowa, North Dakota, South Dakota, and West Virginia!”

Currently offering the 2019 vintage, The Mascot will be managed by Oxford Street Merchants, Johnson Brothers’ luxury organization.

“We are thrilled to expand our partnership with the Harlan family and now represent The Mascot across six states,” said Yale Johnson, Vice President of Johnson Brothers, who leads Oxford Street Merchants. “The Mascot has quickly established itself as an iconic brand in our industry, and we look forward to sharing this world-class wine with more consumers across the country.”

Artisan Beer Company Acquires Distribution Rights to BlackStack Brewing in Minnesota

Artisan Beer Company is excited to announce that it has acquired the distribution rights to the BlackStack Brewing portfolio in the Minnesota market.

BlackStack Brewing is a prestigious St. Paul-based craft brewery founded in 2017 by the late Scott Johnson (no relation) and Shawne Murphy Johnson, their sons, Murphy Johnson and Cooper Johnson, and their daughter, Quinn Johnson.

BlackStack Brewing has gained notoriety for its hop-forward beers, including flagship “Local 755,” lagers, fruited sours, and more. In 2023, with the legalization of THC in Minnesota, the company introduced a new line of hemp-derived THC drinks called “BlackStack Real Trees,” which has quickly gained popularity, and is also part of the Artisan portfolio.

“This is a really special day for us,” said Shawne Murphy Johnson, owner of BlackStack. “When looking for a distribution partner for our products, Artisan was our clear first choice, and we are thrilled to be partnering with them to give more Minnesota consumers a chance to try BlackStack.”

BlackStack’s unique offerings and consistent quality have made them a long-time favorite among beer enthusiasts in Minnesota.

“Artisan Beer Company is proud to partner with another great St. Paul-based, family-owned company to expand our footprint and portfolio in the craft beer industry,” said Todd Johnson, Principal and Co-Owner of Artisan and Johnson Brothers. “We couldn’t be happier to add this extraordinary partner to our portfolio.”

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About Artisan Beer Company

Artisan Beer Company was founded in 2011 and is driven by the mission to provide top-class craft beer to the state of Minnesota. Committed to building strong relationships with independent breweries across the globe, Artisan is driven to curate an unrivaled portfolio. The team’s expertise has led to exclusive partnerships with local and regional breweries as well as importers, ensuring quality, every beer, every sip. Artisan Beer Company is proudly owned by Johnson Brothers Liquor Company. For more info, visit us at artisanbeercompany.com.

Johnson Brothers Expands Relationship with Copper Cane

Johnson Brothers, family-owned and operated since 1953, is pleased to announce that it is expanding distribution of the award-winning Copper Cane Wines & Spirits portfolio into four new markets, Hawaii, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. These states join existing partnerships in Minnesota, Iowa, and West Virginia.

Established in 2014 by fifth-generation Napa Valley vintner Joe Wagner, Copper Cane has taken the wine industry by storm with its rich, innovative wines. Since then, the portfolio and reputations of both Copper Cane and Joe Wagner have only grown, with Joe establishing himself not just as a leading winemaker but also as a wine influencer on TikTok and his podcast, “Go with your palate.” Through these platforms, Joe shares his dynamic personality and content to engage a new generation with the world of wine and what that world can be.

“Copper Cane and Johnson Brothers have already successfully partnered in other markets, and we are very excited to broaden our relationship with them, bringing us to seven markets,” states Joe Wagner, owner and winemaker of Copper Cane Wines & Spirits. “We are both family-owned and operated businesses that share values of passion, integrity, teamwork, excellence, and the commitment of collaboration with our customers to ensure they and consumers can enjoy our excellent brands in their respective markets.”

One of the fastest-growing luxury wine suppliers in the industry, the expanded Copper Cane portfolio will be managed by Oxford Street Merchants, Johnson Brothers’ luxury organization.

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

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